1. Attachments are working again! Check out this thread for more details and to report any other bugs.

Best oil & air filters?

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by Troy Heagy, May 12, 2014.

  1. Troy Heagy

    Troy Heagy Member

    Joined:
    Apr 21, 2013
    1,218
    4
    0
    Vehicle:
    2013 Prius
    Model:
    One
    He says with absolutely no evidence whatsoever. Tests shows that Honda and Toyota oil filters are pretty poor at removing dirt..... 20 micron nominal efficiency is not good..... but makes sense because they want the engine to wear-out so they can sell new ones (my conjecture).

    And yes I run Mobil 1's oil with Toyota label in my insight. Oil analysis shows it is good, but more expensive than buying the Mobil 1 jug in the grocery store or Walmart. I plan to switch to the cheaper M1 with same oil analysis results.
    [​IMG]
     
  2. qdllc

    qdllc Senior Member

    Joined:
    Aug 25, 2013
    1,358
    396
    0
    Vehicle:
    2013 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    No auto maker makes their own fluids, filters or wires. Buying brand name = price gouge.

    I've gone with Amsoil for years because it won't gel until -70 F. That's great in cold climates so you don't need a block heater. It's getting pricy, but the pure synthetics available in stores are almost as bad, so it's a matter of how you feel about that.

    I've never had a problem with Fram filters, but I'm running Purolator for the Prius and my motorcycle because they are one of the few companies that make the filter size(s) I need, and they have an excellent rating for performance.

    On a side note, the coolant on my dad's Highlander from Toyota was insanely pricey. Worse yet was that the instructions said to remove drain holes in the engine block to get it all out before filling. Toyota's service techs wanted double to do that. Their normal practice was to just drain and fill because it was faster and cheaper. We ended up doing it ourselves via a standard flush and fill, but we had to detach a coolant hose to get everything out until clear water flowed. The lines were too big for the OTC Prestone T-connector for a garden hose.
     
  3. snead_c

    snead_c Jam Ma's Car

    Joined:
    Nov 18, 2008
    667
    58
    0
    Location:
    Hendersonville
    Vehicle:
    2013 Prius
    Model:
    Four
    While I've used Pure Ones and never had any problems I suspect most owners will get satisfactory service from Toyota filters and name brand full synthetic oil changed according to schedule.
     
  4. El Dobro

    El Dobro A Member

    Joined:
    Jul 12, 2011
    6,972
    3,209
    1
    Location:
    NJ
    Vehicle:
    Other Electric Vehicle
    Model:
    N/A
    I was using the Toyota oil bottled by Idemitsu for them, but I used it up and am switching to Mobil 1. For filters, I use the Toyota ones that I buy over the internet.
     
  5. Troy Heagy

    Troy Heagy Member

    Joined:
    Apr 21, 2013
    1,218
    4
    0
    Vehicle:
    2013 Prius
    Model:
    One
    It amazes me people say "toyota filters are good" even when shown evidence they are not (the graph I posted). Oh well.
    $22 for a 5-quart jug of Mobil 1 is about $4.50 per quart. The -70 degree Amsoil you discussed is $11 per quart. Big difference in cost.
     
  6. engerysaver

    engerysaver Real Senior Member

    Joined:
    Nov 26, 2011
    426
    130
    0
    Location:
    Tyler, Texas ; USA
    Vehicle:
    2011 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    I do not know:unsure: any tests on Toyota oil & air filters ...... I'm sure Toyota specs are high!!(y)
    Toyota does use paper air filters over oil dried air filters; maybe this site might help;

    Air Filtration Test - Bob is the Oil Guy - Bob is the Oil Guy

    Remember; Toyota must be doing something right, in making a GREAT Prius!!:)
     
    snead_c and dbcassidy like this.
  7. Troy Heagy

    Troy Heagy Member

    Joined:
    Apr 21, 2013
    1,218
    4
    0
    Vehicle:
    2013 Prius
    Model:
    One
    I have posted this test 3 times. How can you claim you have not seen it??? :eek: :( Toyota only filters oil downto 20 micron (nominal) which is poor compared to other filters that go as small as 5 micron.

    [​IMG]
     
  8. engerysaver

    engerysaver Real Senior Member

    Joined:
    Nov 26, 2011
    426
    130
    0
    Location:
    Tyler, Texas ; USA
    Vehicle:
    2011 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    Where is this so called, " independent web-site "???:rolleyes:
    Consumer Reports?
     
  9. Troy Heagy

    Troy Heagy Member

    Joined:
    Apr 21, 2013
    1,218
    4
    0
    Vehicle:
    2013 Prius
    Model:
    One
    Strawman argument.
    I didn't claim "independent" testing. If you have one please share it with us (looking at filters to see which is darker is not a proper test). An amsoil SAE-compliant test of Toyota filters is all I have. I like my prius and want to use the BEST filter, not the cheapass Toyota filter that lets dirt smaller than 20 micron get through.
     
    #29 Troy Heagy, Jun 8, 2014
    Last edited: Jun 8, 2014
  10. engerysaver

    engerysaver Real Senior Member

    Joined:
    Nov 26, 2011
    426
    130
    0
    Location:
    Tyler, Texas ; USA
    Vehicle:
    2011 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    I have nothing against AMSOIL !! They are just trying to sell their products. When a company does their tests, their results can very; and results can be read in different ways.

    When you started this thread; it sounds like your mind was all ready made up. If you want to use AMSOIL, use it; and give us some feed back, later.
    Most of your feed back, was to stay with Toyota oil filter and air filter!!
    Their are some old threads on air filters and cabin filters.

    Maybe you need to do a poll?
     
  11. BruceInOKC

    BruceInOKC Member

    Joined:
    Jul 29, 2009
    190
    90
    0
    Location:
    Oklahoma City, OK
    Vehicle:
    2017 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    Troy, I've struggled with the same question, and I'm also a BITOG member. No PureOne cartridge is offered for the Gen III Prius, the Purolator Application Guide states, "Not Available - Availability to be Announced." None of the other cartridges on the market I've looked at can match the PureOne's filtration level or be considered a "P1 equivalent." M1 and K&N are a step down in filtration, but not in their quality of construction. The TRD filters I've examined had poor quality control, with split media along the seams. Wix, Fram, and German filters like Knecht, Mahle, and Mann? They might or might not be better choices. I'm sorry I can't help more, but I haven't spent enough time researching it.

    Cartridges do have the advantage of being cheaper to produce, less wasteful of resources, and easier to inspect (before, during, and after use). The disadvantage is the highly-limited selection of cartridges on the market that will fit your vehicle. Sigh, I miss my 2009 Civic Hybrid, which accepted the PureOne PL14610 canister filter - but not getting the lower mileage. ;)

    I'd be less concerned about replacing the Toyota air filter, which appears to be a far better filter than the oil filter.
     
  12. engerysaver

    engerysaver Real Senior Member

    Joined:
    Nov 26, 2011
    426
    130
    0
    Location:
    Tyler, Texas ; USA
    Vehicle:
    2011 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    There is another thing you need to think about? ... AMSOIL filters as small as 5 microns!! That sounds GREAT!!
    QUESTION: How much oil is going through it?....,. 15%; 20% What % ??
    If the oil is not flowing fast ; Guess what ? Your ICE gets HOT!!

    " The SAE J1858 test provides both particle counting and gravimetric measurement to measure filter capacity and efficiency. Actual counts of contaminant particles by size are obtained every 10 minutes, both upstream (before the filter) and downstream (after the filter), for evaluation. From this data filtration ratio and efficiency for each contaminant particle size can be determined as well as dust capacity and pressure loss as a function of time. Typical numbers for paper element filters are 40% at 10 microns, 60% at 20 microns, 93% at 30 microns, and 97% at 40 microns. " Here is the web-site: Oil Filters Revealed - MiniMopar Resources
    And guess what? It is from Mopar??

    Area filter size also makes a difference ..... the larger the filter paper area , the more flow you will have.

    This is to give you something to think about?
    Maybe Toyota knows best?
     
  13. Troy Heagy

    Troy Heagy Member

    Joined:
    Apr 21, 2013
    1,218
    4
    0
    Vehicle:
    2013 Prius
    Model:
    One
    Amsoil doesn't filter downto 5 microns. The old filters from 5 years ago did, but the new design does not.
    Yes I already made-up my mind Not to use Honda or Toyota in my cars, because they lack the ability to filter dirt smaller than 20 micron (which is basically a F grade). My preference is for the 5 micron filtering of PureOne or Royal Purple.

    The next best one is UltraGard at 10 micron.
     
  14. Troy Heagy

    Troy Heagy Member

    Joined:
    Apr 21, 2013
    1,218
    4
    0
    Vehicle:
    2013 Prius
    Model:
    One
    Nonsense. First the filters have bypass valves so if the filter became clogged, or engine demands WOT oil flow, the valve will open and let it go through unrestricted. 2nd I' d notice if the engine was getting hot, because of the temperature needle rising (which even with my restrictive PureOne on my Honda & Mitsubishi never happened). 3rd engines are not cooled by a few quarts of oil. 99.9% of the cooling comes from the water-based system.

    Toyota knows best? Well I used to think that until I saw the company get involved in 3 classaction lawsuits this past decade: Oil gelling in the engine, runaway acceleration due to error in ECM code, and now an oil leakage problem (1 quart loss every 1000 miles). I don't trust Toyota anymore than I trust Honda to install reliable batteries.
     
    #34 Troy Heagy, Jun 8, 2014
    Last edited: Jun 9, 2014
    Prius-Paul likes this.
  15. Prius-Paul

    Prius-Paul New Member

    Joined:
    Jun 2, 2014
    16
    5
    0
    Vehicle:
    2014 Prius
    Model:
    Four
    I have always used fram filters with (0) issues.
    But will stick with O E M till warranty is out !!
     
  16. engerysaver

    engerysaver Real Senior Member

    Joined:
    Nov 26, 2011
    426
    130
    0
    Location:
    Tyler, Texas ; USA
    Vehicle:
    2011 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    Yes; I know they have by-pass valves; I'm glad you know that to!!
    I agree, there is not enough info on Toyota oil filters.
    I think Denso makes Toyota oil filters, according to Toyota specs.... what ever they are?
    Made in Thailand!!

    If you find a filter , let us know, what kind of oil filter and why?

    I'm all for a better oil filter, because I tow with my Prius; but I change my oil every 5,000 miles.

    Man; You are really DOWN on Toyota!!
     
  17. engerysaver

    engerysaver Real Senior Member

    Joined:
    Nov 26, 2011
    426
    130
    0
    Location:
    Tyler, Texas ; USA
    Vehicle:
    2011 Prius
    Model:
    Two
  18. Troy Heagy

    Troy Heagy Member

    Joined:
    Apr 21, 2013
    1,218
    4
    0
    Vehicle:
    2013 Prius
    Model:
    One
    The Moss-Magnuson Act says you cannot be denied warranty simply because you used non-Toyota oil or filters.

    Unfortunately "it looks dense" is not how your perform a filter test. The SAE has a defined method of passing actual dirt through a filter & then measuring how much gets passed. Most filters will stop dirt as small as 10 micron, whereas the Toyota filter can't even do that.

    I'm "down" on all OEMs not just Toyota. For example Volkswagen makes fuel pumps that implode and kill engines. Honda makes batteries that don't last. GM has faulty ignition switches & other stuff. Mazda can't make a diesel engine that holds its oil level.....
     
    torr310 likes this.
  19. pmike

    pmike Member

    Joined:
    Feb 29, 2012
    233
    80
    0
    Location:
    Central Florida
    Vehicle:
    2013 Prius
    Model:
    Two
  20. nedear88

    nedear88 My 1st Prius.

    Joined:
    Mar 12, 2011
    245
    140
    0
    Location:
    San Bruno, California
    Vehicle:
    2011 Prius
    Model:
    Four
    Well...the OE oil filter is the cartridge type not the 1 piece metal housing style, you can see clearly thru the pleads. I don't see any holes or tiny holes at least it hold up really well after 10k miles. I've tried K&N, PureOne and it works the same. I decide to go with OEM oil filter at least it's cheap and meet the factory standard.