OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer. When it comes to air filters, an OEM air filter is made for your exact make and model. This means it works the best and makes your engine work the best. But why does this matter, and how are these filters different from the ones you can get at the auto parts store?
Are OEM Air Filters Better?
It’s not just important to change your filters when you’re supposed to. You also have to use the right kind of filters. OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) filters are a lot better than the cheap ones.
Exact Fit
OEM air filters are designed for your vehicle make and model. This means they fit perfectly in your vehicle’s air intake system with no gaps for unfiltered air to get through. This is important because even tiny particles can cause a lot of damage to your engine over time.
Working the same way every time
OEM air filters work the same way every time because they’re made to the exact specifications of the people who made your vehicle. This consistency is important because it helps your engine stay healthy and work as well as it can. The filter’s job is to catch dirt, dust, and other bad stuff without slowing down the air going into your engine. This is really important because it keeps your engine from wearing out too fast and helps you get better gas mileage.
Tested and okayed
The people who make OEM filters test them a lot to make sure they’re good filters that last a long time. They test them in all kinds of conditions to make sure they work right. Aftermarket filters might not go through the same tests, so they might not work as well or last as long.
Warranty
Using an OEM air filter can also help you keep your vehicle’s warranty. Some car makers say that if you use aftermarket parts and they mess up your vehicle, they won’t pay for the repairs. But if you use OEM parts, you know they’ll work right, and you won’t have to worry about that.
How Long Does an OEM Air Filter Last?
How long an OEM air filter lasts can be really different depending on things like what kind of vehicle you have, how you drive, and where you drive. Here’s a closer look at what affects how long an OEM air filter lasts and how you can make it last as long as possible.
Typical Lifespan
OEM air filters usually last between 15,000 to 30,000 miles if you drive like you’re supposed to. But if you drive in really dusty places or where the air is really dirty, like on dirt roads or in cities with bad air pollution, they might not last as long.
What makes them wear out faster
Where You Drive: Like I said before, if you drive in really dusty places or where the air is really dirty, like on dirt roads or in cities with bad air pollution, your filter might not last as long.
What Kind of Vehicle You Have: Some vehicles need their air filters changed more often than others because of how they’re made or how their engines work. Always look at the owner’s manual to know how often you should change your air filter.
Is an OEM Cabin Air Filter Worth It?
The cabin air filter is important because it keeps the air inside your car clean. OEM cabin air filters have more pleats and do a better job of filtering the air, so they last longer and trap more pollutants. That’s good if you care about the air quality inside your car and want to save money on filters.
Does an Air Filter Need to Be OEM?
When you need a new air filter, you have to decide if you want to buy an OEM filter or an aftermarket filter.
Here’s the thing about aftermarket air filters: some of them are good, and some of them are not so good. But here’s the deal: even the good ones don’t last as long as OEM air filters. The filter material in aftermarket filters is not as good as the filter material in OEM filters, so they don’t hold up as long.
Why is OEM More Expensive Than Aftermarket?
OEM air filters usually cost more than cheap ones because of their better quality. But if you know why they cost more, you can make a smarter choice about which kind to buy. Here’s a closer look at why OEM filters might cost more.
R&D Costs
They cost more because the people who make them do a lot of work to make sure they work right in your specific vehicle. This means they fit right and work the best, but it also means they cost more to make.
Another point is the people who make them test them a lot to make sure they work right and last a long time in your car. They test them in all kinds of different conditions to make sure they work right for as long as they’re supposed to.
Warranty and Support
Warranty Coverage: You know what’s awesome about OEM filters? They come with warranty coverage. That means if there’s something wrong with your filter, they’ll replace it. That’s a value add you might not get with aftermarket filters.
Dealer Support: When you buy OEM filters, you get access to dealer support. That means you can call up your dealer and get advice on how to install and maintain your filters. That’s a value add you might not get with aftermarket filters.
Brand Assurance
Here’s the thing about OEM parts: the manufacturer has invested a lot of money in their brand. When you buy an OEM part, you’re buying a part with their brand on it. That means you’re getting their guarantee that it’s a quality part that’s going to work. That’s worth something.
Is OEM as Good as Original?
There’s a misconception out there that OEM parts aren’t the same as the original parts that came with your car. This is not true. OEM parts are the same as the original parts. They’re made by the same people in the same factories, with the same materials and specifications. That means they’re going to fit and work just like the original parts.
Last Summary
Choosing the right air filter is important because it helps your engine last longer and run better. OEM air filters are made for your car, so they fit right and work right. OEM filters cost more, but they’re worth it because they keep your warranty good and make your engine run better.
