Wix's lookup tool matches your vehicle to the right oil filter without guessing
Wix maintains a searchable database that connects your vehicle's year, make, model, and engine size to the correct filter part number. You enter your vehicle information on their website or through a retailer's system, and the tool returns the Wix filter designed for your engine. This saves you from buying the wrong size, which can cause poor oil flow or seal leaks.
The lookup works because oil filters vary by engine displacement, oil capacity, and thread size — details that differ even between model years of the same car. A 2015 Honda Civic and a 2016 Honda Civic may need different filters. Wix's database accounts for these variations so you get the exact match.
Key Takeaways
- Wix's online lookup tool at wixfilters.com asks for your vehicle's year, make, model, and engine type, then shows you the correct part number.
- Many auto parts retailers (AutoZone, O'Reilly, NAPA) have Wix lookup built into their websites and can cross-reference the part number to their inventory.
- Your owner's manual lists the OEM (original equipment manufacturer) filter specification, which you can use to verify the Wix part number the tool suggests.
- If your vehicle is older or unusual, the lookup may return no results — in that case, calling a Wix distributor or your vehicle's dealer can confirm the right filter.
How to use Wix's website lookup
Go to wixfilters.com and look for the "Find a Filter" or "Filter Lookup" section on the homepage. Click it and you will see a form with dropdown menus for vehicle year, make, and model. Select your information in order — the year first, then the make (Ford, Toyota, etc.), then the model (Civic, F-150, etc.). Some vehicles will then ask you to specify the engine size or type.
Once you have entered all required fields, the tool displays one or more Wix part numbers that fit your vehicle. Each result shows the part number (for example, 51356), the filter type (spin-on or cartridge), and sometimes the micron rating and bypass valve setting. Write down or screenshot the part number — you will need it to order or purchase the filter.
If the lookup returns no results, your vehicle may be too old or too new for Wix's current database, or you may have entered the information incorrectly. Try re-entering your vehicle details, paying close attention to the exact model name. If it still returns nothing, move to the next section.
Using retailer lookup systems to find Wix filters
AutoZone, O'Reilly Auto Parts, NAPA, and Advance Auto Parts all have their own lookup tools on their websites. These tools often include Wix as one of the filter brands they stock. Enter your vehicle information into the retailer's search, and the system will show available filters by brand, including Wix options with their part numbers and prices.
This approach has two advantages: you see the price when ready, and you can check whether the filter is in stock at your local store. Many retailers also show you a photo of the filter so you can confirm it looks right before you buy. If you are unsure whether a Wix part number is correct, you can compare it against other brands the retailer suggests for your vehicle — they should all be the same physical size.
Cross-checking with your owner's manual
Your vehicle's owner's manual lists the OEM filter specification in the maintenance section, usually under "Oil and Filter" or "Recommended Fluids and Capacities." The manual gives you the original equipment filter part number (often a Fram, Motorcraft, or Bosch number) and the filter's micron rating and thread size. This information is your reference point.
Once you have a Wix part number from the lookup tool, you can verify it by comparing the specifications. The thread size (usually M20 x 1.5 or similar) and micron rating should match what the manual specifies. If they do not, the lookup tool may have returned an incorrect result, and you should try the search again or contact Wix directly. Many Wix filters are cross-referenced on their packaging or website, so you can also look up the OEM part number and see which Wix filter it corresponds to.
What to do if the lookup returns no results
Older vehicles (pre-1980s) and some specialty or imported vehicles may not appear in Wix's online database. In these cases, you have two options: contact a Wix distributor by phone, or call your vehicle's dealership parts department.
Wix's customer service line can connect you with a distributor who has access to historical filter data and can look up your vehicle manually. You will need to provide your vehicle's year, make, model, engine displacement (in liters or cubic inches), and the original equipment filter part number if you have it. A dealership parts department can also tell you the correct filter specification, and they can often cross-reference it to a Wix equivalent if you ask.
Understanding Wix filter part numbers and specifications
Wix part numbers are five digits (like 51356) or include a letter prefix (like WL10000). The number itself does not tell you the filter size — you have to look up the number in Wix's catalog or on the filter's packaging to see the specifications. The packaging shows the thread size, micron rating (usually 10 or 20 microns for engine oil), bypass valve setting, and compatibility list.
Spin-on filters (the most common type) screw directly onto your engine. Cartridge filters sit inside a canister on top of the engine and require you to replace just the filter element, not the whole housing. The lookup tool will tell you which type your vehicle uses. If you have never changed your filter before, knowing the type matters because the installation process is different.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a Wix filter if my car originally came with a different brand?
Yes. Wix filters are engineered to meet or exceed OEM specifications for thread size, micron rating, and bypass valve pressure. As long as the Wix part number matches your vehicle's engine displacement and the specifications match your owner's manual, the filter will work correctly. Many shops and fleet operators use Wix filters as replacements for original equipment filters.
What if two different Wix part numbers show up for my vehicle?
This usually means one is a standard filter and one is a heavy-duty or extended-life version. Both fit your vehicle, but they have different micron ratings or bypass settings. Check the packaging or Wix's website to see the difference. Your owner's manual will specify which type is recommended for your engine.
Does the Wix lookup tool work for trucks and motorcycles?
Wix makes filters for trucks, motorcycles, and some heavy equipment. Their lookup tool covers most common trucks and motorcycles, but availability varies by model. If your vehicle does not appear in the online lookup, contact a Wix distributor or your vehicle's dealership to confirm the correct part number.
Can I look up a Wix filter by part number instead of vehicle information?
Yes. If you already have a Wix part number, you can search for it directly on wixfilters.com or on any auto parts retailer's website. The search will show you the filter's specifications and which vehicles it fits. This is useful if you are trying to verify that a part number you found is correct for your car.
What if the lookup tool gives me a different part number than what my mechanic recommended?
Double-check that you entered your vehicle information correctly — year, make, model, and engine size. If the information is correct and the part numbers still differ, compare the specifications (thread size, micron rating, bypass valve) on both filters. If they match, both filters are correct and you can use either one. If they differ, contact Wix or your mechanic to clarify which is right for your engine.