Good Morning BITOG'ers.
Let me start by saying that chart is ancient and does not reflect what AC Delco sells today, nor are the Ultra filters referenced FRAM, AC used to have a filter with that name.
That said, you all know that having good (above 85% efficiency@20 microns) is very important to engine life. While you all know that every engine and driving condition is different and there are alot of variables.
I was asked by a reader how much dirt actually gets into a filter in typical driving conditions. Again that depends on engine condition, maintenance practices and air filter sealing.
Here is a kind of average though for a clean, well maintained engine.
3000 miles, around 2-3 grams or up to 1 gram for every 1000 miles driven.
While many offshore made filters go into bypass by 3k miles, most USA and German made filters are total overkill on capacity.
Consider (And I use the PH8A size as a demo, sorry to use dinosaur). The PH8A holds 11 grams, The TG8A holds 15 grams, the XG8A holds 32 grams. So, why not use the PH8A for 10k miles? Mainly because it uses a nitrile rubber ADBV that can work harden around the 7k mark, it does have the capacity. Could you use it for 10k? yes, if you did 10K in less than 6 months which means you are hammering down the freeway all the time. If it took you 12 months to go 10k, then the answer is no.
Filers advertised for 10k (TG and others)will have a silicone ADBV and alot more synthetic glass fibers used in the filter media. Filters advertised to go in excess of 15k, FRAM Ultra, Puro Boss, Amsoil ect, have silicone ADBV and full synthetic media. The reality is the Ultra could go 30k miles BUT, like all companies we have lawyers that evaluate risk and choose to err on the side of caution. Most likely in northern states that use salt on the roads, the can could rust before the filter was full.
Hope this helps and always remember that if you choose to have extended intervals, use the best quality oil that meets the vehicles specs. I am very happy that one poster mentioned the air filter. If you look at every manufacturers sales numbers, we do not sell enough air filters for the amount of miles driven nationally. It is a very important filter. I can be reached for questions anytime at the email in my signature. Thanks for your time.
