Automotive filters come in a variety of brands. Major automotive manufacturers have a preference to which brand filter they use when the vehicles are built; some use a house brand. Using a filter cross reference will save the vehicle owner time and money in finding a replacement.
Popular filter manufacturers include Donaldson, Fram and Fleetguard. The filters are similar in design and shape in addition to internal media paper. Filter companies often use the same part numbers, either re-arranged or in a different configuration.
Many filters are interchangeable between manufacturers. By accessing a manufacturer's website you will most likely come across a page that says interchange or cross-reference.
Though using a filter cross reference will help you find a filter from a different manufacturer, in some cases the replacement filter will be slightly different in size due to patent rights or manufacturer upgrades.
Cross-reference information is found online through manufacturer's websites.
All auto and truck parts stores can interchange a filter number for a customer; most will have reference books handy for customers. Provide a sample filter to a counterperson or reference by make and model of a vehicle. Many stores carry aftermarket and private label filters at lower cost than name-brand filters.
