What a Wix filter cross-reference does

A Wix filter cross-reference is a tool that matches a Wix oil filter part number to the filter your vehicle actually needs. Instead of hunting through catalogs by your car's year, make, and model, you enter a Wix part number — or sometimes a competitor's part number — and the cross-reference tells you which Wix filter will fit. This saves time at the parts counter and helps you avoid buying the wrong filter.

Wix manufactures filters for most vehicle types, but they use their own numbering system. A cross-reference bridges that gap by showing you which Wix number matches what your owner's manual or another brand specifies. The reference works in both directions: you can look up a Wix number to see what it replaces, or you can look up your vehicle's original filter to find the Wix equivalent.

Key Takeaways

  • Wix cross-references are available free on the Wix Filters website and through most auto parts retailers' websites and in-store systems.
  • You will need either your vehicle's year, make, and model, or an existing filter part number to use a cross-reference.
  • Wix filters are sold under the Wix brand and also under the WIX-Filtron and Purolator brands, so a cross-reference may show you multiple options.
  • Cross-references do not may provide fit — always verify the filter thread size and canister diameter match your engine before purchase.

How to use the Wix website cross-reference tool

Go to wixfilters.com and look for the "Cross Reference" or "Find a Filter" section, usually in the main navigation menu. Click it and you will see a search box. You have two ways to search: by vehicle information or by part number.

If you search by vehicle, enter your car's year, make, model, and engine size (if the site asks). The tool will return a list of Wix filters that fit your engine. If you search by part number, type in any filter number — yours, a competitor's, or a Wix number you already have — and the tool will show you what Wix filters cross to it. Write down the Wix part number and the filter type (standard spin-on, cartridge, or bypass), because you will need both when you order.

Finding cross-references at auto parts stores

Most national auto parts chains — AutoZone, O'Reilly, NAPA, Advance Auto Parts — have cross-reference systems built into their in-store computers and websites. You do not need to visit the Wix site at all if you shop at one of these retailers. Go to the store's website, enter your vehicle information in their filter finder, and the results will show you Wix options alongside other brands, with prices and availability.

If you walk into the store, give the parts associate your vehicle year, make, and model, and ask for the Wix equivalent. They can look it up in seconds using their system. This is faster than searching online if you are buying the same day. Some stores also print cross-reference cards at the counter, so you can take one home for future reference.

Understanding Wix part numbers and what they mean

A Wix oil filter part number typically looks like this: 51348 or 51348MP. The first five digits are the core part number. The letters that follow (if any) indicate the filter's process or special features — MP might mean "multi-pack," XP might mean "extra performance," or nothing might mean standard duty.

The part number alone does not tell you whether the filter fits your car. You must also check the thread size (usually 3/4-16 or M20x1.5) and the canister diameter (typically 2.5 to 3.5 inches). These specs are printed on the filter box and in the product description online. If the thread size does not match your engine's filter head, the filter will not screw on. If the diameter is too large, it may hit engine components or the frame.

Cross-referencing when you already own a filter

If you have an old filter in your hand, the easiest path is to read the part number printed on the canister and use that number in any cross-reference tool. Type the number into the Wix website search box or into an auto parts store's website, and you will see what Wix filters match it.

If the number is worn off or illegible, look at the filter's physical dimensions and thread size. Measure the canister diameter with a tape measure and check the thread size by looking at the filter head (the threaded part that screws onto the engine). Then search the Wix site or a parts store by vehicle year, make, and model, and compare the dimensions of the results to your old filter. This is slower but works when the part number is gone.

What to do if the cross-reference shows multiple Wix options

Sometimes a cross-reference returns two or three Wix part numbers for the same vehicle. This usually means Wix makes filters in different efficiency levels or sizes for that engine, and any of them will fit. The difference is typically in the micron rating (how fine the filter media is) or the filter's dirt-holding capacity.

For a standard oil change, any of the options will work. If you want better filtration or longer intervals between changes, choose the higher-capacity or higher-efficiency version — the parts associate or product description will tell you which that is. If cost is your main concern, the basic option will do the job. Check the price and availability of each before you decide.

Common mistakes when using a cross-reference

The most common mistake is trusting the cross-reference alone without checking the physical specs. A cross-reference can tell you that a Wix 51348 is the equivalent of a Fram PH3593, but it cannot tell you whether that filter actually fits your specific engine block or mounting location. Always verify the thread size and canister diameter before you buy.

Another mistake is assuming all Wix filters are the same. Wix makes filters under the Wix brand, the WIX-Filtron brand, and the Purolator brand. A cross-reference might show you all three, and they may have different part numbers and prices even though they are the same filter. Read the product description to confirm you are not paying more for the same item in different packaging.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a Wix filter if my owner's manual specifies a different brand?

Yes. As long as the Wix filter has the same thread size, canister diameter, and micron rating as the filter your manual specifies, it will work. The cross-reference confirms that the Wix part is engineered to the same specifications. Many owners use Wix filters as a direct replacement for OEM or other aftermarket filters without any issues.

What if the Wix website cross-reference does not show my vehicle?

The Wix database covers most common vehicles, but older or very new models may not be listed yet. Call Wix customer service at 1-800-WIX-FILTER or contact an auto parts store. They can look up your vehicle in a more complete database or help you find the filter by engine size and thread specifications instead of year and model.

Are Wix filters the same as Purolator filters?

Wix owns the Purolator brand, so some Wix and Purolator filters are identical products sold under different names. A cross-reference will show you if that is the case for your vehicle. If the part numbers are different but the specs are the same, you are buying the same filter; the difference is usually just the box and price.

Do I need to know my engine size to use the cross-reference?

Not always. If you know your vehicle's year, make, and model, the cross-reference tool can narrow it down. If your model came with multiple engine options, the tool may ask you to choose. If you do not know your engine size, check your owner's manual, your vehicle registration, or ask a parts associate — they can look it up from your VIN.

Can I cross-reference a filter I bought at a different store?

Yes. Any filter part number can be cross-referenced to a Wix equivalent. Write down the part number from your old filter box or canister, enter it into the Wix cross-reference tool or an auto parts store's system, and you will see the Wix match. This is useful if you want to switch brands or find a cheaper option for your next oil change.