FRAM Vs. STP Air Filter [Pros And Cons Of Each]

Are you looking to replace your car’s air filter but unsure which brand to pick? With so many options out there, choosing between FRAM vs. STP air filter might take a lot of work. 

We’ll look more closely at the major differences between these air filters. You can check their prices, lifespans, materials, and durability to determine the better one for your car. 

So, whether you’re a car owner or a mechanic, follow this comparison to determine the winner!  

What Is A FRAM Air Filter?

The FRAM air filter offers twice the engine protection and lasts 12,000 miles. There are three layers of adhesive from top to bottom in the filter.

This air filter is lighter than other air filters, only weighing 441 grams. It has a static pressure of 2.75 and an airspeed of 54.9 miles per hour. 

What Is A STP Air Filter?

STP (Scientifically Treated Petroleum) is also a popular option among car owners. This air filter needs changing every 10,000 miles to ensure your vehicle maintains high-performance levels. 

These air filters are manufactured in Mexico, which means they’re cheaper to produce and, therefore, cheaper to purchase. 

What Is The Difference Between FRAM Vs. STP Air Filter?

FRAM and STP air filters are both famous for their high quality and durability. However, if you can only choose one, you have to consider multiple features, such as their materials, lifespan, filtration efficiency, and price. 

Which air filter is better, FRAm or STP? In general, FRAM air filters are more durable and expensive. Meanwhile, STP products shine out in terms of filtration efficiency. This comparison chart will help summarize their differences. 

	FRAM	STP
Material	Synthetic materials	Paper
Durability	More durable	Less durable
Lifespan	12,000 miles	10,000 miles
Filtration Efficiency	95 to 99%	99.9%
Oiling	Yes	No
Price	More expensive	Cheaper

 

Material 

The material is the most noticeable difference between the FRAM vs. STP air filter. While FRAM uses a synthetic blend of cotton and oil to make its air filters, the material for STP filters is paper. 

But are STP air filters good? Although synthetic materials are often more durable than paper, STP really gains popularity because of its high-quality material.  

The quality of the foam injection that seals the filter to the airbox is impressive. It also has three strips of glue to separate the filter element bands, and the front filter has a little worse quality finish on the foam. 

The steel mesh has vents that make the filter sturdier and more resistant to bending. This design differs from the FRAM filter, which is made of a thinner material with no vents.

Besides, the material bends differently. The FRAM filter comes with 86 plies, which gives more filtration surface. On the other hand, the STP filter only comes with 80 plies. 

As a result, the FRAM air filter has six more bands of material in it. However, if you look closely, especially the FRAM filter, you can see that none of the plies on edge are usable.

The first four on each side are not usable because of imperfections in the injection. It means the first four layers will not filter anything because they do not have any airflow. 

So we found the FRAM air filter has 79 plies in the middle that are usable. The same happens with the STP. Yet, the STP plies are better quality, with 76 usable plies.

Durability 

The air filter may get clogged or damaged for some reason. It will cause multiple problems in your car, such as the AC turning on and off randomly. You should, therefore, consider the durability of the air filter before buying it. 

The filter elements of STP filters are finer. However, synthetic materials can last longer. Hence, FRAM air filters are more durable. 

You can use FRAM products for 12,000 miles until they need a replacement. Meanwhile, the average lifespan of STP air filters is around 10,000 miles. 

Filtration Efficiency

If the air filter can’t catch dirt efficiently, your car won’t start unless you give it gas. Hence, filtration efficiency is one of the most important to check when buying an air filter for your car. And in this term, STP outperforms its competitor. 

STP air filters come with Micro-pore technology. Hence, they can capture up to 99.99% of dirt and debris. Tiny microns, such as dust mites, mold spores, and pollen, can’t escape. 

Besides, STP air filters are ISO-tested products. As a result, they can keep your vehicle running efficiently and smoothly. 

FRAM air filters are good at filtering dust, too. Depending on the specific model, they can capture 95 to 99% of debris entering the system. 

Oiling 

FRAM filters need to be oiled regularly to maintain their quality. You can do this by using air filter oil to prevent it from becoming blocked with dust and dirt particles.

On the other hand, STP air filters do not need to be oiled, which is less maintenance than the FRAM filters. 

Price

The FRAM air filter is typically more expensive compared to the STP, but this is because the FRAM lasts much longer. 

However, the exact price difference varies depending on the specific model and where you buy the filters.

Pros And Cons Of FRAM And STP Air Filters 

Nothing is perfect, so expect flaws from FRAM and STP air filters, too. Here are the pros and cons you will get from each.

FRAM Air Filter

Pros:

• Thanks to synthetic materials, FRAM air filters can last longer. 
• The materials also help them withstand extreme temperatures. 
• The durability of FRAM air filters is a big plus. 

Cons: 

• Although these filters are excellent at preventing dust from entering your system, the filtration efficiency isn’t as impressive as the STP products.
• They are more expensive. 

STP Air Filter

Pros:

• The paper quality is outstanding. 
• The Micro-pore technology helps STP air filters capture up to 99.99% of the dirt. 
• You don’t have to oil the filter regularly. 
• These products are cheaper. 

Cons:

• STP air filters are less durable than FRAM air filters. 
• You need to replace the filter every 10,000 miles.

Final Verdict

So which is your favorite, FRAM vs. STP air filter? FRAM air filters are more suitable if you need something long-lasting and durable. On the other hand, STP air filters should be your way to go if you are looking for an affordable one with high filtration efficiency. 

Your ultimate choice depends on your specific needs. Remember to research carefully to get the best deal for your vehicle. 

Thank you for reading!