My CRV is due for engine and cabin filter change and I figured that I would change these on my own. Is it fine to go with aftermarket brand like Fram for engine and cabin filter? I heard some say particularly for the engine filter you should put original Honda filter as the aftermarket brands may not fit properly. Is there a significant difference between the quality?
Is it ok to use aftermarket brand air and cabin filters?
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I usually get Fram cabin air filters because the OEM ones are very expensive and the Fram is just as good. With the engine air filter I go OEM as the price difference between OEM and aftermarket isn’t very big.
If you go aftermarket make sure to go with a good brand like Fram.
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If you go aftermarket make sure to go with a good brand like Fram.
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There are some aftermarket filters that may be a sloppy fit, I haven’t found well know brands to have that problem though.
There’s nothing magical about OEM filters, they buy them from a supplier. Fram makes a couple different versions for many vehicles, they work well.
I can’t think of any filters that I will only use OEM.
There’s nothing magical about OEM filters, they buy them from a supplier. Fram makes a couple different versions for many vehicles, they work well.
I can’t think of any filters that I will only use OEM.
I have only had a problems with a EPauto filter, it was so restrictive that the CRV accelerated extremely poorly at full throttle. Swapped with a Purolator and instant improvement. Don't know if someone grabbed the wrong roll of filter media that day at the factory. It was the only time I have had any problem with aftermarket air filters.
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A Fram cabin air filter might be ok, but I sure wouldn't trust any of their engine or transmission filters anywhere near my vehicles. You can do a quick search online for filter brand review tear-downs and it's shocking just how poor the quality that Fram engine filters are.
I just went ahead and purchased both OEM filters, cost was only $45 for both.
The click bait filter brand reviews always compare Fram's cheapest junk filter, they fail to Include the better quality filters from Fram.
Digging a little deeper shows most of their filters are quite good, many near the top is the list for quality and performance.
If you can get both Genuine Honda filters for $45 bucks then i'd say do it. Maybe it's just in my head but when i tried a Parts Plus air filter, my car didn't like it but she definitely like the OEM one or a Wix branded one. As for a cabin air filter, I'd rather have a quality filter because that's the air i'm breathing in so my vote goes to Wix.
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I'll say Fram's most expensive 'Ultra' filter line is decent (certainly better than the standard orange Fram) but still not great. Anyone interested can search these filters online for themselves to find plenty of non-"click bait" reviews and cut-opens to see how they compare against other filters.
Ordered many filters from rockauto.com over the years. They are way cheaper than oem and have major brand ones too.
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