You’ve Got Questions, We’ve Got Answers
Q: How often should I change my oil filter?
A: The mileage at which to change oil and filters really depends on factors like your driving habits, the mileage on the vehicle, and the manufacturer’s recommendation for changing your engine oil and filters. Purolator recommends you change your oil and oil filter every 3,000 miles, or as specified by your vehicle’s manufacturer.
Q: What are multi-viscosity oils, and how do they affect the oil filter you should install?
A: Viscosity is the oil's resistance to flow. For example, the thicker (higher viscosity) the oil, the slower it will flow. Multi-viscosity oil, also known as multi-grade oil, has the viscosity of the base grade when cold and of the second grade when hot. You should always use the oil type and viscosity specified by your vehicle's manufacturer.
Q: Can I use synthetic oil in my vehicle? And do I need a special oil filter?
A: You should always use the motor oil type and viscosity recommended by your engine’s manufacturer. Purolator Filters work well with any oil type – including full synthetic. In order to maximize your engine protection and service life, we recommend you use a premium filter such as PurolatorBOSS® or PurolatorONE™ to get the most out of your oil and filter change.
Q: Do I need to pre-fill oil in my spin-on oil filter prior to installation?
A: You don’t need to pre-fill oil in your spin-on oil filter. Oil flows through the filter as soon as the vehicle is started.
Q: What does the installation drawing on the Purolator oil filter boxes depict?
A: Here's an example:
- Apply film of oil to filter
- Install filter
- Tighten the amount specified for your filter beyond gasket contact (3/4, ¾ - 1, etc)
- Fill engine with oil to normal level
- Check for engine oil level and check for leaks and re-tighten if necessary
Q: What part number fits my vehicle?
A: The Purolator Filter Lookup is a tool you can use to look up your vehicle's year, make, model, and display all appropriate Purolator filters. If your vehicle isn’t listed, just contact our PROs and they'll be glad to help.
Q: What Purolator product will replace the filter I use now?
A: Just enter your current filter’s part number in the Competitive Interchange tool to find the Purolator equivalent. If your filter isn’t listed, please contact the PROs for assistance.
Q: I have a Purolator filter, but I'm not sure what vehicle it fits in.
A: Enter your Purolator part number in the Buyer’s Guide tool for a list of compatible vehicles. If you can’t get the information you need, contact the PROs for assistance.
Q: Does my vehicle have a cabin filter?
A: 80% of all vehicles on the road today came with a factory-equipped cabin air filter. To find out if your vehicle has a cabin filter, check your vehicle's manual, look up your vehicle in our Filter Lookup, call the PROs, or contact your vehicle manufacturer to find out.
Q: Does my vehicle have a transmission filter?
A: To find out if your vehicle has a transmission filter, check your vehicle's manual, look up your vehicle in our Filter Lookup, call the PROs, or contact your vehicle manufacturer.
Q: Does my vehicle have a breather filter?
A: To find out if your vehicle has a breather filter, check your vehicle's manual, look up your vehicle in our Filter Lookup, call the PROs, or contact your vehicle manufacturer.
Q: Can I use a PurolatorONE™ oil filter on my motorcycle?
A: Purolator highly recommends using the PurolatorSPORT™ motorcycle filter specially designed for motorcycles and ATVs. Check out the Purolator Motorcycle and ATV Application Guide to find the right motorcycle filter for your bike.
Q: I bought a Purolator Cabin Filter for my car, but I'm not sure how to install it. Can you help?
A: Inside most Purolator Cabin Air Filter boxes you will find a detailed installation instruction sheet. All instructions are also available in PDF format on this site. Please note that some filters are very easy to install (less than 5 minutes), while others are more difficult (45+ minutes), due to the location of the cabin filter housing.
Q: Can I order my filter directly from Purolator?
A: Sorry, we don’t sell our products directly to customers, but you can find Purolator filters at our retail partners. Purolator filters can also be purchased from automotive jobbers and internet trading partners.
Q: How much do filters cost?
A: Our filtration product prices vary by filter type and application, but all are a relatively inexpensive investment to improve your engine’s performance and extend its life. Please check with your retailer for specific product pricing.
Q: I want a bigger oil filter so I can maximize my filtration potential. What filter can you recommend?
A: We only recommend the application specified for your vehicle. Any use of a filter not on our OEM recommended list will void the warranty we provide for our filters. Purolator filters are built for specific vehicles, and even if one oil filter can look the same as another, it won’t necessarily fit your application. Any custom oil conversion or relocator kits should have a filter size recommendation on the instruction sheet. You can use this recommendation to find a corresponding Purolator part number.
Q: I measured the filter that's currently in my vehicle and am looking for a replacement. Can you tell me what the equivalent Purolator part number is based on filter dimensions?
A: We only recommend the application specified for your vehicle. Any use of a filter not on our OEM recommended list will void the warranty we provide for our filters. Purolator filters are built for specific vehicles. Even if the filter looks the same or has the same dimensions, it doesn't mean it’s appropriate for your use.
Q: Where can I find more information on filters?
A: The following sites are good resources for additional car care, filtration, recycling and general automotive information:
Still have a question? Contact the PROs for assistance.