Are short oil filters or long oil filters better? And why are they made in both styles?

Question

Since the longer filter has more media(filter material)in it i would think its better,am i correct?.Should i use the larger one if possible?.

Answer 1

Okay first things first. The length of a filter can contain more filter material, however, with all of the diferent brands of filters on the market it is hard to say how much one contains over the other.
Being a certified mechanic (both State and dealer certified) I would recommend always using the filter specified by the vehicles manufacturer. Always use a quality brand name filter (STP, K&N, AC Delco, etc.) and avoid that made in "some third world country" Kmart carries it bargin crap. Always change your oil every three months or 3000 miles (which ever comes first), and use the correct weight and type of oil specified by the manufacturer. It is a great question you asked, but unless you are getting into custom motor applications, racing, or some other not driving your car one the road kind of thing, the correct filter is the ones the vehicles engineer designed for it.

Answer 2

Long Oil Filters

Answer 3

Just because the filter occupies more volume doesn't mean that there is more media in the filter, also the more media that the is in a filter the harder the oil pump has to work to keep circulating oil.

Any filter that is recommended for your vehicle will be fine as long as you change them on schedule.

Answer 4

Your on the right track.. The only reason for the smaller filters is for cramped engine compartments... we use a 2Qt filter on the race cars (available for the small block Chevy) Bigger is Better ! Use the larger Is better..

Answer 5

i own a repair shop,,and actually the long ones are better because they filter more oil and clean it better,,there made this way because every vehicle cant use the long one,,some have to have the short one on them,,because of clearance issues,but the long ones are the best if it will go on,,good luck i hope this help,s.

Answer 6

it is also important to remember that oil breaks down,if you use a short or long oil filter. as long as u maintain regular oil changes i don't think either filter should matter,use the recommend by service manuals.

Answer 7

actually what you want to do is buy a K&N filter, it doesnt matter long or short , k&N makes it so it has the qualities and performance of both the long and the short

Answer 8

lengthy hair is nice but requires upkeep and u have to grow that out for a long time

Answer 9

It's all just a matter of personal preference. We have short hair and guys just like it. And i prefer a person with short hair over a guy with long hair because long hair tends to make guys look also girly.

Answer 10

You hit a homerun!