Genuine Subaru & VW Oil Filters

Oil Filters: Buying Guide and FAQs

What Does One Do?

Captures infiltrates in motor oil. More specifically, it traps byproducts from the oil's production process, plus whatever builds up during engine parts lubrication. This helps protect the oil pump, its bearings, and other components, thus prolonging their lives. (In a sense, this is a lot like what air filters do for heaters and AC systems.)

What are the Parts of One?

The housing, the filter medium itself, and a gasket.

What Does Each Part Do?

The media's job is self-evident. Oil filter housings, however, hold filters and attach them to engines; you can usually find them in engine bays, right next to engine covers. Oil filter gaskets are rubber seals, ones which do two things: help close filters off from the outside and help prevent oil leaks.

Where Can I Access My Oil Filter?

Usually, from underneath the engine compartment, once you remove the undertray (if your model has one). Some vehicles, however, make it so you can get to it from above the bay. Consult your owner's manual for more specific information.

When Should I Change it?

Either every 3,000 miles or 3 months or so -- whichever benchmark you hit first. That means, according to many owner's manuals, during every oil change or during every other one.

Otherwise, do so either when the filter medium clogs or use and age wear it out. If the housing gaskets get brittle and start cracking, replace them, too; oil will invariably start leaking from them otherwise. In such a case, monitor for the warning signs: most likely, they'll be oil pressure loss and an engine oil warning light on the dash. (You can also look for the other most likely symptoms -- engine performance problems.)

Which Oil Filter Fits My Vehicle?

That depends on its thread and gasket sizes. You can find this info in your owner's manual. Be sure to install the right-size filter, as putting one in that's the wrong size can mean oil leaks (much like a bad housing gasket can), and worse, serious and expensive engine damage, often the result of the filter detaching from the oil pump.

Why Buy a Genuine OEM Oil Filter?

The brand you love makes the correct size for the model you love (and the same goes for housings and gaskets). That's a compatibility guarantee you may not get on the aftermarket.

Where Can I Order Oil Filters for My Subaru or Volkswagen?

Right here online. Our auto parts store has what you need. Just be sure you browse our catalog with your model's information (brand, model, and model year) filled in. It'll make finding what fits it a lot easier, not to mention help you do it much faster. Buy now, and we'll ship to your address; it'll be at your door in no time, and you'll be swapping the old out for the new before you know it.