Wix makes spin-on oil filters sold under their own brand and as original equipment on many vehicles
Wix Filters is a manufacturer owned by Dana Incorporated that produces spin-on oil filters for cars, trucks, and light equipment. You will find Wix filters sold under the Wix brand name, but also under other names depending on where they are made and who distributes them — the same filter may carry a Wix part number, a store brand label, or an OEM (original equipment manufacturer) number from a vehicle maker. Wix does not make filters exclusively; they compete with Fram, Mobil 1, Bosch, and others in the aftermarket, and they supply filters to vehicle manufacturers for new cars.
The reason to know the manufacturer matters: a Wix filter and a different brand filter of the same size are not identical inside. They differ in the type and thickness of the filter media, the bypass valve pressure, the anti-drainback valve design, and the gasket material. These differences affect how much dirt they trap, how long they last, and whether they work well with your specific oil type and engine.
Key Takeaways
- Wix filters are sold under multiple brand names, so a filter labeled as store brand or OEM may still be manufactured by Wix.
- The correct filter for your vehicle is determined by your engine size and model year, not by brand preference — your owner's manual or a parts catalog lists the exact part number.
- Wix filters use different media and valve designs than other brands, so switching brands changes how your filter performs, though all major brands meet baseline standards.
- The filter's bypass valve pressure and anti-drainback valve are engineered for your engine's oil flow and startup conditions, so using the wrong size can reduce protection or cause pressure problems.
How to identify the correct Wix filter for your vehicle
The correct filter is determined by your vehicle's year, make, model, and engine size — not by brand. Your owner's manual lists the OEM part number and the filter size (usually written as a code like W 940/80 or 51365). You can also look up the correct filter using an online parts catalog by entering your vehicle's VIN (vehicle identification number), which is the most reliable method because it accounts for production variations.
Once you have the correct part number, you can search for it under the Wix brand or under any other brand name that carries the same number. Many retailers cross-reference part numbers so you can see which brands are equivalent. If you buy a filter with a different part number, you are buying a different filter — it may not fit, or it may fit but have different internal specifications that affect performance.
Wix publishes a catalog organized by vehicle make and model. You can search their website or ask a parts counter to look up your vehicle. The filter will be listed with its Wix part number and its equivalent OEM numbers if it is sold as original equipment.
What is inside a Wix oil filter and how it differs from other brands
A spin-on oil filter contains four main parts: the outer can (the metal housing), the filter media (the pleated paper or synthetic material that traps dirt), the bypass valve, and the anti-drainback valve. Wix designs each of these components, and the design choices affect how the filter performs in your engine.
The filter media is the part that does the actual work. Wix uses different media materials and pleat designs depending on the filter model — some are cellulose (paper), some are synthetic, and some are a blend. Synthetic media traps smaller particles and lasts longer, but costs more. The pleat design (how tightly the paper is folded) determines the surface area available to trap dirt and how much pressure builds up as the filter gets dirty. A filter with more pleats can hold more dirt before it clogs.
The bypass valve is a spring-loaded mechanism that opens if the oil pressure gets too high — this happens when the filter is very dirty or when the engine is cold and the oil is thick. If the valve did not open, the engine would starve for oil. Wix sets the bypass pressure for each filter based on the engine it is designed for. Using the wrong filter size can mean the bypass valve opens at the wrong pressure, reducing protection or causing oil pressure problems.
The anti-drainback valve prevents oil from draining out of the filter and back into the pan when the engine is off. This matters because it takes a few seconds for oil to refill the filter when you start the engine, and during that time the filter is not protecting the engine. A good anti-drainback valve closes quickly and completely. Wix designs this valve differently than some competitors, which is one reason filters are not interchangeable even when they fit the same threads.
Wix filter part numbers and what the codes mean
Wix part numbers follow a pattern that tells you something about the filter. A typical Wix number looks like 51365 or 57060. The number itself does not encode the vehicle information — you have to look it up in a catalog — but Wix does publish cross-reference charts that show which Wix numbers are equivalent to OEM numbers from different manufacturers.
When you search for a Wix filter, you will also see numbers like WL7018 or 51365MP. The letters and suffixes indicate variations: MP might mean "made in Poland," or a letter suffix might indicate a different media type or bypass pressure. These variations exist because Wix manufactures filters in multiple plants and supplies different versions to different customers. For your purposes, the important thing is to match the exact part number recommended for your vehicle, not just to buy "a Wix filter."
Wix also makes filters under the ProParts brand, which is a lower-cost line. ProParts filters use simpler media and lower-cost materials but still meet industry standards. If you see a ProParts filter with the same part number as a standard Wix filter, they are not the same filter — ProParts is a different product line.
When to replace a Wix filter and how to know if it is clogged
Your owner's manual specifies how often to change the oil and filter — typically every 3,000 to 10,000 miles depending on your engine, oil type, and driving conditions. Synthetic oil allows longer intervals because it breaks down more slowly, so if you switch to synthetic, you may be able to go longer between changes. The filter should always be replaced at the same time as the oil.
You cannot see inside a filter to know if it is clogged, but your engine will tell you. If the oil pressure warning light comes on while driving, the bypass valve may have opened because the filter is too dirty. If the light comes on only at idle or during cold starts, it is usually normal — the bypass valve opens briefly until the oil warms up and flows faster. If the light stays on while driving at highway speed, have the oil and filter changed when ready.
Some vehicles have an oil filter clogging indicator, which is a separate warning light that comes on when the filter needs replacement. Check your owner's manual to see if your vehicle has one. If it does, do not ignore it — the filter is restricting oil flow.
Wix filters versus other brands and what the differences mean for your engine
Wix competes with Fram, Mobil 1, Bosch, AC Delco, and store brands. All of these manufacturers make filters that meet industry standards set by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) and the American Petroleum Institute (API). This means any filter sold for your vehicle will trap a minimum amount of dirt and will not restrict oil flow beyond a certain limit.
The differences between brands are in the details. Wix filters generally have a reputation for good media quality and solid bypass valve design, which means they trap dirt effectively without clogging prematurely. Fram filters are often cheaper and widely available but use thinner media in some models. Mobil 1 filters use synthetic media and are marketed as premium. Store brands vary widely — some are made by Wix or another major manufacturer and are identical to the name brand, while others are made by smaller manufacturers and may not perform as well.
For most drivers, any major brand filter will work fine if it is the correct part number for your vehicle. The difference in performance between Wix and Fram, for example, is small enough that it will not affect your engine's life if you change the oil on schedule. The bigger risk is using the wrong part number or going too long between changes.
Where to buy Wix filters and how to avoid counterfeits
Wix filters are sold at auto parts stores (AutoZone, O'Reilly, NAPA, Advance Auto Parts), online retailers (Amazon, RockAuto, eBay), big-box stores (Walmart, Costco), and some gas stations. Prices vary by retailer and by filter model — a basic Wix filter costs between $5 and $15, while a synthetic or heavy-duty version may cost $15 to $30.
Counterfeit filters exist, particularly on online marketplaces. A counterfeit filter looks like a real Wix filter but is made by someone else and may have inferior media or a faulty bypass valve. To reduce the risk, buy from authorized retailers or directly from the manufacturer's website. If you buy from a marketplace like Amazon or eBay, check the seller's rating and read reviews that mention the filter's performance. A counterfeit filter will often have spelling errors on the label, poor print quality, or inconsistent packaging.
Wix publishes a list of authorized distributors on their website. If you are buying online and want to be certain, order from a distributor on that list.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a Wix filter if my car originally came with a different brand?
Yes, as long as the Wix part number matches the OEM part number for your vehicle. The filter that came on your car was chosen by the manufacturer to work with your engine, but other brands can meet the same specifications. What matters is the part number, not the brand name.
What does the bypass valve do and why does it matter?
The bypass valve opens if oil pressure gets too high, usually because the filter is very dirty or the oil is cold and thick. Without it, the engine would run out of oil. Wix sets the bypass pressure for each filter model, so using the wrong filter size can cause the valve to open at the wrong time, reducing protection or causing oil pressure problems.
Is a Wix filter better than a store brand filter?
Wix filters are generally well-made, but the difference in performance compared to other major brands is small if you change the oil on schedule. Some store brand filters are actually made by Wix or another major manufacturer and are identical to the name brand. The bigger factor is using the correct part number for your vehicle and changing the filter at the recommended interval.
How do I know if a Wix filter is counterfeit?
Check the label for spelling errors, poor print quality, or packaging that looks different from photos on the manufacturer's website. Buy from authorized retailers or directly from Wix's website to reduce the risk. If you buy online, check the seller's rating and read reviews that mention whether the filter performed as expected.
Can I go longer between oil changes if I use a Wix filter?
No. The oil change interval is determined by your engine, oil type, and driving conditions — not by the filter brand. Synthetic oil allows longer intervals than conventional oil, but switching to a Wix filter does not change how often you need to change the oil. Always follow your owner's manual.