Wix v. MicroGard Cartridges

[dishdude]

Time to change the oil in the Fiat, and O'Reilly offers the MicroGard and Wix for this application. Considering the MicroGard is made by Wix, is there any difference in these filters or the media? Seems kind of ridiculous to pay a few bucks more for the same thing packaged in a different box. On the flip side, I'm not about to spend $9/qt for oil and then cheap out on the filter.

 

[Jimzz]

Could be a small difference in filter media but not enough I would pay almost 50% more.

I use the cheapest cartridges in my CTS with no issues. Same with most other cars.

 

[Duffyjr]

From O'Rielly.

Cartridge Oil Filter; MicroGard Oil Filters provide good engine protection using conventional motor oil for everyday normal driving conditions such as city and highway travel. Recommended for traditional oil and filter change intervals, typically 3,000 to 5,000 miles. Laboratory Test Performance per ISO 454812 13 grams dirt (MicroGard MGL51515), 95% efficient at 29 microns (Based on MicroGard MGL51356, MGL57060, MGL51515)

Cartridge Oil Filter; WIX Cartridge Oil Filters provide excellent engine protection using conventional and synthetic (when recommended by the OE vehicle manufacturer) motor oil for normal and severe driving conditions such as dirt roads, construction sites, stop and go traffic, short trips, interstate travel, throughout the OE manufactures recommended oil and filter change interval. WIX filters are recommended for OEM oil and filter change intervals.

Not sure why they don't give more details for the Wix as far as efficiency. Here is what it says for many of the Wix spin on filters.

18 grams dirt (WIX 51515), 99% efficient at 23 microns (Based on WIX 51515, WIX 51356, WIX 57060)

 

[drtyler]

Says they are both in stock, so why not look at them both and see? One may be made in Poland, and the other in China.

Better question - how are you liking the 124? I've been considering one.

 

[jakewells]

get a commercial account at oreilly and pay $3.00 for the wix.

 

[MSTUEBER]

I bought the Mopar version for about $7.50 off of Amazon. I have had my 124 since April, but will wait for spring to change the oil.

 

[SatinSilver]

Originally Posted By: dishdude
On the flip side, I'm not about to spend $9/qt for oil and then cheap out on the filter.


What kind of oil is that? Most people buy a jug of oil (Walmart) which brings the price per qt way down.

 

[MSTUEBER]

The 124 takes Pennzoil or Valvoline Euro 5W-40 or Chrsyler MS-12991 approved oil. Not cheap oil!

 

[mrsilv04]

I would assume that the MicroGard is a clone of the NAPA ProSelect line... and there's your difference.

 

[blupupher]

It is NOT the same thing.

Microguard (made by Wix) has a lower filtering efficiency and a nitrile ADV (and depending on the application, may have a combo valve). Same filter as the Napa Pro-Select, Wix Pro-tech and Walmart Supertech fitler.

The Wix filter is a better filter (better syn blend media, silicone ADV, usually a threaded end bypass).

If just doing a regular OCI, a Microgard will probably be just fine. But if you are spending $9 on a qt of oil, why not spend an extra $3 on the Wix (of find a NAPA and wait for their NAPA Gold to go on sale, it is the same as the Wix).

 

[Nyogtha]

No ADBV or combo valve on cartridge style filters so it's all about media and overall construction. Personally I don't care for Microgard, NAPA PS, WM ST, etc. media efficiency. Extrapolation puts it at 69% @ 20 microns, a more common benchmark point for vehicle oil filters. However, that media does squeak in under the 95% @ 30 microns limit for the new FMC US CAR 36 spec. I find that interesting personally.

My vote - get the Wix.

Interestingly, the Wix web site says this filter is plain cellulose media and doesn't show any beta rating. Might be worth calling Wix to ask.

http://www.wixfilters.com/Lookup/PartDetails.aspx?Part=1843600

 

[CR94]

Originally Posted By: blupupher
... The Wix filter is a better filter (.., silicone ADV, usually a threaded end bypass). ...
Ha-ha! Slept through the thread title and first post?

 

[dishdude]

Originally Posted By: drtyler
Says they are both in stock, so why not look at them both and see? One may be made in Poland, and the other in China.

Better question - how are you liking the 124? I've been considering one.


Great suggestion so that's what I did! Both were made in Poland, but they were clearly different. The MicroGard had a grayer plastic and the media was a slightly different color. Since there was clearly a difference, I went with the Wix.

The car is a lot of fun, I'm surprised at the number of strangers that compliment it.

 

[slacktide_bitog]

You should consider Mann

 

[blupupher]

Originally Posted By: CR94
Originally Posted By: blupupher
... The Wix filter is a better filter (.., silicone ADV, usually a threaded end bypass). ...
Ha-ha! Slept through the thread title and first post?

Guess I missed the title, and nothing in the post stating it was a cartridge, no idea what filter a Fiat uses.

Info is still correct, just not completely applicable to this situation.

 

[blupupher]

Originally Posted By: blupupher
Originally Posted By: CR94
Originally Posted By: blupupher
... The Wix filter is a better filter (.., silicone ADV, usually a threaded end bypass). ...
Ha-ha! Slept through the thread title and first post?

Guess I missed the title, and nothing in the post stating it was a cartridge, no idea what filter a Fiat uses.

Info is still correct, just not completely applicable to this situation.

Well, since I can't edit, I will just quote myself.

I now see the image in the first post, it was blocked at work, so I had no idea.