In the same way filters help you breathe, filters are necessary for your car to breathe. There are many different engine oil, air, fuel, hydraulic and coolant filters available in the marketplace. Filters intended for use on the same applications may look similar, but they may not perform the same. There can be major differences in quality amongst different types of filters. Understanding how they fit and function is vital to protecting your investment. You should inspect your filters with the following tests to make sure they are suitable for use.

 There are a few things that you can observe from simply looking at the filter, such as:

• Spin-on threads should be cleanly cut or rolled and free of debris
• Spin-on canister (shell) or filter end caps should be free from dents
• Ensure that there are no visual cuts or tears in the filter media, gaskets or seals
  All gaskets or seals should be firmly attached to the filter unless they are intended to be unattached
• All unattached gaskets and seals that are needed to complete filter service should be included in the package
• The end caps should be firmly attached to the filter
• The filter should be packaged in such a way as to keep it clean before use

What about those items we cannot see?

• The typical spin-on engine oil, fuel or hydraulic filter should not rattle when shaken. If it does, this may be a sign of a lack of spring compression, which may lead to a possible bypass of fluid around the filter.  However, there are some coolant filters that include supplemental coolant additives that may be an exception. This is acceptable because the rattling is just caused by chemical pellets inside the filter.
• As a rule, if the OE filter includes a bypass valve, then the aftermarket filter should as well. It is important that this valve is designed to open at the same differential pressure as that of the OE.
• The filter media and structural integrity of the complete filter should be designed to specifically meet the application requirements.

Hastings filters are designed, manufactured and tested to industry standards to ensure that they meet the OE requirements for the application and the performance requirements of our customers. You can browse their filters here.

This article was produced in collaboration with Hastings Premium Filters