Oil Filter Specifications Worth Noting
Like tires, engine oil, and car components in general, there are various important factors to consider when choosing an oil filter. The two most significant dimensions for engine oil filters are thread size, gasket size, and filter height.
Thread Size
In most vehicles, the oil filter is found underneath the car on the engine block. Most oil filters have female-threaded fittings that attach to the male-threaded engine block as a nut attaches to a bolt. Therefore, the distance between the threads and the number of threads on your replacement oil filter must precisely line up to the corresponding threads on the engine block.
“Thread size” is a valuable measurement that helps you determine if the female-threaded fittings will fit the engine threads. You need to make sure you get an oil filter with the correct thread size so it fits your engine block properly. While a filter with an incorrect thread size might screw on and look like it fits, it can lead to leaks and issues with oil pressure.
Gasket Size
The gasket size describes the inner and outer diameter of an oil filter's o-shaped opening, which should fit snugly onto the filter mount on the engine block. The inside and outside diameter refer to the distance between the inner and outer edges of the gasket, respectively.
Oil Filter Height
Your oil filter height describes the length of your filter. This is an essential measurement because the filter must be as long as the filter mount on the engine to attach securely to your engine block.
What Can Happen When You Use Aftermarket Oil Filters?
Although oil filters are usually inexpensive, some aftermarket parts manufacturers may undercut pricing and quality to get more business. However, as with most things in life, you take the risk of getting what you pay for — cheaply made filters that may fit imprecisely. Here are a few possible drawbacks of not using genuine filters.
Compromised Oil Pressure
Can the wrong oil filter cause low oil pressure? Yes! If you've ever experienced low or high blood pressure yourself, you probably know how unpleasant the symptoms can be! And since oil is the lifeblood of your engine, it's no surprise that inadequate pressure can lead to some scary side effects, such as insufficient lubrication and engine seizing.
Possible Oil Leaks
Using an oil filter with the wrong thread size, gasket diameter, or height may lead to loose fitment or stripped threads, which can both result in oil leaks. In the short term, oil leaks can be annoying and costly, requiring you to top up your engine oil more frequently. If left unchecked, oil leaks will deplete your oil levels, which may lead to overheating, warping of engine components, and possibly even engine failure.
The Wrong Oil Filter Is A Disservice To Your Engine
Without a precisely-fitted filter, your INFINITI engine may not run like the well-oiled machine it was meant to be! Whether improper fitment leads to cross-threading, thread stripping, or decreased pressure, one thing is sure — using the wrong oil filter may lead to engine problems down the road.
However, given all the measurements, thread sizes, and other fitment specifications to consider, you may feel intimidated by the prospect of finding a new filter. Take the guesswork out of shopping for INFINITI engine components by selecting your vehicle model, year, and trim on the INFINITI Parts website. You'll get a list of genuine INFINITI parts and accessories made to fit your INFINITI that you can ship to your home or a service center near you.