We review the three common FRAM oil filters that you’ll find available for your vehicle. Released in 1991, the Extra Guard oil filter features a glass media technology. FRAM released its Tough Guard oil filter in 1997. This oil filter was designed to handle more severe driving conditions. Finally, in 2012, the FRAM Ultra Synthetic oil filter was released. Designed specifically for synthetic oil, this filter offers 99% filtration efficiency.
Recently, FRAM announced a new and improved Ultra Synthetic oil filter featuring a 2-ply media design. One side of the media is a synthetic blend for durable structure and filtering support. The other side features a fully synthetic media which FRAM says will offer a higher flow efficiency and superior filtration performance. Let’s review the features and specs of all three FRAM oil filters.
FRAM Extra Guard
This filter is targeted towards the everyday driver who performs oil changes at OE recommended intervals. The filtration media is a cellulose and glass blended media. A silicone anti-drain back valve and internally lubricated sealing gasket is also key features of this oil filter.
- 10,000 Mile Protection
- Capture 95% of dirt particles that cause harmful engine wear. – FRAM Group testing of average filter efficiency of PH8A, 3387A and 4967 or equivalent FRAM TG or XG models under ISO 4548-12 for particles greater than 20 microns.
- Silicone anti-drainback valve delivers superior start-up engine protection with up to 3X the hot oil resistance. – Greater than 3X the functional life of Nitrile ADB when tested per SAE HS806 hot oil and Anti-drain-back test.
FRAM Tough Guard Review
FRAM suggests this oil filter for drivers with high mileage vehicles or those who deal with stop-and-go traffic, towing, or extreme weather. Our re-engineered Synthetic-Blend filter media that provides premium engine protection for your vehicle. The filter media consists of a synthetic fiber/cellulose blend and increases dirt-trapping and dirt-holding capacity. The Tough Guard oil filter features a silicone anti-drain back valve and internally lubricated sealing gasket just like the Extra Guard filter.
- 15,000 Mile Protection
- Provides an outstanding 99% dirt-trapping efficiency. – FRAM Group testing of average filter efficiency of PH8A, 3387A and 4967 or equivalent FRAM TG or XG models under ISO 4548-12 for particles greater than 20 microns.
- Silicone anti-drainback valve delivers superior start-up engine protection with up to 3X the hot oil resistance. – Greater than 3X the functional life of Nitrile ADB when tested per SAE HS806 hot oil and Anti-drain-back test.
FRAM Ultra Synthetic Oil Filter Review
The Ultra Synthetic oil filter offers the highest filtration efficiency and greatest duration between filter changes. Get up to 20,000 miles when using an appropriate synthetic oil. This filter is engineered for all motor oil types, however you will want to use a premium full synthetic oil if you plan to go the full 20,000 miles.
The same anti-drainback valve from the Tough Guard, and Extra Guard oil filters is also on the Ultra Synthetic. However, the gasket is an advanced high temperature nitrile gasket which FRAM says extends the durability of the filter. FRAM manufacturers over 90% of its Ultra Synthetic filters here in the US.
- 20,000 Mile Protection
- Dual layered synthetic blend media provides 99%+ filtration efficiency. – FRAM Group testing of average filter efficiency of PH8A, 3387A and 4967 or equivalent FRAM TG or EG models under ISO 4548-12 for particles greater than 20 microns.
- Silicone anti-drainback valve delivers superior start-up engine protection with up to 3X the hot oil resistance. – Greater than 3X the functional life of Nitrile ADB when tested per SAE HS806 hot oil and Anti-drain-back test.
All the FRAM oil filters offer their SureGrip technology which offers a non-slip coating on the exterior of their filters. This aids in the installation and removal of the oil filter. This may prevent the need for an oil filter wrench or similar removal tool and save you some hassle. Have you read our review of FRAM’s newest oil filters?
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