Car Filters at Easy Life Markets
Car filters are the parts that keep dirt, metal particles and debris out of the fluids and air your vehicle depends on. Easy Life Markets sells car filters and filter service kits as part of our auto parts range. This category covers oil filters, air filters, cabin filters, fuel filters and transmission filters, and each listing shows the reference numbers and vehicles the supplier names so you can match the part to your car.
Our current range is small and focused on automatic transmission filter kits: a Nissan CVT filter kit with pan gasket and a 722.6 conductor plate kit with filter and pan gasket for Mercedes-Benz. We will add more filter types over time. The guide below explains every main filter on a car, what each one does, which specifications to match and how to avoid buying the wrong part. The current price and availability are shown on each product page.
What Car Filters Do
Every engine and gearbox makes its own dirt. Metal wears off moving parts. Combustion leaves soot. Clutch and belt material sheds tiny particles. Road dust gets drawn in with the air. A filter traps that material before it can circulate and cause wear.
A clogged filter causes its own problems. It restricts flow, so the engine or transmission has to work harder, or a bypass valve opens and lets dirty fluid through. That is why filters are service items. They are cheap compared with the parts they protect, and they are designed to be replaced on a schedule.
Your owner's manual or service book lists the intervals for each filter on your vehicle. Those intervals vary a lot between makes, engines and driving conditions, so treat the manual as the authority. Dusty roads, short trips, towing and stop-start traffic usually mean shorter intervals.
The Main Types of Car Filters
A typical car has four or five filters. Here is what each one does and what to look for when you replace it.
Oil filters
The oil filter cleans engine oil as the pump pushes it around the engine. There are two common designs. A spin-on filter is a sealed metal can with a threaded centre and a rubber sealing ring. You unscrew the whole can and fit a new one. A cartridge filter is a paper or synthetic element that sits inside a housing on the engine. You replace only the element and its O-rings, and the housing stays on the car.
Inside a spin-on oil filter there is usually an anti-drainback valve, which stops oil draining out of the filter when the engine is off, and a bypass valve, which lets oil through if the element ever clogs. The oil filter article on Wikipedia explains these valves in more detail. When you buy a replacement, the thread size, gasket diameter, height and valve settings all need to suit your engine.
Engine air filters
The engine air filter sits in the air box between the intake and the throttle body. It stops dust and grit from being drawn into the cylinders, where it would wear the bores and rings. Most are flat panel filters with a pleated paper or synthetic element and a rubber frame. Some engines use round or cone-shaped filters.
The key specifications are the length, width and depth of the panel, or the diameter and height of a round element. The seal must sit flat in the air box. A filter that is a few millimetres too small lets unfiltered air bypass it.
Cabin air filters
The cabin filter, also called a pollen filter, cleans the air that the heater and air conditioning blow into the cabin. It usually sits behind the glove box or under the windscreen cowl. A blocked cabin filter reduces airflow from the vents and can make the windows slower to demist.
There are two main kinds. A standard particle filter traps dust and pollen. An activated carbon filter adds a layer of charcoal that also absorbs some odours. Both kinds must match the size and shape of your housing.
Fuel filters
The fuel filter catches rust, dirt and debris from the tank before they reach the injectors or carburettor. Older petrol cars and many diesels have a separate inline or canister filter. Many newer petrol cars have the filter built into the fuel pump module inside the tank. Diesel filters often include a water separator, because water in diesel fuel can damage the injection system.
On small engines such as motorcycles and trail bikes, the filter is often a simple inline unit in the fuel hose. Our Yamaha TTR250 carburetor comes with an inline fuel filter for exactly that reason. You can see more in our fuel system category.
Transmission filters
Automatic transmissions and CVTs have a filter, sometimes called a strainer, that cleans the fluid before it reaches the pump and valve body. It is usually inside the transmission, under the oil pan. Some gearboxes also have a second cartridge filter outside the case. Changing a transmission filter normally means dropping the pan, so a new pan gasket is part of the job.
This is where our current range of car filters sits. The Nissan CVT filter kit 3172628X0A includes the oil pan strainer, a cartridge oil filter and the pan gasket, and the listing names the Altima, Murano, Versa and Quest. The 722.6 conductor plate kit combines a conductor plate, connector, filter and pan gasket for the Mercedes-Benz 722.6 five-speed automatic.
Car Filters Compared
This table sums up the main car filters, where they sit and which details you need to match.
| Filter | What it cleans | Usual location | Key details to match | Signs it needs changing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oil filter | Engine oil | On the engine block or in a housing | Spin-on or cartridge, thread, gasket size, height, valves | Due at every oil change on most cars |
| Engine air filter | Intake air | Air box near the throttle body | Length, width, depth, seal shape | Visible dirt, reduced performance |
| Cabin filter | Air into the cabin | Behind glove box or under cowl | Size, shape, particle or carbon | Weak vent airflow, musty smell |
| Fuel filter | Fuel | Inline, on a chassis rail or in the tank | Hose size, flow direction, water separator | Hesitation, hard starting |
| Transmission filter | Gearbox fluid | Inside the pan or on the case | Transmission code, part number, gasket | Due at a fluid service |
How to Find the Right Filter for Your Car
Most mistakes with car filters come from guessing. Two filters can look almost the same and still have a different thread, seal or valve. Use these steps before you order.
- Read the old part. Most filters have a part number printed on the can, frame or element. Write it down exactly, including letters and dashes.
- Check the vehicle details. Make, model, year and engine code all matter. On transmissions, you need the gearbox type or code as well, because one model can come with more than one transmission.
- Compare reference numbers. Our listings show the reference and interchange numbers the supplier gives. For example, the Nissan kit lists 3172628X0A along with 31726-3JX0A and 19318012.
- Measure if in doubt. For air and cabin filters, measure length, width and depth. For spin-on oil filters, compare height, outside diameter and the size of the rubber seal.
- Look at the photos. Compare the shape of the element, the mounting tabs and the gasket against what you removed.
- Ask us. If you are unsure, send the part number and vehicle details through our contact page before ordering.
Filter Materials and Construction
Not every filter element is made the same way. The material affects how fine the filtration is, how much the filter can hold and how long it lasts.
- Cellulose (paper). The most common element material. It is cheap, filters well and suits normal service intervals.
- Synthetic media. Man-made fibres that can hold more dirt and keep flow up for longer. Often used in extended-interval oil filters.
- Blended media. A mix of cellulose and synthetic fibres, sitting between the two on cost and capacity.
- Cotton gauze. Used in some washable performance air filters. These need cleaning and re-oiling, and too much oil can affect airflow sensors.
- Mesh screens. Many transmission strainers use a fine metal or plastic mesh rather than paper.
- Activated carbon. Added to some cabin filters to absorb odours as well as particles.
Seals matter as much as the element. A spin-on oil filter relies on its rubber gasket. A transmission filter relies on the pan gasket and any O-rings. That is why kits that include the gasket are worth buying. Fitting a new filter with an old, hardened gasket is a common cause of leaks.
Changing Car Filters Safely
Air and cabin filters are simple jobs for most owners. Oil filters are a normal part of an oil change. Fuel and transmission filters take more care. If you are not confident, have a qualified mechanic do the work.
General tips
- Work on a cool engine and transmission. Hot oil and fluid can burn.
- Support the vehicle properly on stands or a lift before you go underneath. Never rely on a jack alone.
- Clean around the housing before you open it, so dirt does not fall into the system.
- Lightly oil the rubber seal of a new spin-on oil filter with clean oil before fitting, unless the instructions say otherwise.
- Tighten to the figure in your service manual. Over-tightening a filter or pan can damage seals and threads.
- Refill with the fluid type and quantity your service manual specifies, then check for leaks with the engine running.
Fuel filter safety
Fuel is flammable and many fuel systems stay under pressure after the engine stops. Relieve the pressure as your service manual describes, work in a ventilated area away from sparks or flames, and have rags ready for spills. Fit the filter in the right flow direction. Most have an arrow on the body.
Transmission filter jobs
Changing a transmission filter usually means draining fluid, removing the pan, swapping the strainer and gasket, then refilling and checking the level the way the manufacturer specifies. CVTs and many modern automatics have specific fluid and level-check procedures. Follow the service manual for your car, or have a workshop do it. Our transmissions category and the wider transmission and drivetrain section carry related parts, including a Toyota Corolla transmission solenoid valve and a 78410-S04-901 speed sensor.
Common Mistakes When Buying Car Filters
- Buying by model name alone. One model can have several engines and gearboxes, each with a different filter.
- Ignoring the gasket. Reusing an old pan gasket or housing O-ring is a common cause of leaks after a service.
- Fitting the wrong valve type. Some engines need a specific anti-drainback or bypass setting in the oil filter.
- Forcing an air filter that is too big. If the box will not close properly, the seal will not hold and dust gets past.
- Fitting a fuel filter backwards. Check the flow arrow before you tighten the clamps.
- Skipping the fluid. A transmission filter change without the right fluid and level check does only half the job.
When to Combine Filters with Other Work
Some jobs make sense to do together because the same parts come off. If the transmission pan is already down, replacing the filter and gasket at the same time saves labour later. On the Mercedes 722.6 gearbox, the conductor plate sits on the valve body under the pan, which is why the 722.6 kit bundles the filter and pan gasket with it.
On the engine side, an oil and filter change is a good time to check belts, hoses and gaskets for leaks. If you see oil around the top of the engine, a valve cover with gasket or a part from our gaskets category may be the fix. If the timing belt is due, our KP15688XS timing belt kit with water pump and the belts and hoses section are worth a look. For the cooling side, see our cooling category.
Who These Car Filters Suit
Our car filters suit owners who service their own vehicles, independent workshops looking for a specific kit, and anyone who has a part number and wants the matching part. The transmission filter kits suit people planning a fluid service on a Nissan CVT or a Mercedes 722.6 automatic, and mechanics who want the strainer, filter and gasket in one order.
If you are building a service kit for a whole car, you can also browse our engine parts, and the tools and equipment category for workshop tools. Lighting jobs are covered in our car lighting section.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which car filters should I replace first?
Follow the intervals in your owner's manual. The oil filter is usually changed with every oil change. Air and cabin filters are cheap and easy to check, so look at them at each service. Fuel and transmission filters have longer intervals on most vehicles.
Do you sell oil, air and cabin filters?
Our car filters category is set up for all of these types. Right now the range is focused on transmission filter kits, and we will add more. Check this page again or contact us with your part number.
How do I know a filter fits my car?
Match the part number from your old filter or service book to the reference numbers on our listing, then confirm the make, model, year and engine or transmission code. If you are unsure, send us the details before ordering.
Does the Nissan CVT filter kit include a gasket?
Yes. The listing shows an oil pan strainer, a cartridge oil filter and an oil pan gasket. Check the product page for the full contents and the vehicles named.
Can I change a transmission filter myself?
Many owners do, but it involves draining fluid, removing the pan and following the correct refill and level-check procedure. If you have not done it before, a qualified mechanic is the safer choice.
Is a carbon cabin filter better than a standard one?
A carbon cabin filter also absorbs some odours, while a standard filter only traps particles. Both must fit your housing. Choose based on what you need.
Can I return a filter that does not fit?
Our return and refund policy explains the conditions. Keep the part unused and in its packaging until you have checked fitment.
Where can I find shipping information?
See our shipping policy. More general answers are on our FAQ page.
Buy Car Filters from Easy Life Markets
Good car filters protect engines and gearboxes that cost far more than the filters themselves. Start with the part number, match the vehicle and gearbox details, and buy the gasket with the filter. Browse our current car filters above, and see the rest of our auto parts range for related service parts. If you need help matching a part, our team is happy to check it for you through the contact page.