MicroGard Oil Filter Reviews and Specs • Road Sumo

Protection from contamination is crucial for optimal engine performance. To ensure this, you will need a high-quality oil filter. One of the most popular oil filters is the MicroGard Oil Filter. In this article, I’ll describe the MicroGard oil filters, including their specs and features.

MicroGard oil filters are made of cellulose, fibrous wood pulp with inconsistent pores. They are affordable, provide impressive engine protection, and are ideal for normal driving conditions. The manufacturer recommends changing these filters after 3,000 to 5,000 miles.

Read on to learn more about MicroGard oil, including our experience in terms of its overall performance. We’ll also share important considerations in choosing an oil filter.

MicroGard Oil Filter Specs

You will find several models of MicroGard filters, each with varying specifications. Below, we’ll take a quick look at some of the most popular models with a quick description of what you will find in each of them:

1. MicroGard MGL57204 Oil Filter

Filter Material: Cellulose
Height: 6-1/8 inches
Gasket Diameter (inches): 2-15/16, 2-7/8 (inside), 3-1/8, 3-1/8 Inch(outside)
Gasket: Yes
Removal Nut: No
Anti-Drain Back Valve: No

2. MicroGard MGL51630 Oil Filter

Filter Material: Cellulose
Height: 2.75 inches
Gasket Diameter (inches): 2-11/16, 11/16 (inside), 1-1/8, 2-7/8 (outside)
Gasket: Yes
Removal Nut: No
Anti-Drain Back Valve: No

3. MicroGard MGL57033 Oil Filter

Filter Material: Cellulose
Height: 3-1/8 inches
Gasket Diameter (inches): 1-1/8, 2-13/16 (inside), 1-5/8, 3-1/8 (outside)
Gasket: Yes
Removal Nut: No
Anti-Drain Back Valve: No

4. MicroGard MGL57078 Oil Filter

Filter Material: Cellulose
Height: 4-9/16 inches
Gasket Diameter (inches): 2-1/2 (top outside and bottom outside)
Gasket: Yes
Removal Nut: No
Anti-Drain Back Valve: No

5. MicroGard MGL57526 Oil Filter

Filter Material: Cellulose
Height: 5-7/16 inches
Gasket Diameter (inches): 2-5/8 (inside and outside)
Gasket: Yes
Removal Nut: No
Anti-Drain Back Valve: No

As you can see from some of the MicroGard oil filters listed above, they are almost the same, especially in the filter material. The main difference lies in size. However, regardless of what you pick, you can expect the same exceptional performance.

MicroGard Oil Filter Reviews

What makes MicroGard a top-notch option for an oil filter? Are there drawbacks? Below, we’ll look at some of the things that you can expect from this brand. These insights will help you decide if it is an excellent choice or if you should look for another alternative:

1. Uses Cellulose as the Main Filter Media

One of the most popular materials in an oil filter is cellulose. It is a wood pulp made of large fibers. The pore size is inconsistent.

A major benefit of cellulose is water contamination absorption, helping prolong the life of oil and engine. Nonetheless, this isn’t suitable for harsh and acidic oil.

If you are looking for a better alternative, consider choosing one that is made of fiberglass or synthetic materials. These are small and artificial fibers with a more uniform pore size compared to cellulose. It lasts longer and filters more dirt.

2. Delivers up to 95% Efficiency

This isn’t just any claim the company makes up. Stringent third-party tests back this assertion. It is based on a laboratory test per ISO 454812 standards. With such an efficiency rating, it filters impurities with a size of up to 29 microns.

One more thing that makes it efficient is the glued cleats. The latter ensures efficient oil straining, preventing the particles from escaping the filter.

3. Wide Range of Compatibility

Another good thing about MicroGard filters is that they are compatible with many car makers and models. You can use them in the following:

Chrysler,
Dodge,
Jeep,
Ram, and
Volkswagen cars, among others.

4. Includes a Gasket or Seal

When you buy a MicroGard filter, it already comes with a gasket. This is the part that seals the component, preventing any leak. When there is leakage, there is a higher probability of contamination. In turn, this will damage the oil and engine.

5. Does Not Come with an Anti-drain Back Valve

While it is a good thing that it comes with a gasket, one thing that you might not like is that there is no anti-drain back valve. This is the rubber valve that prevents the oil from getting back to the filter when the engine is off.

6. Covered by a One-Year Warranty

As long as you purchase from official sellers and distributors, the filters have a one-year warranty. Within such a period, the manufacturer guarantees that it is free of defects and problems in craftmanship.

7. An Affordable Solution

Another good reason to pick MicroGard filters is that they are affordable. It is a great option for people on a budget. Nonetheless, even if it is economical, this does not mean that it compromises its functionality in any way.

8. Only for Normal Driving Conditions

The manufacturer explicitly states that this oil filter is best to use only in normal driving environments. It is for city and highway driving. Otherwise, the conditions can be too harsh, and the filter does not suffice.

How to Choose an Oil Filter

Whether it is MicroGard or not, below are some of the most important considerations in picking an oil filter for your needs:

1. Types of Oil Filters

As you differentiate the options, be familiar with the different types available, including the following:

Cartridge Oil Filter

This is where the MicroGard oil filters belong. It is an old technology that comes with replaceable filter media instead of steel. Because it has no metal parts, it is easy to recycle. It forces oil in a filtration media to contain contaminants.

Full-Flow Air Filter

It is the best choice if you live in a cold place. The design allows it to filter even once the oil is thick because of extreme temperatures. It offers better freedom of oil movement.

Spinner Oil Filter

A secondary filter traps debris through centrifugal force. It is effective even in the tiniest impurities that get on the oil.

Magnetic Oil Filter

The permanent magnet of this filter is responsible for catching the particles that can contaminate the oil.

Thermal Chamber Oil Filter

It works in two stages. First, it cleans oil; then, it heats it to eliminate any contaminant still on the oil.

2. Construction

This is indicative of the overall quality and performance of the filter. Look for one made of the best materials possible. The gasket is one of the essentials, which will seal the filter. Different manufacturers have several versions of an oil filter, so make sure they have the vital parts.

3. Efficiency

It rates how efficient the filter is in capturing contaminants. The capture efficiency is also the particle size retention. MicroGard oil filters have a 95% efficiency rating when the particles are 29 microns.

4. Service Life

How long does the oil filter last? This is one question you should ask before deciding. The longer it lasts, the better. Do not go beyond the service life that the manufacturer recommends. Otherwise, the filter ends up being ineffective.

5. Compatibility

Not all engine oils are the same. If it works great on other cars, it does not mean that it will work on yours. Check its compatibility with your vehicle’s brand, make, and year. Using the wrong filter will make it useless and can exacerbate the damage.

MicroGard Oil Filter FAQs

Before we end this short guide, we’ll answer some questions you might have:

Who Makes MicroGard Oil Filters?

Purolator is the manufacturer of MicroGard oil filters. The brand also has an extensive line of other oil filters with more innovative features.

How Long Do MicroGard Filters Last?

This will depend on different factors, such as the extent of use of the vehicle and the conditions of the environment where you drive. Nonetheless, the manufacturer recommends changing the filter at least once every 3,000 to 5,000 miles.

Can I Clean a MicroGard Air Filter?

While it is possible to clean an air filter, it is impractical. It absorbs tiny dirt particles that embed on the media. The good thing is that it is cheap, so a replacement will not take a toll on your budget. Rather than going through the hassle of cleaning, it is better to buy a new one.

Does MicroGard Make Other Types of Filters?

Yes, the company has other kinds of filters that are equally effective. They have air, fuel, and cabin air filters. They are all built using high-quality materials, making them effective in dirt and debris filtration.

Who Sells MicroGard Oil Filters?

O’Reilly Auto Parts is the main seller of MicroGard oil filters. You can also find them on Amazon. They are quite not common in shops selling car or auto parts.

Are Wix Filters Better than MicroGard?

It depends on who you ask. Most people, however, are saying that the two are the same in terms of overall performance. However, one thing that makes MicroGard better is that they are cheaper than Wix. However, Wix oil filters are still good value.

What Are the Consequences of Not Changing the Oil Filter?

When the oil filter goes bad, you need to change it. Otherwise, it won’t filter oil. It increases the possibility of sludge and debris. It results in contamination, which decreases the functionality of the engine. More so, it hurts fuel economy.

What Are the Symptoms of a Bad Oil Filter?

Is it time to change the oil filter? Pay attention to signs of contamination. Low oil pressure, engine overheating, black exhaust fumes, unusual noises, and dripping oil are some of the common indications that you need a new filter.

Importance of An Oil Filter – Like MicroGard

An oil filter, like the MicroGard Oil Filter, is a must-have in your car maintenance. You often hear or read about it, but do you know what it can do to your vehicle?

Motor oil is vital for the peak functionality of an engine. Over time, however, the oil accumulates metal fragments, dust, dirt, and other particles. These wastes degrade the oil and negatively impact engine performance.

An oil filter acts as a kidney in the human body. It filters waste and gets rid of healthy fluids, making sure that the engine runs smoothly.

Components of Oil Filter

To better understand how an oil filter works – including the MicroGard Oil Filter – you should know its different components, which include the following:

1. Tapping Plate

This is the part where oil comes in and out. It has small holes where the oil enters. A big hole is in the middle, where the oil exits and flows to the engine.

2. Filter

It has synthetic fibers that catch all the impurities, preventing them from getting in the oil and engine. It has pleats to increase the surface area, allowing it to filter more particles.

3. Anti-Drain Back Valve

If the engine is not running, the valve shuts. It prevents the oil from seeping back into the filter.

4. Relief Valve

As the temperature drops, the oil thickens, making it hard to move to the filter. The main function of this part is to provide a bit of oil to boost the engine upon warming up.

5. End Disc

As the name implies, it is a disc that you will find on the end part of the filter. It is fiber or metal, which prevents unfiltered oil from moving to the engine.

Conclusion – MicroGard Oil Filter Reviews and Specs

Oil contamination decreases engine performance. With this, you must use a high-quality oil filter, and that is when MicroGard comes in handy. They are must-haves for getting dirt and debris out.

MicroGard filters use cellulose as the main media. They are made of wood pulps. While they can do a great filtration job, take note that they are only for normal driving conditions. In harsher environments, they provide a minimal level of protection.

While they are generally good, there are also some problems. For instance, it is hard to find these days. Also, it does not include an anti-drain back valve, which is crucial in preventing oil from returning to the filter when the engine isn’t running.