Inside of the filter are the anti-drainback valve, filter media, center support tube, pressure relief valve (sometimes referred to as the “bypass” valve) and tension spring.  The materials used to manufacture each of the components are key to the lifespan of a spin-on oil filter.

A well-made oil filter features a durable metal canister that houses the various components and makes it easy to install and remove. The thicker the canister is, the more pressure it is going to be able to withstand. The threaded base plate is where the filter attaches to the mounting surface of the engine.   It is also where the oil enters and exits the filter. A thicker base plate allows for additional threading, which helps ensure that the filter will stay securely sealed on the engine while being subjected to pulsing engine oil pressure during normal operations. Heftier components translate to increased weight. So, In general, the more heft or weight to the canister, the better. With a well-made spin-on oil filter, you should literally be able to “feel” the filtration power in your hand.  Because all filters must pass SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) test requirements, the thickness, or gauge, of housings and base plates is most relevant for systems that run at uncommonly high oil pressures.

The anti-drainback valve feature prevents engine dry starts by retaining oil in the filter after the engine has been stopped. Anti-drainback valves can be produced using silicone material or nitrile material depending upon the design of the particular filter.  Silicone anti-drainback valves are important for filters designed for applications with extended oil change intervals while nitrile is a suitable material for filters designed for normal oil change intervals.