Used OEM A01 vs A02 oil filters comparison

[NorthernEX-T]

Today I went ahead and cut open my 2 used oil filters that I've ran in my EX-T 1.5T. They replaced my filter for my first oil change with the "not as good" A02 filter. The A01 filter I just took off on the weekend had 2 oil cycles through it (2 oil changes, approximately 10,000kms.)

Some points before I start with the comparison:

The A01 filter (filtech)
Used for 3rd oil change from 24,000kms-34000kms (10,000kms)
Castrol Syntec for 6000kms, Mobil1 green cap advanced fuel economy for 4000kms (0W20 obviously)

The A02 filter (Honeywell)
Used for first oil change done by Honda. (First and last time after noticing my dipstick was bent when I got my car back, and oil was black again after 100kms, made me feel like they didn't let it drain long enough..)
Used for 8000kms

So before we look at the pics, the lesser quality, A02 filter, was used for 2000kms less, than the better A01 filter.

Pics & Info:

(Filtech filter on left, A01) (Honeywell, A02 on right)

A01 on top

A02 filter (notice the cardboard end caps)

Notice on the A01 filter that it has less end cap surface area for more filtration.

A01 on right

A01 at top with a better anti-drain valve setup.

The A01 filter was very hard to rip apart and has very strongly glue holding it all together.
Notice how it looks "hairy" which to me is a good sign showing that it can filter very fine particles..

More strong glue (accidentally ripped the element because the glue was so strong)

A01 on left

A01 at top
A02 at bottom (notice some metal shavings if you zoom in!)

A01 (top) appears to have at least 1/4" taller of a filter element.

A01 at top (much thicker than A02's case)
Also note that the A01 has more threads than the A02

I mainly wanted to see for myself how big the difference was in real life. I'd say there are enough differences to prove here that the A01 filter is superior; for an OEM filter at least.

Cheers

- Northern.

 

[se7encrows]

Nice post. Thanks for the info. Planning on sticking with A01 filters for as long as I can get a hold of them.

 

[Lunar]

Good, because I've stocked up enough to last me 6 years

 

[Draken187]

Good, because I've stocked up enough to last me 6 years

have they discontinued the a01?

 

[NorthernEX-T]

have they discontinued the a01?

No.. they just seem to be twice as hard to find in the States as the A02. They are always on amazon from what I remember though.

 

[Draken187]

No.. they just seem to be twice as hard to find in the States as the A02. They are always on amazon from what I remember though.

Oi.... Il have my mom stop at a dealer in spain and see what they got sitting around.. Maybe il bring a ton back next time i go over there

 

[NorthernEX-T]

Oi.... Il have my mom stop at a dealer in spain and see what they got sitting around.. Maybe il bring a ton back next time i go over there

Update on oil filters.

Went to my dealer today to return the A02 filter they gave me, and I explained that I wanted the A01. He then tells me that the A02 is replaced by the A01. Discontinued. Stock up while you can!

 

[CIVICSPORT]

Update on oil filters.

Went to my dealer today to return the A02 filter they gave me, and I explained that I wanted the A01. He then tells me that the A02 is replaced by the A01. Discontinued. Stock up while you can!

Thats a bag of dicks. Now to perform this test with 3rd party filters LOL

 

[Cyoda]

Update on oil filters.

Went to my dealer today to return the A02 filter they gave me, and I explained that I wanted the A01. He then tells me that the A02 is replaced by the A01. Discontinued. Stock up while you can!

“He then tells me that the A02 is replaced by the A01“. <— that would be good news. The A01 is replacing the A02.

Did you mean the A02 is replacing the A01? <—— that means stock up!

 

[latole]

Did you mean the A02 is replacing the A01? <—— that means stock up!

That is I understand.

Sorry about my stupid question , Filtech is a oil filter brand or what ?
With Google I find Filtech Bosch, Filtech Toyo Rock

https://www.amazon.com/Bosch-3323-Premium-FILTECH-Filter/dp/B000BZIFV0

https://www.hondapartsnow.com/oem-honda-civic-oil-filter.html

 

[HatchPanda]

Thats a bag of dicks. Now to perform this test with 3rd party filters LOL

There are tons of videos on dissecting oil filters! Very descriptive internal specs of major brand oil filters, some better than the A01

 

[latole]

There are tons of videos on dissecting oil filters! Very descriptive internal specs of major brand oil filters, some better than the A01

Do we need really better filter ?
How will we know that the engine will be in better condition in 100,000 miles ?
Why would Honda use filters that would not do the job?

 

[HatchPanda]

Do we need really better filter ?
How will we know that the engine will be in better condition in 100,000 miles ?
Why would Honda use filters that would not do the job?

Any type of filter (oil, engine air, cabin air, A/C filter in your home) traps dirt and contaminants as much as possible. In todays world different companies are always pushing the limit as to how much dirt and contaminants get filtered by using more filter material or more advanced material. Not that you really need it, but if you want your engine to run as clean as possible then you should check out the oil filter dissection comparison videos just like our friend did here but with different aftermarket brands that are only dedicated to making filters....Idk do I really need the A01? ...Maybe no, but its what I always prefer over the A02. Im just saying there is a science to this, and anyone can watch it.

 

[marauderguy]

Do we need really better filter ?
How will we know that the engine will be in better condition in 100,000 miles ?
Why would Honda use filters that would not do the job?

Honda filters do the job fine although there are better options elsewhere. I usually try to avoid dealerships at all costs for good reason. The filter from Honda is good but the person doing the oil change at dealers can be hit or miss.

I recently picked up some Fram Ultras for $7 Cdn, which are arguably one of the best filters available. This was at Walmart while shopping for groceries and not having to make a special trip to the dealer.

If you can get a better performing filter for a similar price, I would choose that route every time.

 

[latole]

Honda filters do the job fine although there are better options elsewhere. I usually try to avoid dealerships at all costs for good reason. The filter from Honda is good but the person doing the oil change at dealers can be hit or miss.

I recently picked up some Fram Ultras for $7 Cdn, which are arguably one of the best filters available. This was at Walmart while shopping for groceries and not having to make a special trip to the dealer.

If you can get a better performing filter for a similar price, I would choose that route every time.

I will use Honda filter from the dealer during warranty,I change oil myself . In case of engine problem, dealer can't argue about filter it is not original.
I know the law is for me with any good brand of oil filter but it a waiste of time......

My car cost me $24,000 cnd , I don't care about few dollars more or less for a oil filter twice a year.
Better filter for the price ? Not sure engine need better (?) and will last longer; that is my question.

Many ( most ? ) car buyer return car to the dealer after 3 - year , = low millage

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