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How Do I Choose an Oil Filter for My Diesel?


The industries that keep nations running like agriculture, construction, and trucking would not be able to function without durable lube oil filters to help keep diesel engines clean and efficient. The problem is that there is no "golden filter" that works on all machines and can fix every problem. The market is flooded with diesel equipment filters that can make the decision-making process exponentially more difficult for those in these vital industries. Oftentimes, individuals are left with more questions than answers.

The aim of this blog is to help you better understand what diesel lube filters do and how you can choose the best one for your diesel equipment.

What Does a Lube Oil Filter Do? 

Lube oil filters work by removing oil from the sump (the oil pan), filtering it, and sending it back through the engine for lubrication. There, it returns to the sump to repeat the process over and over again. As the oil runs through the various engine parts, it acts as a lubricant between the contacts to minimize overall wear and tear. Some wear is unavoidable, and engine particles and contaminants will end up in the oil. In essence, the lube oil filter is there to capture as many of those contaminants as possible.

You might have also noticed that we have already used different terms when discussing this topic, lube oil, and oil. This can complicate research, so the first thing to note is these terms are used interchangeably, although “lube oil” is used most frequently for diesel equipment that is used both on- and off-highway.

So, how do you really choose the right oil filter for your diesel equipment? We recommend using a quality filter look-up tool to match the manufacturer's requirements. The great news is that Fleetguard has its very own tool. It is not just for oil, either; you can search for air, fuel, CV, hydraulic, coolant, and several other filtration products as well.

What Is the Most Common Oil Filter?

With a better understanding of how these filters work, we can continue on the journey of picking the right one for your diesel equipment. The best place to start your search is with the most common types of oil filters. This can get a little confusing, so stay with us. Despite the various manufacturers and minute differences between filter brands, all oil filters fall under two types: primary and secondary. 
 
  • Primary Oil Filters: These types of oil filters are used in what is called a full flow system. This means that all of the contaminants are removed between the oil pump and the engine (i.e. before they ever get to the engine). These types of filters are particularly great in colder conditions. This is because cold conditions can make the oil considerably thicker, and most filters will restrict the oil flow, making filtration much more difficult. Inside the primary filter family, there are specific types as well, such as cartridge and spin-on oil filters. 

  • Secondary Oil Filters: Secondary lube oil filters are used in tandem with primary ones to support the filtration process. The main function of this additional filter is to simply add an extra layer of protection for the engine. Another common name used to describe the secondary type is a bypass filter. The oil will hopefully be filtered more finely with the addition of this filter. There are also other types inside the secondary family as well, such as the spinner and magnetic oil filter. It is also important to note that there are combination filters as well that are, well, a combination of both a primary and secondary filter. 

The good news is that there are plenty of resources available to help answer all your filter-related questions. For important topics, like how often you should change your oil filter, the best course of action would be to contact the manufacturer directly.

Does It Matter What Oil Filter You Use?

It very much matters what kind of lube oil filter you decide to use with your diesel equipment. Not only will a low quality or incompatible filter make your engine less efficient, but it could also eventually lead to the equipment being ruined entirely. This topic will often lead to discussions of aftermarket filters and if they are a viable option.

Unfortunately, the answer is it depends. If you purchase an engine that comes with a Fleetguard filter, then any other filter installed that is not made by the same manufacturer and tailored for that equipment will be considered aftermarket. In that case, it is not a good idea to go the aftermarket route. However, if an engine is shipped with a lower quality filter, and you opt to replace it with one of our industry-leading filters, it would still be considered aftermarket but could greatly improve your engine protection.

Fleetguard: Longer Lasting Filtration at a Great Price

What oil filter brand is best? Call us biased, but there is a reason we have been a staple in this industry for so many years. As we are often the number one filter choice for many original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), we know precisely how to provide the very best in engine protection. This relationship means that we have the benefit of developing our products directly alongside the development of each engine.
To learn more about what Fleetguard filters can provide, find a dealer today.