A test comparing a metal filter to a traditional paper filter uncovered some alarming results

The oil filter is your engine’s first and most crucial defense, responsible for filtering out harmful debris and particles to maintain engine health. Surprisingly, the type of filter you choose is just as important as having one in the first place.
The Total Seal Piston Rings YouTube channel conducted a fun yet scientific comparison between an all-metal wire mesh oil filter and a traditional paper-based filter. Using one of their bench-testing V-8 engines, they mixed iron particles into the oil and ran the engine with both filters to see which one would capture more iron over several runs to redline. The fewer iron particles left in the engine, the better.
The results were clear. While the paper filter successfully removed 85 percent of the iron particles, the metal filter only managed to filter out 9 percent. Ouch.
According to host Lake Speed Jr., this difference is due to the thickness of the paper filter. Its membrane-like material allows it to capture smaller particles more effectively than the metal filter, which can only trap debris down to a certain size. Beyond that, the metal filter misses anything smaller.
The testing also revealed significant real-world impacts on the engine. After an hour of running with the paper filter, the engine maintained its power, while the metal filter resulted in a loss of 10 horsepower, signaling severe wear in areas like the piston rings.
So, while metal screen filters may look sleek and high-tech, they’re likely causing more harm than good for your engine.