Air Filter OEM vs Fram (Aftermarket)

14071 Views 14 Replies 8 Participants Last post by Traxy, Nov 14, 2017

richbloom

Discussion Starter · Jan 26, 2015

4

Ok I should probably start by saying I way over maintain my vehicles. I have a 2014 Trax Lt with 10,500 km (6562 miles) on it. I recently did my first oil change early (9,700 km)at the local Chevy dealership as the first four are free.
I also wanted to change my air filter and cabin air filter (yes I know it's not necessary again I am anal lol) So I checked the price at the dealership and the air filter was $75 and the cabin air filter was $45. I then went to Canadian Tire and purchased a Fram cabin air filter and a Fram air filter. The cabin air filters were very similar with no concerns but not so with the air filter. I will not buy Fram again. I have attached pictures. There are way less pleats in the filter which of course lets more dirt and crap through the filter. The Fram filter feels cheaper and looks cheap in my opinion compared to the original Chevy filter. I just wanted to share my thoughts on this. I am hoping that K&N will soon make a washable filter for the Trax.

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chevyfan

· #2 · Jan 27, 2015

Another reason why I stick with OEM or wait for K&N to come out with their version. Plus you can't go wrong with staying OEM, after all they engineered that whole air box setup for that engine and likely knows what truly best for it.

probak118

· #3 · Jan 28, 2015

Can't argue with the pictures but, I have never heard of issues using a Fram filter. Would the # of pleads simply not mean more surface area ? The important thing being the size of the pores in the filter surface itself ? If both have the same pore sizes , the one with more surface area might last a little longer. They would both stop the same size dirt particles. In your case, changing filters before they are actually dirty might be cheaper to go with the Fram ?

chevyfan

· #4 · Jan 28, 2015

would you ever try looking for a K&N filter that comes close enough to what you need or just wait it out? Trying to find something close enough might just work out.

lordphilippe

· #5 · Apr 1, 2015

KN Filter for Trax here:
http://www.traxforum.com/forum/474-...gine-aire-filter-replacement-kn-new-post.html

MaxTrax

· #6 · Apr 2, 2015

At what mileage should you start thinking about replacing your OEM air filter?

probak118

· #7 · Apr 3, 2015

No real mileage

Generally when you cannot see the light from the sun passing thru the paper folds. But, most change it before that happens. Sometimes you can clean it with a compressor air hose nozzle. Blowing dirt out the same way it is laid on the surface.

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chevyfan

· #8 · Apr 4, 2015

probak118 said:
Generally when you cannot see the light from the sun passing thru the paper folds. But, most change it before that happens. Sometimes you can clean it with a compressor air hose nozzle. Blowing dirt out the same way it is laid on the surface.

Thanks for mentioning that, never checked my filters in 'real time' to gauge the condition of it. Always went by the manual.

Only downside about cleaning it with a compressor is that not everyone has access to one.

probak118

· #9 · Apr 5, 2015

Used to be air filters were so cheaply priced you would change them because it was time . Our Dodge Journey has had the same filter for 3 years !! ( Cleaning it must help and we try to stay off gravel roads). Dealer finally said, starting to look dirty should change it next oil change ( 26 K ) on it now. Rather than pay $40 for throw away, I ordered the $70 K & N from Canadian Tire. Like others for the Trax, I will buy a K&N filter but will wait till company actually approves / manufactures one specifically for the Trax.

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James

· #10 · Apr 7, 2015

probak118 said:
Used to be air filters were so cheaply priced you would change them because it was time . Our Dodge Journey has had the same filter for 3 years !! ( Cleaning it must help and we try to stay off gravel roads). Dealer finally said, starting to look dirty should change it next oil change ( 26 K ) on it now. Rather than pay $40 for throw away, I ordered the $70 K & N from Canadian Tire. Like others for the Trax, I will buy a K&N filter but will wait till company actually approves / manufactures one specifically for the Trax.

Good choice.

At least you clean your filter. Some people never change simple things like filters nor clean them, poor engines.

Traxy

· #11 · Nov 12, 2017 (Edited)

I have no qualms with Fram filter, they meet or exceed OEM specifications. Changed the intake and cabin air filter. Used Fram Extra Guard CA11501 and Fram freshbreeze CF10775. They weren't to dirty but I was getting a little ballerina foot smell whenever I would turn on AC so figured it wouldn't hurt.

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beeguz

· #12 · Nov 13, 2017

I take mine out every now and then blow it out with air from the back then blow out the cavity where the dirt collects.
If you don't clean out the cavity everytime you start the car the dirt and dust laying in the bottom of that cavity just gets sucked up on to the filter

The filter in the Buick can be cleaned and reused, if it is I will be buying one replacement, the other will be washed.
While I have the new one in the car the other will be drying, I have had great success using very hot water and Simple Green to wash them.

I see no decrease in fuel mileage or power loss washing the air filters, some cheaper filters do not respond to being cleaned, most brand names clean well.

I don't use K&N anymore they loose filtering ability after awhile and if you are over oiling the filter the excess oil can screw up the MAF, I see no reason to buy them.

I did experiment with them years ago, tested them on my cars and some of my brothers cars, we both saw that the mileage or performance didn't change.

Your best fuel mileage is from a cheap paper filter that is changed every 10K.

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Traxy

· #13 · Nov 13, 2017

Blowing the back of the filter with pressurized air is not recommend since it apparently forces enlargement of the holes and eliminates the capacity of the filter to filter microscopic particles. At $20 I change them once a year. Done.

beeguz

· #14 · Nov 14, 2017

Nothing is recommended to do except replace today, don't rebuild it replace, oh no you can't clean it buy buy buy a new one.

Poor GM only made a 3.2 billion this year selling things to people that they really didn't need.

Traxy

· #15 · Nov 14, 2017

GM isn't making money when I buy Fram...lol

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