STP oil filters are sold by part number, and you need your vehicle's year, make, and model to find the correct one
STP makes oil filters for most common vehicles, but there is no single "STP oil filter" — the company produces dozens of different filters, each designed to fit a specific engine. Buying the wrong part number means the filter will not seal properly or may not fit at all, which defeats the purpose of changing it. The fastest way to find your filter is to use STP's online catalog tool with your vehicle information, or to bring your vehicle's year, make, model, and engine size to an auto parts store and ask a staff member to look it up.
STP filters are widely available at chain auto parts stores, online retailers, and some general retailers. Prices vary depending on the filter type and where you buy, but STP filters are generally in the mid-range for cost — not the cheapest option, but not premium-priced either. Once you have the correct part number, you can compare prices across stores before you buy.
Key Takeaways
- STP oil filters are identified by part number, and you must know your vehicle's year, make, model, and engine size to find the right one.
- STP's website has a filter finder tool where you enter your vehicle information and it returns the correct part number for your engine.
- Auto parts store staff can look up your filter by vehicle information if you do not want to search online yourself.
- The part number tells you the filter's size, thread type, and flow capacity, so two filters with different numbers will not work the same way in your engine.
How to use STP's online filter finder
Go to the STP website and look for their filter finder or catalog tool — the exact name and location change occasionally, but it is usually in the "Products" or "Find a Product" section. You will be asked to enter your vehicle's year, make, and model. Some tools also ask for engine size or trim level if multiple engines were available that year.
Once you submit your information, the tool returns one or more part numbers. If your vehicle has only one engine option, you will see one filter. If your vehicle came with multiple engine sizes, you may see two or three options — make sure you pick the one that matches your engine. Your owner's manual or the sticker inside your driver's door jamb lists your engine size. The tool also usually shows you a photo of the filter and basic specs like the thread size and micron rating.
Write down the part number before you leave the website. This number is what you will search for when you shop, and it is the only way to may provide you are buying the right filter.
What the part number tells you
An STP part number like S3614 or S7010 is not random — it encodes information about the filter's physical size, the thread type that screws it onto your engine, and how much dirt it can trap. Two filters with different part numbers will have different dimensions or flow rates, which means they are not interchangeable even if they look similar.
The thread size is especially important. Most modern vehicles use a 3/4-inch thread, but some use 13/16-inch or other sizes. If you install a filter with the wrong thread size, it will either not screw on at all or will leak oil because it does not seal. The part number tells you which thread type you have, so as long as you use the correct number, you will not have this problem.
STP also makes filters in different efficiency levels — standard filters, high-efficiency filters, and synthetic-compatible filters. The part number tells you which type you are getting. If your vehicle's manual specifies a certain type, stick to that type. If your manual just says "oil filter," any STP filter with the correct part number will work.
Where to buy STP oil filters
Chain auto parts stores like AutoZone, O'Reilly Auto Parts, NAPA, and Advance Auto Parts all stock STP filters. You can walk in with your part number or vehicle information and a staff member will pull the filter from the shelf. Many of these stores also offer installation services for a fee if you do not want to change the filter yourself.
Online retailers including Amazon, Walmart, and the auto parts store websites themselves sell STP filters and ship them to your home or to a local store for pickup. Online prices are sometimes lower than in-store prices, but you will need to wait for shipping unless you choose in-store pickup. Some retailers offer free shipping on orders over a certain amount, so if you are buying other maintenance items at the same time, online may be cheaper overall.
Walmart and some Target locations carry STP filters in their automotive sections, though the selection is usually smaller than at dedicated auto parts stores. If you need the filter when ready and do not have time to order online, a local auto parts store is your fastest option.
Comparing STP filter types and prices
STP makes several filter lines at different price points. Standard STP filters are the most affordable and work well for routine oil changes. STP High Mileage filters are designed for vehicles with over 75,000 miles and contain additives meant to reduce leaks in older engines. STP Synthetic filters are compatible with synthetic and synthetic-blend oils and are built to last longer between changes.
Your vehicle's owner's manual specifies which oil type your engine needs — conventional, synthetic, or either one. If your manual says conventional oil only, use a standard STP filter. If it says synthetic or either type, you can choose any STP filter designed for that oil. Synthetic filters cost more upfront but last longer, so the cost per mile may be lower over time.
Prices for STP filters typically range from around $5 to $15 depending on the filter type and where you buy. A standard filter is usually on the lower end, while a synthetic or high-mileage filter costs more. Comparing prices across two or three retailers before you buy can save you a few dollars, especially if you are buying multiple filters or combining your order with other items.
What to do if you cannot find your part number
If STP's website tool does not return a result for your vehicle, or if you are unsure whether you entered your information correctly, take your vehicle to an auto parts store and ask a staff member to look up the filter. Bring your vehicle keys so they can check the door jamb sticker if needed. This service is free and takes only a few minutes.
If your vehicle is very old, very new, or unusual, STP may not make a filter for it. In that case, the auto parts store staff can recommend another brand that does fit your engine. Do not guess or buy a filter that is close to the right size — an incorrect filter creates a leak risk and can damage your engine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use any STP filter in my vehicle?
No. You must use the part number that matches your vehicle's year, make, model, and engine size. Using the wrong part number can cause leaks or prevent the filter from fitting. Always verify the part number before you buy.
What is the difference between STP standard and synthetic filters?
Synthetic filters use a different material that lasts longer and filters smaller particles. They cost more but can go longer between changes. Use whichever type your owner's manual recommends for your oil type.
Where can I find my vehicle's engine size?
Check your owner's manual or look at the sticker on the inside of your driver's door jamb. It lists the engine displacement in liters or cubic inches. You can also search your vehicle's year, make, and model online to find the engine size.
Do I need to buy the most expensive STP filter?
No. A standard STP filter with the correct part number works just as well as a premium one if your manual does not specify a particular type. Buy the filter type your manual recommends, then choose based on price and availability.
What if the STP filter I bought does not fit?
Return it to the store where you bought it with your receipt. Bring the part number you purchased and the correct part number for your vehicle so the staff can help you exchange it for the right one.