What a Wix cross reference does and why you need one

A Wix cross reference is a lookup tool that matches your vehicle's year, make, and model to the correct Wix oil filter part number. Instead of guessing which filter fits your engine, you enter your vehicle information and get back the exact Wix filter you need. This matters because oil filters vary by engine size and design — putting the wrong one on your engine can cause leaks, poor filtration, or damage.

Wix manufactures filters for most vehicles on the road, but their part numbers look like strings of digits and letters (for example, 51515 or 57060). A cross reference translates your vehicle's identity into that part number so you can order or buy with confidence. You do not need to know anything about your engine's internals — just your vehicle's year, make, model, and sometimes engine size.

Key Takeaways

  • Wix cross references match your vehicle's year, make, and model to a specific Wix filter part number that will fit your engine.
  • You can find a cross reference on Wix's official website, at auto parts retailers like AutoZone and O'Reilly, or by calling a Wix distributor.
  • You will need your vehicle's year, make, model, and engine size (which you can find on your registration or under the hood).
  • Once you have the Wix part number, you can buy the filter at any auto parts store, online retailer, or directly from a Wix distributor.

Using Wix's official cross reference tool

Wix maintains a searchable database on their website at wixfilters.com. Go to the "Find a Filter" or "Cross Reference" section — the exact link name changes, but it is always on the homepage. You will see a form asking for your vehicle's year, make, and model. Fill in each field and click search.

The tool returns a list of Wix filters that fit your vehicle. Most vehicles show one or two options; some show more if the manufacturer offered different engine sizes. Each result includes the Wix part number, a brief description (like "spin-on oil filter"), and sometimes the filter's micron rating or thread size. Write down or screenshot the part number — that is what you will use to buy the filter.

If the search returns no results, double-check that you entered your year, make, and model correctly. If it still shows nothing, your vehicle may use a non-standard filter or Wix may not make a filter for it. In that case, move to the next method.

Finding the cross reference at auto parts retailers

AutoZone, O'Reilly Auto Parts, NAPA, and Advance Auto Parts all maintain their own cross reference databases that include Wix filters. Visit the retailer's website and look for a "Find Parts" or "Cross Reference" tool. Enter your vehicle information the same way you would on Wix's site.

The advantage of using a retailer's tool is that you can see the price and availability at your local store when ready. You can also see competing brands side by side, which helps if you want to compare Wix against Fram, Mobil, or Motorcraft. Many retailers let you reserve the filter online and pick it up the same day.

If you prefer to call, any auto parts store employee can look up the Wix part number over the phone. Have your vehicle's year, make, and model ready, and they will give you the part number and price in under a minute.

Calling a Wix distributor or supplier directly

If you cannot find your vehicle in the online tools or want to confirm the part number before buying, you can call a Wix distributor. Wix's website has a "Find a Distributor" locator that shows suppliers near you. Many are local shops that specialize in filters and hydraulics, not consumer-facing retailers.

When you call, have your vehicle's year, make, model, and engine size ready. The distributor will confirm the correct Wix part number and can often ship it to you or tell you which local retailers stock it. Some distributors sell directly to consumers; others sell only to shops. Asking "Do you sell to the public?" saves time if you reach a shop-only supplier.

Finding your vehicle's engine size if you do not know it

Your vehicle's registration or insurance card lists the engine size in liters (like 2.0L or 5.7L). You can also find it on a sticker under the hood — look on the inside of the hood or on the engine block itself. The sticker usually shows the engine displacement and sometimes the Wix or OEM filter part number already.

If you cannot find the sticker and do not have your registration handy, you can look up your vehicle on the manufacturer's website using your VIN (Vehicle Identification Number). Your VIN is on your registration, insurance card, and the dashboard on the driver's side. Most manufacturer sites let you enter your VIN and see your vehicle's full specifications, including engine size.

What to do if your vehicle is not in the cross reference

Older vehicles, commercial trucks, and some specialty engines may not appear in standard cross references. If your search returns no results, try entering just the year and make without the model — sometimes the database is organized differently than you expect. If that does not work, call a Wix distributor or a local shop that specializes in your vehicle type.

Another option is to look at your current oil filter. If it is a Wix filter, the part number is printed on the canister. If it is a different brand, you can use that part number to search for a Wix equivalent on the Wix website or at an auto parts retailer — most cross reference tools work both directions.

Confirming the part number before you buy

Once you have a Wix part number, verify it one more time before purchasing. Check that the number matches what the retailer or distributor shows in stock. Some part numbers are very similar (51515 versus 51516, for example), and ordering the wrong one means a wasted trip or return.

If you are buying online, read the product page carefully to confirm it lists your vehicle's year, make, and model. If you are buying in person, show the employee the part number and ask them to confirm it is the right filter for your vehicle. This takes 30 seconds and prevents a costly mistake.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a Wix filter if my car originally came with a different brand?

Yes. Wix filters are designed to fit the same threads and mounting as OEM filters for your vehicle, so you can swap brands without any modification. The cross reference ensures the filter fits your engine's mounting point and has the right flow rate for your engine size.

What if the cross reference gives me two different Wix part numbers for the same vehicle?

This usually means your vehicle came with two engine options in that year and model year. Check your registration or the sticker under the hood to see which engine size you have, then use the part number that matches. Ordering the wrong one will not fit.

Do I need the cross reference if I already know my filter size?

If you know the thread size and diameter (like 3/4-16 threads, 3.5 inches tall), you can search for that directly on Wix's site or at a retailer. But most people find it faster to enter their vehicle information and let the cross reference do the work.

Can I use a Wix cross reference for trucks or commercial vehicles?

Yes, but the search may require more detail. Commercial trucks often have multiple engine options, so you may need to enter the engine displacement or model number in addition to the year and make. Wix's distributor locator is often faster for commercial vehicles than the consumer website.

What if I buy the wrong Wix filter by mistake?

Most auto parts retailers accept returns on unopened filters within 30 days. If you opened it or installed it, you may not be able to return it. That is why confirming the part number before you buy is worth the extra minute.