Confused about filtration efficiency between Microgard select vs STP XL?

[apollo18]

hey all,



I need a 7317 filter for my 2014 acura rdx. I usually use microgard select which is $9.99 and has been fine for past few oil changes. I know the difference won't make a diff however the BITOGer in me got me thinking.



The micogard select on o'reillys website says

• 99 percent efficiency (Laboratory Test Performance per ISO 4548-12 at 25 microns)

Price is $9.99

I don't have advanced auto in my area so carquest is off the table. I have wally's nearby but I stay away from Fram as of late just due to previous "light leak" thing that was going on last year. I forgot exact issue but something about the gasket or the valve

I noticed Autozone has STP Extended Life Premium Oil Filter S7317XL for $10.50
The description on the AZ website says

• Captures particles as small as 20 microns with greater than 99% efficiency

I am not sure if these two are made at same factory but is it a no brainer to get the STP since its more efficient? or are they both likely PG meaning probably same efficiency depending on testing protocol/iso

Furthermore, AZ also has the STP Engine Oil Filter S7317ML which is rated for 20k miles and description says premium full synthetic fiber media delivering 99.5% multi-pass efficiency, capturing contaminants as small as 25 microns. For $12.99

However I don't run my filters that long so i don't see a point in paying $2 more and getting slightly worse filtration (20 micron vs 25 micron)

Essentially wondering if its a no brainer to get the STP as it has 99% at 20 microns?

Thank you!

Thank you

 

[ZeeOSix]

Sure, go for it as 99% @ 20u is on the most efficient side of the scale for automotive oil filters.

 

[apollo18]

nvm** someone else posted this on BITOG and it answers my q

"
Yes, I’ve called PG several times now and the official PG EX(Extended Life) efficiency range is as follows. This also applies to the 10k filters made by PG for others.(Carquest Premium, Microgard Select etc.)

98.7%@15 microns(absolute)
99.5%@20 microns
99.9%@25 microns

The website has finally been updated for the EX showing 25 as the micron rating. The regular 5k filters are still incorrect and show the EX range like above(15-25).

PG has factories in Vietnam, China, and S. Korea. You will see some slight differences between factories but QC remains fantastic. Headquarters are in Memphis, TN, R&D and engineers are located in Bridgewater, MA.

This new PG filter just dropped late last week!! I’ll be making some calls today. "


I guess its all the same that means unless this is wrong or dated

 

[fantastic]

I would use the Microgard over an STP.

STP used Champion Labs for several of their models. Take the new STP 20,000 max oil filter for the 3.5L Ecoboost I've been looking at, it shows the Champion date across the top. The picture on the website shows "Made in Malaysia" though. Still haven't figured out where to find one made there as all of them that have been stocked are marked "Made in USA". No thanks! I did put on an STP China air filter on the Volvo & it fit very well.

No doubt Microgard for the win!

 

[WarEagle]

Just an FYI, with a minimum order of $35 at AAP you can get free shipping and 15% off. Drops the CQP to $8.50. Best deal in oil filters imo

 

[DannyM]

Just an FYI, with a minimum order of $35 at AAP you can get free shipping and 15% off. Drops the CQP to $8.50. Best deal in oil filters imo

You can get the Carquest EP Synthetic in the oil change bundle for no add'l cost over the Premium and it also comes out to around $8.

 

[JohnnyJohnson]

The price is so close give me one good reason to use the filter with lower efficiency?