Do Synthetic Oils Require Specialized Oil Filters? - FRAM

Synthetic oil has become the standard for modern engines. It's engineered to outperform conventional oil in every major category. It lasts longer, resists thermal breakdown more effectively, and works well in both extreme heat and cold. This is why synthetic oil is often used in high-performance engines, turbocharged applications, and modern vehicles that operate under longer service intervals.

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These attributes of synthetic oil allow vehicle manufacturers to recommend, and consumers to practice, extended oil drain intervals, sometimes reaching 15,000, 20,000, or even 25,000 miles between changes.

However, these longer intervals place significantly greater demands on the oil filter. A filter intended for extended use with synthetic oil must not only maintain high filtration efficiency over a prolonged period but also possess a substantially higher dirt-holding capacity to accommodate the increased volume of contaminants captured over thousands of additional miles. The filter's internal components must also be constructed from materials capable of withstanding prolonged exposure to the specific chemical additives in synthetic oil, as well as sustained operating temperatures and pressures, without degrading.

Synthetic Oil Demands

• Longer filtration life: Synthetic oil often runs for 10,000 to 20,000 miles. The filter must maintain efficiency for the full interval.
• Higher contaminant capacity: Extended mileage means more combustion byproducts, metal wear particles, and dirt to trap.
• Stable flow under temperature extremes: Synthetic oil flows faster at cold start and maintains viscosity under heat. The filter must accommodate both without restricting flow or forcing bypass.
• Structural durability under extended pressure: Modern engines produce higher oil pressures, especially in turbocharged setups. The filter must withstand repeated pressure spikes without collapsing internally.
• Chemical compatibility and resistance to fatigue: Synthetic oil often includes more advanced additive packages. Materials used in the filter, like media, gaskets, valves, must remain stable through long-term exposure.

Features of an Oil Filter Designed for Synthetic Oil and Extended Drain Intervals

To perform reliably with synthetic oil over extended drain intervals, an oil filter must incorporate specific construction features and materials, such as

• Synthetic or blended filter media: Capable of trapping and holding significantly more contaminants without sacrificing filtration efficiency. Essential for managing increased debris accumulation over intervals reaching up to 20,000 miles.
• High filtration efficiency: Typically rated at 99% or greater for particles 20 microns and larger. This protects critical engine components by minimizing exposure to abrasive contaminants.
• Silicone anti-drainback valve (ADBV): Remains flexible and effective across temperature extremes, preventing dry engine starts that can accelerate wear, particularly important during extended oil change intervals.
• Reinforced internal structure: Durable metal end caps, strengthened center tubes, and thicker outer canisters prevent deformation or collapse under sustained pressure and heat cycling associated with prolonged filter use.
• Precision-calibrated bypass valve: Regulates oil pressure accurately, ensuring that bypass occurs only when absolutely necessary. This prevents excessive circulation of unfiltered oil, protecting the engine from premature wear.

Is an Extended Life Oil Filter Necessary on Cars That Use Synthetic Oil?

Using an oil filter with extended lifespan is not necessary but often beneficial, particularly if taking advantage of extended oil change intervals of 10,000 miles or more. Although synthetic oil itself is formulated to last significantly longer without degrading, the oil filter must also be designed to handle prolonged usage without loss of performance or structural integrity. Standard filters, intended for shorter oil change intervals (typically 3,000–7,500 miles), can become saturated with contaminants, reduce flow, or fail structurally when pushed beyond their designed lifespan. This compromises the benefits of synthetic oil and can risk engine wear or damage.

FRAM Synthetic Endurance™ Oil Filter was developed specifically to pair with synthetic oil and extended oil change intervals. It features a dual-layer synthetic media capable of capturing over 99% of particles ≥20 microns, with the capacity to hold contaminants for up to 25,000 miles (40,000 kilometers). Its silicone anti-drainback valve ensures fast oil delivery during cold starts, and its metal-reinforced internal structure resists pressure surges and long-term heat cycling. That’s what makes it the correct technical match for synthetic oil.

Note: Regardless of the maximum mileage rating advertised on the filter packaging, always prioritize and adhere to the specific oil change interval and filter specification requirements recommended by the vehicle manufacturer in the owner's manual.

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Let’s Talk About Your Car’s Oil Filter

While many drivers understand the benefits of regular oil changes for their cars, only a handful understand what’s involved. This means the words “oil filter” and “drain plug” may sound like a foreign language, and that’s ok! When it comes to your engine’s oil filter, simply remember that these parts play a key role in keeping your engine clean and promoting engine longevity.

Let's take a look at your vehicle's oil filter as we answer some of our most frequently asked questions and find out how this small, handheld part plays a key role in making sure your engine stays clean.

All About Oil Filters and How They Function

Your oil filter is a specialized filter that's designed to capture tiny particles that may be trapped in your engine's oil. Made up primarily of microscopic cellulose, this filter is capable of staying submerged in your engine's oil flow without disintegrating or dissolving. Your oil filter is quite tough, as it can withstand the high temperatures that oil can reach while remaining delicate enough to capture any fine particles, such as carbon, that may be trapped in your oil.

As the oil is pumped through your engine, it picks up contaminants, such as carbon, that could increase friction and the operating temperatures in your engine. The oil is then pumped through your oil filter, where these contaminants are trapped before being pumped back into your oil pan, where it waits to circulate through your engine again.

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Does an Oil Filter Need to Be Changed?

Your oil filter is good at its job. However, the longer your engine runs, the more contaminants your oil filter will pick up. Once your oil filter is full of contaminants and can no longer trap any more, these contaminants, carbon deposits, and metal shavings remain in your engine's oil where they circulate and can cause harm to your engine.

It is standard practice to change your oil filter during an oil change service. This service keeps your oil at its cleanest and prevents your oil filter from losing its efficacy.

When Should You Have Your Oil Filter Changed?

How often your oil filter will need to be changed will depend on how often your oil needs to be changed. Here are our general recommendations for changing your vehicle’s oil and oil filter, depending on the type of oil your vehicle uses:

• Conventional oil: 3,000 to 5,000 miles
• Synthetic blend oil: 5,000 to 7,500 miles
• Full synthetic oil: 7,500 to 10,000 miles

It's important to note that these are our general recommendations for oil change services. You can find your specific manufacturer’s recommendations for your car’s oil change intervals located in your owner's manual. Additionally, the frequency of your specific vehicle's oil change will further vary based on your own driving habits, along with your driving environment.

Why Are Oil Change Intervals Different?

Some drivers wonder why the frequency of their car’s oil changes depends on the type of oil they use. This is because different types of oil offer different types of protection. In addition, different oils behave differently as time goes on. For example, as conventional oil ages and picks up contaminants, its chemical properties can change, and it can turn into sludge. This sludge can solidify around the hot moving parts in your engine and effectively reduce your engine's overall life span. Vehicles that use conventional oil can indeed last for hundreds of thousands of miles; however, they will need oil changes every 3,000 to 5,000 miles.

Full synthetic oil features modified properties and is designed to withstand high temperatures along with the oxidative stress that conventional oil cannot handle. Because of its chemically modified nature, full synthetic oil can resist turning into sludge, and does not have the tendency to leave behind residue, so it offers interval changes of 7,500 to 10,000 miles. Additionally, synthetic oil tends to be thinner than conventional oil, so it can travel better through your oil filter to trap contaminants.

Are All Oil Filters The Same?

No. Various vehicles use different-sized oil filters, depending on their engine needs. At Parra Car Care, we service all makes and models of vehicles, and we carry high-quality replacement oil filters for your particular vehicle. So when you schedule an oil change at Parra Car Care, you don't have to bring your own oil filter — we've got you covered!

Get a Quality Oil Change at Parra Car Care

At Parra Car Care, we want your vehicle to last for the long haul, which is why we feature ASE-certified mechanics who are experts at changing your car's oil and filter. We can quickly and accurately handle your vehicle's maintenance needs so you can get back on the road and do what matters most to you. Whether you come to us to for an oil change service, or you need honest automotive repair services, there's no better place in Euless and North Richland Hills, TX, to trust than Parra Car Care. Not only do we strive to provide incredible automotive services, but we also aim to provide insightful education so you can better understand your vehicle.

Not only do we strive to offer you high-quality service at an unbeatable value, but we also seek to extend your savings with our auto repair and service coupons. Check out our current specials and see how much you can save while taking care of your vehicle's maintenance needs.

Schedule service at Parra Car Care today and trust the professionals to keep your car serviced and maintained.

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