Fram oil filters for automobiles include five specifications: a base, can, filter, bypass valve and spring. The company produces four different oil filters that include Fram Extra Guard, Fram Tough Guard, Fram Xtended Guard and Fram High Mileage. Additionally, Fram sells oil filters designed for high-performance auto racing. The most common element that changes between models is the actual filter, depending on the filtering strength required. The technical specifications for the base, can, spring and valve are nearly identical in all models.
The Fram Extra Guard oil filter is accompanied by the company's SureGrip feature. According to Fram, this introductory model provides three times the engine protection of other economy oil filters. The filter unit is composed of cellulose and glass fiber and has a 95 percent dirt-trapping efficiency, according to the company. Cellulose naturally provides a random field of protection. When combined with microscopic synthetic fibers, it provides optimal coverage.
The Fram Tough Guard oil filter uses a 9 percent higher level of synthetic media to increase engine protection up to six times that of normal economy oil filters. Since a higher level of synthetic fibers is used, its dirt-trapping efficiency is increased to 99 percent. Fram mixes cellulose and glass fibers to achieve this level of efficiency. This particular model includes a silicone anti-drain back valve to hold reserve oil, which helps the engine during start up.
The Fram Xtended Guard oil filter features a two-ply filter design. In a sense, it is like two filters in one. The first ply is composed of cellulose and microscopic synthetic fibers. However, the second ply is made from a metal screen. This combined technology is designed to give cars an additional 10,000 miles in engine performance. This model also features a silicone anti-drain back valve used for holding excess oil.
The specifications for the Fram High Mileage oil filter are a bit different. It contains the same five basic elements, however, it adds a time-released gel additive that drips into your oil system. This additive balances the pH levels and neutralizes acids in the engine's oil. Additionally, when this gel is slowly introduced into the system, it decreases the likelihood of the oil's viscosity. This filter is designed for use on cars with 75,000 or more miles. Like other Fram oil filters, the filer unit is made from cellulose and glass fibers.
