Finding your STP oil filter by vehicle year, make, and model
STP makes oil filters for most vehicles on the road, but you need to know your car's exact year, make, and model to find the right one. The easiest way is to use STP's online filter finder on their website — you enter your vehicle information once, and it shows you the filter part number that fits. You can also look up the number in an STP catalog at an auto parts store, or call the store and give them your vehicle details and they'll tell you which STP filter to buy.
The filter part number matters because oil filters come in different sizes and thread types. A filter that's too large won't fit in the engine bay. One with the wrong thread size won't screw on properly. Using the wrong filter can cause leaks or let unfiltered oil circulate, which damages the engine over time.
Key Takeaways
- STP's online filter finder at their website is the fastest way to get your exact filter part number — you only need your vehicle's year, make, and model.
- Auto parts store staff can look up your STP filter number by phone or in person if you give them your vehicle information.
- The part number tells you the filter's size and thread type, which must match your engine or the filter won't fit or seal properly.
- STP filters are sold at most auto parts chains, big-box retailers, and online, so availability is usually not a problem once you have the part number.
Using STP's online filter finder tool
Go to the STP website and look for their filter finder or filter selector tool — it's usually on the homepage or in the "Products" section. Click on "Oil Filters" and then select "Find Your Filter." The tool will ask you to enter your vehicle's year (for example, 2019), make (Ford, Honda, Toyota), and model (Civic, F-150, Camry).
Once you enter that information, the tool shows you the STP filter part number that fits your vehicle. It also displays the filter's specifications — things like the thread size and the diameter — so you can verify it matches what your owner's manual says. Write down or screenshot the part number before you leave the website, because you'll need it when you buy the filter.
If you're not sure of your vehicle's exact year or model, check your registration or insurance card, or look at the door jamb sticker on the driver's side of your car. The sticker lists the year, make, model, and sometimes the engine size.
Getting the part number from an auto parts store
If you don't want to look it up online, walk into any auto parts chain — AutoZone, O'Reilly, NAPA, Advance Auto Parts — and tell the staff member your vehicle's year, make, and model. They can search their computer system and tell you the STP filter part number in under a minute. Many stores will also tell you the price and whether they have it in stock right then.
You can also call ahead and give them the same information over the phone. This is useful if you want to confirm the store has the filter before you drive there, or if you want to order it for pickup. Some stores offer online ordering with in-store pickup, which lets you reserve the filter and grab it when you're ready.
Understanding STP filter part numbers and sizes
STP filter part numbers usually start with "S" followed by numbers — for example, S3614, S7007, or S10247. The number itself doesn't tell you much, but it's the key that unlocks the right filter. Each number corresponds to one specific filter size and thread type combination.
The most common thread sizes are 3/4-16 (three-quarter inch, 16 threads per inch) and M20x1.5 (metric, 20 millimeters, 1.5 millimeter pitch). If you buy a filter with the wrong thread size, it won't screw onto your engine's filter housing. The filter diameter also varies — some are tall and narrow, others are short and wide — because different engines have different amounts of space in the engine bay.
When you get the part number from STP's website or a store, you can verify it's correct by checking your vehicle's owner's manual. The manual lists the recommended filter type and sometimes the part number. If the numbers match, you have the right filter.
Where to buy STP oil filters
Once you have the part number, you can buy the filter at most places that sell automotive supplies. Auto parts chains like AutoZone, O'Reilly, NAPA, and Advance Auto Parts stock STP filters. Walmart and Target carry them in their automotive sections. Amazon and other online retailers sell STP filters with home delivery or pickup options.
Prices vary slightly between retailers, but STP filters are usually in the $5 to $15 range depending on the filter type and your location. Some retailers offer loyalty programs or sales that can lower the price. Buying online sometimes costs less than buying in a store, but you'll need to wait for delivery unless you choose in-store pickup.
If a store doesn't have your specific part number in stock, ask if they can order it. Most stores can get filters within one to three business days. If you need the filter urgently, call a few stores to find which one has it on the shelf.
Confirming you have the right filter before installation
Before you open the filter box and install it, double-check that the part number on the box matches the number you looked up. Look at the label on the box — it should clearly print the part number. If the numbers don't match, take the filter back to the store and ask for the correct one.
You can also compare the filter's appearance to photos of your old filter if you still have it. The new filter should be roughly the same size and shape. If it looks noticeably different — much larger, much smaller, or a different shape — it's probably the wrong one.
If you're having the filter changed at a shop, give the technician the part number and let them verify it before they start work. A good shop will check the number against their system to make sure it matches your vehicle.
What to do if you can't find your vehicle in the STP lookup tool
If STP's filter finder doesn't recognize your vehicle year, make, or model, the tool may not have that data yet, or your vehicle may be too old or too new for STP's current database. Try entering a nearby year — sometimes a filter from a year or two before or after yours will fit, though you should verify this with a store or your owner's manual.
Call an auto parts store and ask if they can look up the filter manually. They can search by engine size if you know it, or they can look in a physical filter cross-reference book. Your vehicle's owner's manual also lists the recommended filter type, which you can take to a store and they can match to an STP part number.
If your vehicle is very old or very new, STP may not make a filter for it. In that case, ask the auto parts store what other brands they recommend. Fram, Mobil 1, and Bosch also make filters for most vehicles, and the store can help you find the right one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different oil filter brand if I can't find my STP part number?
Yes. The important thing is that the filter fits your engine and has the right thread size and diameter — not the brand. Fram, Mobil 1, Bosch, and other brands make filters that fit the same vehicles. An auto parts store can cross-reference your vehicle to any brand they carry.
What if the STP filter I bought doesn't fit when I try to install it?
Stop and don't force it. Take the filter back to the store with your receipt and the part number you were given. Tell them it doesn't fit, and ask them to look up the correct number again. They may have given you the wrong part number by mistake, or you may have given them incorrect vehicle information.
Do I need to know my engine size to find the right STP filter?
No. The year, make, and model is enough for STP's lookup tool and for auto parts store staff. Engine size helps narrow it down if you have multiple engine options for your vehicle, but most tools will ask you to confirm which engine you have if there's more than one choice.
How often do I need to replace my oil filter?
Most manufacturers recommend changing the oil filter every time you change the oil. For conventional oil, that's usually every 3,000 to 5,000 miles. For synthetic oil, it's often every 7,500 to 10,000 miles. Check your owner's manual for the exact interval for your vehicle.
Can I reuse an oil filter or clean it instead of replacing it?
No. Oil filters are designed to be replaced, not cleaned and reused. The filter media gets clogged with dirt and debris over time, and cleaning it doesn't restore its filtering ability. A clogged filter can restrict oil flow and damage the engine, so replacement is the only safe option.