Oil filters are small but significantly essential parts of a car. When upgrading your engine’s air filter, STP and AC Delco are 2 popular options you can choose from. Many car owners are unaware of the differences between STP oil filter vs. AC Delco.
The prime difference between these 2 oil filters is their durability and price. STP oil filters last 5,000 – 15,000 miles and are a bit less expensive than AC Delco. On the other hand, the durability of AC Delco oil filters is 3,000 – 7,500 miles, and the price is higher compared to STP.
I shared all the differences in detail throughout this comprehensive guide to help you choose the right oil filter for your car. Keep reading.
STP Oil Filter vs. AC Delco – Comparison Chart
STP and AC Delco are 2 well-known and reliable brands in the automotive industry. Let’s look at the key differences between AC Delco oil filter and STP.
| Parameter | STP Oil Filters | AC Delco Oil Filters |
| Construction | Cellulose media | 100% recycled thermoplastic |
| Filtration Efficiency | 90% | 99% |
| Micron Rating | 20 | 25 – 30 |
| Longevity | 5,000 – 10,000 miles with synthetic engine oil | 7,000 miles with synthetic engine oil |
| Working Mechanism | Clicker style of bypass valve | Conventional style of bypass valve |
| Price | Less than AC Delco | Little pricey |
What are STP Oil Filters?
If your priority is affordable and top-quality oil filters, STP will be a deal breaker. These oil filters efficiently keep engine oil clean by removing dust, dirt, sludge, deposits, and rust.
Periodic replacement of these oil filters is a must, especially when you change the motor oil. However, the frequency of replacement depends on the construction of the filter.
STP oil filter offers the below benefits,
- The long-lasting service life of 5,000 – 10,000 miles
- Delivers top performance being constructed with premium anti-drain valve and gasket
- Efficient dirt-capturing capability
- Certified by ISO
- Upgraded micro-pore technology than the rivals
What are AC Delco Oil Filters?
As per many automotive experts, the performance of AC Delco oil filters will not disappoint you. They have a reputation for providing reliable and efficient performance.
These oil filters trap all kinds of impurities and micro contaminants to save your car engine. It lets the oil flow freely and ensures proper lubrication between the engine parts. Many quality oil filters are available in the market, but AC Delco is unbeatable.
Find the benefits of AC Delco oil filters below,
- Designed to deliver a maximum of 7,000 miles of service
- Made of high-grade materials that meet or exceed OEM certification
- Excellent dirt trapping capability
- Keeps oil clean at 99% efficiency
- Micron rating is 25 – 30
STP Oil Filter vs. AC Delco – In-depth Discussion of the Differences
Based on the differences in the comparison chart, here is an in-depth discussion of STP oil filter vs. AC Delco.
Construction
Cellulose media is used to manufacture STP oil filters. As a result, these filters have a longer shelf life. Also, a blend of synthetic fiber is used in making STP extended Life engine oil filters, allowing them to provide long-lasting safety to the vehicle’s engine.
While 100% recycled materials constructed thermoplastic end disc is used in the AC Delco oil filters, thus, some oil filters of AC Delco, such as Gold Ultraguard can withstand 5X times excessive force quite effectively compared to STP.
Media of Filtration
STP oil filters are equipped with a specialized paper filter, capturing the tiniest dirt efficiently. Thus, your car engine remains safe from dirt, dust, deposits, and sludge. As per the Grease 1218, larger pore size is one of the key features of STP oil filters, similar to the SuperTech oil filters.
Meanwhile, the pore sizes of AC Delco oil filters are smaller. Moreover, they have a big pleated trapping element made of paper that can block dust particles as small as 20-micron. You will love to know that these filter elements resist excessive pressure without distortion and come with firm characteristics.
Filtration Efficiency
The main responsibility of oil filters is filtration efficiency. STP is engineered with 90% oil filtration efficiency. The dirt-carrying and filth-trapping capacities of STP oil filters are among the best in the markets. In addition, a few models have 99% multi-pass efficiency, such an item is the STP S11473XL Oil Filter. It can remove particles up to 20-micron, which is best in its price range. However, the sealing capability of STP is less than AC Delco.
In comparison, the filtration efficiency of AC Delco is much better compared to STP. They use a multi-pass filtering system with 98% efficiency, allowing them to filter deposits of 25 – 30 microns.
Working Mechanism
The STP oil filter’s sealing capability is not good as it uses clicker-style and combo bypass. Besides, most AC Delco oil filters have a conventional bypass and a valve which is rubber-sealed. A distinct dome bypass mechanism is also found in AC Delco.
STP Extended Life oil filters are designed with O-rings made of silicone. These O-rings are much more efficient and resistant to harsh temperatures ranging from -40° F to 400° F. They fulfill or exceed OEM fitment and specifications.
Oil filters from AC Delco contain cellulose media, trapping particles of 1/3 width equivalent to human hair. This way, pure oil flows in every part of your car engine. Another great feature is the Professional (Gold) oil filters of AC Delco – end caps made of Synthetic. These caps are welded ultrasonically, helping them to stop media clogged by adhesives. This feature is usually available in old-style oil filters.
Performance and Durability
The high-grade anti-drain back valve and NBR gasket enhance the optimal performance of STP oil filters. Thus, you will get service of 5,000 miles from them when synthetic oil is used. Additionally, with synthetic motor oil, STP Extended life oil filters’ life span is a maximum of 10,000 miles. Furthermore, STP MaxLife Oil filters have a longevity of 15,000 miles, making them one of the top-quality filters for synthetic oil.
In contrast, the thermosetting adhesive seal is used in the AC Delco oil filters, assisting in the reliable filtration process. Besides, the nylon core of the oil filters model of AC Delco Gold (Professional) E and the Gold (Professional) ensure outstanding flow attributes. Their life span is between 3,000 – 7,000 miles, depending on the oil additives and oil type. As per some users of AC Delco, these oil filters last up to 7,500 miles.
Price Point
While comparing the price point between 2 premium quality oil filters, I found that AC Delco is a bit more expensive than STP. At the same time, some models’ prices are similar.
Buy AC Delco PF457GO Engine Oil Filter at an affordable price. You can also choose STP Oil Filter S11665. Both are great in terms of their performance.
STP Oil Filter vs. AC Delco – Who Wins the Battle?
There is no clear winner in the battle of AC Delco oil filters vs. STP. Both have their own set of benefits and drawbacks. Making a buying decision completely depends on your personal preference.
Buy STP oil filter if you are
- Looking for a long-lasting oil filter
- Searching for a cheaper solution
Buy AC Delco oil filters if you prefer
- Efficiency than other features
- Performance
FAQ
The construction of STP oil filters is of high quality and delivers long-term service efficiently. Rigid materials effectively filter dust, dirt, and other contaminants from engine oil. They feature an anti-drain brake valve, preventing the oil from entering the filter when the car engine is turned off.
AC oil filter filtration efficiency is 98%, and the micron rating is 25 – 30, making it one of the best oil filters in the automotive industry. Also, these oil filters trap deposits of 1/3 width of human hair efficiently. It means the tiniest pollutants cannot pass through the AC Delco oil filters.
Yes, FRAM is the manufacturer of AC Delco oil filters. The other name of this company is Champion Lab. FRAM is the pioneer of car engine oil filters and auxiliary cartridges.
STP oil filters are made of high-quality materials, and most models deliver 5,000 – 10,000 miles of efficient filtration service. Besides, MaxLife and XL models are promised to give you 15,000 miles and 10,000 miles of service, respectively.
When synthetic motor oil is used, AC Delco oil filters last 3,000 – 7,000 miles.
Final Notes
When buying oil filters for your car, the first names that will appear in your mind are STP and AC Delco. Both are great brands of oil filters offering distinctive features and benefits. I tested both brands in my car, and their performance was absolutely incredible. You will never regret buying any of them.
After reading this comprehensive guide on STP oil filter vs. AC Delco, I hope that making a buying decision will be convenient for you. Make sure to choose the one that meets your requirements.
