Which is a better filter if price was NOT the issue?
Advance Auto Parts Total Grip VS. Fram Extra Guard
- Thread starter VK56VD
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Allowing me to rephrase the title of this thread will give you the answer:
"Any Other Filter VS. Fram Extra Guard"
You'll find that FRAM oil filters are not well respected here, and I have personal experience with the poor quality of their fuel filters.
I just bought a few AA3600 and AA16 filters in the Advance Auto BOGOF sale. The AA3600's baseplate looks like a Purolator...not sure about the AA16.
"Any Other Filter VS. Fram Extra Guard"
You'll find that FRAM oil filters are not well respected here, and I have personal experience with the poor quality of their fuel filters.
I just bought a few AA3600 and AA16 filters in the Advance Auto BOGOF sale. The AA3600's baseplate looks like a Purolator...not sure about the AA16.
Yea, it appears that they are coated Purolator filters. I would not even consider a Fram. For $1.44 (Bogo sale), these are a steal! I keep going back for more...
Are the AAP filters actually made at Purolator's factory or are they just direct clones and made somewhere else?
Just Tires uses em. The guy told me they were Puros, I cut one open from my girlie's car, and sure-nuff, there was that weird little string they tie round the media..
Have no idea what that's for..
Have no idea what that's for..
"Are the AAP filters actually made at Purolator's factory or are they just direct clones and made somewhere else? "
Several posters have indicated they think and/or were told the Total Grips are made by Purolator. Is there any printing on the filter or box that they were made by Purolator? The reason I'm asking is O'Reilly Auto Parts sells a MicroGard filter. The MicroGard filter uses numbers similar to Purolator filters for a given application. Case in point: 2004 Dodge Dakota 4.7L V8 uses Purolator L14670 or MicroGard GL14670. Also, uses Fram PH16 or Advance Auto Parts Total Grip AA16. The MicroGard filter box clearly states "Distributed by Ozark Automotive" and "Manufactured by Purolator Filters". IIRC, the Advance Auto Parts Total Grip filter box clearly states "compare to Fram". Now, granted, there probably is a disclaimer that the filters are not made by Honeywell/Fram. This would be in line with the AA oil being "compare(d) to Havoline" but not being made by Chevron/Texaco.
So, what's my point? Why does one store-branded filter clearly states it is made by Purolator, while another does not?
Several posters have indicated they think and/or were told the Total Grips are made by Purolator. Is there any printing on the filter or box that they were made by Purolator? The reason I'm asking is O'Reilly Auto Parts sells a MicroGard filter. The MicroGard filter uses numbers similar to Purolator filters for a given application. Case in point: 2004 Dodge Dakota 4.7L V8 uses Purolator L14670 or MicroGard GL14670. Also, uses Fram PH16 or Advance Auto Parts Total Grip AA16. The MicroGard filter box clearly states "Distributed by Ozark Automotive" and "Manufactured by Purolator Filters". IIRC, the Advance Auto Parts Total Grip filter box clearly states "compare to Fram". Now, granted, there probably is a disclaimer that the filters are not made by Honeywell/Fram. This would be in line with the AA oil being "compare(d) to Havoline" but not being made by Chevron/Texaco.
So, what's my point? Why does one store-branded filter clearly states it is made by Purolator, while another does not?
No. I just checked the box of a Total Grip AA2870A filter that I purchased last Friday. All it says is "Compare to Fram" & "Made in the USA"
Well, to summarize:
1. The AA filters use numbering similar to Fram (AA16 - Advance; PH16 - Fram) while O'Reilly's Microgard uses Purolator numbering (L14670 - Purolator; GL14670 - MicroGard).
2. The AA filter boxes state "Compare to Fram" with no apparent disclaimer that they are NOT made by Fram (like the AA oil does for its claim to "Compare to Havoline").
So, could it be the AA filters are made by Fram instead of Purolator? Or, made by another filter manufacturer other than Purolator or Fram, such as Champion Labs? AA already sells K&N, AC/Delco, and Mobil 1, so the relationship is already there. HMMMMM. Something to think about, perhaps?
the AA oil filters i bought last night clearly state that they are not made by Honeywell(Fram). It doesnt say though who makes them.
When I got my AA oil filter everything matched up with a Purolator filter except the rough coating. The stickers on them were even the same size and shape, just different writing and color of course. So, I would pretty much bet on Purolator.
They are definetly not made by Fram as it clearly states that on the box.
...but for $1.44 a filter, I'm not going to complain as they will be used for 3k mile OCI with Castrol GTX in my '99 Maxima. Most likely they will not deteriorate in 3k and will serve will for the very short OCI.
Simply look down the center tube.
It's identical to a Purolator; ergo: AA filters are made by Purolator.
They also make the Quaker State filters for Menard's.
Both are often on sale for $2 or thereabouts.
It's identical to a Purolator; ergo: AA filters are made by Purolator.
They also make the Quaker State filters for Menard's.
Both are often on sale for $2 or thereabouts.
It does say "Compare to Fram*". The asterisk generally indicates that there is some sort of disclaimer that it is not made by Fram. But someone else said they didn't see any disclaimer. Oh, well...
Ok. I'll do a new summary.
1. The box does have a disclaimer that it is not made by Fram.
2. Looking down the center tube or cutting one open (someone said so earlier) indicates a Purolator-like construction.
Ok. So it seems they are made by Purolator. Why all the confusion of "Compare to Fram"? Oh. Wait a minute. I know. Not everyone knows BITOG. To the "un-BITOG-educated masses", Fram is much better than Purolator.
I don't have any AA filters left, but isn't the filter hotline phone number printed on the box the same as it is for Purolator filters?
The Fram numbering system fools many people.
I personally find the Purolator system confusing; have to look the numbers I need up each time; Fram # system is easier to remember.
I personally find the Purolator system confusing; have to look the numbers I need up each time; Fram # system is easier to remember.
Final answer:
I was at AA today. Read the Total Grip box. In tiny, barely-legible black print on the side of the box, are the words "Not made by Honeywell...manufacturers of Fram filters". Also, it has the 96% multi-pass efficiency test results listed on the side of the box, just like a Purolator Premium Plus filter (compared it). So...
My findings coupled with what others have said proves the TotalGrips are made by Purolator. Still don't know why AA isn't more open about it being made by Purolator. They must want to "lure" some of the Fram diehards away from Fram. Hence, the "Compare to Fram" statement.
I was at AA today. Read the Total Grip box. In tiny, barely-legible black print on the side of the box, are the words "Not made by Honeywell...manufacturers of Fram filters". Also, it has the 96% multi-pass efficiency test results listed on the side of the box, just like a Purolator Premium Plus filter (compared it). So...
My findings coupled with what others have said proves the TotalGrips are made by Purolator. Still don't know why AA isn't more open about it being made by Purolator. They must want to "lure" some of the Fram diehards away from Fram. Hence, the "Compare to Fram" statement.
Called Purolator for a Reference number for my Camry. The little red AAP filter is made by purolator. It is the same as the purolator plus, every thing is the same the representive informed me for the exception of the red paint and the price. $1.44 or 4.99, this is an easy choice for me...
Agreed. @ $1.44, i'm sold.
holy cow, where are they selling premium plus Purolator's for 4.99?
most i've seen them for were just under 3 bucks.
I usually buy mine at Fleet Farm for 2.69
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