Paid How and Where You Drive Determines the Oil Filter You Need

When it comes to choosing the right oil filter, the right choice will depend on what type of driver you are and where you often drive. Driving styles range from normal to severe to extreme, but most drivers might be surprised to know that over 80 percent of all driving is considered “severe” or “harsh.” If you drive near construction sites, farmland, dirt, gravel or pavement that has been treated against winter storms, your vehicle is being exposed to the kind of dirt and dust that can affect the performance of a vehicle’s engine.

Donald Chilton, director of product management at MANN+HUMMEL, says, “Once you identify how and where you drive, you can take the correct steps to ensure you maintain your vehicle properly. The right filter will help your vehicle operate at its full potential.”

Normal Drivers

Normal drives are nonstrenuous in simple daily travel. They are devoid of stop-and-go traffic, short trips, hauling and high heat. These drivers use conventional motor oil that should typically be changed every 3,000 to 5,000 miles.

Normal drivers should use a standard filter.

Severe Drivers

Severe driving includes stop-and-go traffic and commutes in the city or heavy traffic with dirty and dusty conditions. These drivers use conventional, synthetic or synthetic-blended motor oil that should typically be changed every 3,750 to 10,000 miles.

Severe drivers should use a premium oil filter.

 Extreme Drivers

Extreme drivers use their vehicles in the harshest conditions including towing trailers, boats or heavy equipment. They also drive in extreme temperature conditions. These drivers use synthetic motor oil that should typically be changed every 3,750 to 10,000.

Extreme drivers should use a high-premium oil filter.

Choose the correct filter.

After evaluating how you drive and your vehicle usage, Chilton says options abound including WIX Filters’ Premium or XP high-premium oil filters.  Premium filters feature quality glass enhanced cellulose media, a spiral steel center tube, a silicone rubber anti-drain back valve, metal base plate, and end caps for durability under pressure. The XP oil filter features wire-backed full-synthetic media and are made for today’s longer service intervals. The XP oil filters are ideal for heavy loads, city driving and extreme driving conditions, and XP is designed for full-synthetic oils.

Also remember to inspect and replace your cabin air filter every 12 months or 15,000 miles to help block unpleasant odors and pollutants in the passenger cabin.

For more information, visit how-you-drive.com, and use the Filter Look-Up to find the correct WIX filter for any vehicle.