What a Wix cross-reference number tells you
A Wix cross-reference is a tool that matches a Wix oil filter part number to the filter that fits your specific vehicle. Wix manufactures filters under their own brand and also makes filters sold under other brand names — Motorcraft, Fram, Purolator, and others. When you know your vehicle's year, make, and model, a cross-reference tells you which Wix part number is the equivalent, so you can buy whichever brand is available or cheapest at your local store.
The cross-reference works in both directions. If you already have a Wix part number and want to know what other brands make the same filter, the reference will show you. If you have a different brand's part number and want to find the Wix equivalent, it will show you that too. This matters because the same physical filter often carries multiple part numbers depending on who manufactured it and who is selling it.
Key Takeaways
- Wix manufactures filters for many brands, so a Wix part number may have an equivalent Fram, Motorcraft, or Purolator number that fits the same vehicle.
- The official Wix website has a filter finder tool where you enter your vehicle information and see both Wix and cross-referenced part numbers.
- AutoZone, O'Reilly, and other parts retailers show cross-references on their product pages, often without requiring you to leave the site.
- A cross-reference guarantees the filter has the same thread size, bypass valve setting, and media type — the three things that must match for a filter to work safely in your engine.
- If you find conflicting cross-references from different sources, contact Wix directly or ask the parts counter to verify before you buy.
Using the Wix website filter finder
Wix maintains a searchable database on their official website. Go to wixfilters.com and look for the "Find a Filter" or "Filter Finder" tool. You will enter your vehicle's year, make, model, and engine size. The tool returns the correct Wix part number for your vehicle, along with a list of other brands that make an equivalent filter.
This method is the most reliable because it comes directly from Wix and is updated regularly. The database includes both current and older vehicles, so it works whether you drive a new car or a truck from the 1990s. Write down the Wix part number before you leave the site, because you will need it if you shop at a store that does not carry Wix brand.
Finding cross-references at parts retailers
AutoZone, O'Reilly Auto Parts, NAPA, and Advance Auto Parts all display cross-reference information on their product pages. Search for your vehicle year, make, and model on their website, and the system will show you the correct filter. On the product page, look for a section labeled "Cross Reference," "Also Known As," or "Equivalent To." This section lists other brand names that make the same filter.
The advantage of checking at a retailer is that you can see price and availability at the same time. If Wix is out of stock but Fram is in stock and costs less, you can make that choice when ready. Many retailers also show customer reviews, which can help you decide between brands. However, retailer databases are sometimes less complete than Wix's own database, so if you do not find what you need, try the Wix website directly.
What information you need before you search
To use any cross-reference tool, you need your vehicle's year, make, model, and engine size. The year and make are on your registration or insurance card. The model is the specific name — Civic, F-150, Camry. The engine size is usually listed as liters or cubic inches and appears in your owner's manual or on a sticker under the hood.
If you do not have the owner's manual, you can find the engine size by searching "[year] [make] [model] engine size" online, or by calling a dealership parts department with your vehicle identification number (VIN). Some vehicles came with multiple engine options, so getting this detail right matters — a filter for a 2.0-liter engine will not fit a 3.5-liter engine in the same model year.
Understanding what a cross-reference guarantees
When two filters cross-reference to each other, they have the same thread size (the connection that screws onto your engine), the same bypass valve setting (the pressure at which the filter opens if it gets clogged), and the same media type (the material that traps dirt). These three things must match, or the filter will not work correctly and may damage your engine.
A cross-reference does not may provide that the filters are identical in every way. They may have different anti-drainback valves, different gasket materials, or different construction methods. These differences can affect how long the filter lasts or how well it performs, which is why some people prefer one brand over another even when the part numbers cross-reference. But for basic fit and function, a cross-reference means the filter will work safely in your vehicle.
When cross-references conflict or seem wrong
Occasionally you will find different cross-references from different sources. One website might say a Wix filter crosses to a Fram part number, while another says it crosses to a different Fram number. This usually happens because filter manufacturers update their product lines, and older databases have not been refreshed. It can also happen if a retailer has entered incorrect information.
If you find conflicting information, contact Wix customer service directly — their phone number is on their website — or ask the parts counter at your local store to verify using their system. Do not guess. Buying the wrong filter is cheaper than fixing an engine that ran without proper filtration. Most parts stores will verify a cross-reference over the phone in a few minutes.
Cross-referencing when you have a different brand's part number
If you have a Fram, Motorcraft, or Purolator part number and want to find the Wix equivalent, the process is the same. Enter the other brand's part number into the Wix filter finder, or search for it on a retailer's website and look for the cross-reference section. Many retailers have a "reverse cross-reference" feature where you can type in any part number and see what other brands make the same filter.
This is useful if you have an old receipt and want to buy the same filter again, or if someone recommended a specific part number and you want to know if Wix makes it. It is also helpful if you are comparing prices across brands and want to make sure you are looking at the same filter, not a similar-sounding one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a cross-referenced filter if it is a different brand than what my owner's manual recommends?
Yes, as long as the cross-reference is correct. Your owner's manual usually recommends a specific brand because that is what the manufacturer tested, but any filter with the same thread size, bypass valve, and media type will work safely. Cross-references exist because manufacturers know this and allow it.
What if my vehicle is very old and I cannot find a Wix cross-reference?
Call Wix directly or contact a classic car parts supplier. Wix has been making filters for decades and may still have records for older vehicles even if the information is not on their website. A specialty supplier who focuses on your vehicle's year and make may also have cross-reference charts in print or in their system.
Do I need the exact Wix part number, or can I just describe the filter to a parts counter?
Having the part number is faster and more reliable. A parts counter can look up your vehicle and find the filter without a part number, but if you already have the number, give it to them. This reduces the chance of a mistake and speeds up the transaction.
If two filters cross-reference to each other, are they made in the same factory?
Not necessarily. Cross-reference means they fit the same vehicle and have the same critical specifications, but they may be made by different manufacturers in different countries. Wix owns multiple filter plants and also contracts with other manufacturers, so the actual production location varies by part number.
Can I cross-reference a filter by looking at the can itself?
The part number is printed on the can, so yes — if you have a physical filter, you can read the number and use it to find cross-references. This is helpful if you are at a junkyard or borrowed a filter from someone and want to know what it is. Write down the full part number exactly as it appears, because even a single digit wrong will give you a different result.