There are affiliate links on this article. If you make a purchase through any of the links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
ICE vehicles require a sufficient amount of clean air (oxygen) to mix with fuel in the combustion chamber for the engine’s better performance. Air filters are installed in all vehicles to filter out dirt, dust, and debris, while the car draws oxygen while in motion.
Imagine how it feels like to inhale dirty air, choky, right? That is similar to when bad air enters your car’s engine.
While there are many air filter brands out there, Fram and Purolator are among the most popular options in the market. In this article, we’d be comparing Fram vs Purolator air filters, highlighting the reasons to choose a particular brand over the other.
Fram air filters look sturdier than Purolator air filters, but filters from both brands typically last for the same number of miles – up to 10,000 miles.
Fram Air Filters Overview
There are a lot of controversies around the FRAM brand, but the deep truth remains that the brand has some of the finest filters for use in virtually any type of car. FRAM’s air filters are among the top best in the market – remarkable for their outstanding performance and efficiency.
The FRAM filters don’t just keep out air impurities; they also improve airflow into the engine, which means that Fram filters can practically improve your engine’s performance. The filters are packaged with instructional manuals on installing and using them.
FRAM Extra Guard is the brand’s most popular air filter model with the highest efficiency rating. It also offers superior service life while being sold at an affordable price. Compared with Purolator air filters, FRAM filters are a good competition – a considerable alternative.
Purolator Air Filters Overview

Purolator air filters are popular in the market and are highly efficient. They are made with impressive technologies and are suitable for use in different vehicles.
The Purolator brand is owned by the German top giant MANN+HUMMEL. It is remarkable for making highly durable oil filters of different specifications.
The Purolator brand has been around for almost a century; its filters are made with advanced technologies, including the brand’s patented PurolatorTECH, which guarantees up to 95 percent efficiency.
While Purolator filters are aftermarket products, they deliver almost the same performance and efficiency as OEM products.
Asides from air filters, Purolator also makes cabin air filters and oil filters. PurolatorONE is the brand’s highest-quality air filter; it offers higher efficiency and lasts longer – ensuring you’re your engine gets the sufficient amount of clean air needed for combustion to occur normally and the engine runs smoothly.
Fram Vs Purolator Air Filter
Filter Brand | Fram | Purolator |
Efficiency | 95% | 97% |
Mileage | 12,000 | 12,000 |
Filter Media | High Density, Multi-Fiber | High Density, Multi-Fiber |
Production Location | Mexico | USA |
Owner | First Brands Group, LLC | MANN+HUMMEL |
FRAM air filters are pretty effective and efficient; they allow sufficient air into your engine while keeping out up to 95 percent of contaminants in the air; most drivers allege Fram air filters are at least two times more efficient than traditional products.
Furthermore, the Fram filters are seemingly lightweight even though they feature a dense filtration system.
Purolator air filters provide the right “boost” every engine needs. They are sturdily built and well-designed to offer up to 97% efficiency; this implies that Purolator air filters can prevent up to 97% of dust, dirt, and contaminants that try to enter the engine with airflow.
Of course, Purolator makes different air filter types – they are best fit for different vehicles.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Do Air Filters Last?
Well, it depends on the type and brand you bought. However, car air filters typically last up to 15,000 miles. But, many of them actually last for less than 15,000 miles – let’s say you can have them on for up to 12,000 miles, and they’d still be very much efficient. So, generally, car air filters last 10,000 – 15,000 miles, depending on the brand and type you bought.
Do FRAM Air Filters Last Longer Than Purolator Air Filters?
There’s no standard answer to this question – both Purolator and FRAM make high-quality, reliable air filters that last up to 10,000 miles or more. It all points down to the model you bought and the state of your car’s cooling system.
When Should You Change Air Filters?
If you drive frequently, it is advisable to change the air filter in your vehicle at 12,000 – 15,000 miles intervals. However, if you seldom drive, it is advisable to consider changing the air filter at least once per year (at 12-month intervals).
What More?
Here’s our FRAM vs. Purolator air filter comparison, showing the distinctiveness of each brand. Well, the differences aren’t many anyway. FRAM and Purolator produce cheap air filters that fit into most vehicles and last a long time.
Filters from both brands are pretty easy to install. The major difference here is “efficiency,” it appears that Purolator filters are more efficient.
Related Posts: