The Ultimate NAPA Oil Filter Cross Reference and Compatibility Guide​

2026-01-15

Finding the correct oil filter for your vehicle is a fundamental part of routine maintenance. The most direct and reliable method is to use the ​NAPA Oil Filter Cross Reference​ system. This guide provides a comprehensive walkthrough of how NAPA's filtration products match up with other major brands and OEM part numbers, ensuring you can always find the right filter for your car, truck, or equipment. NAPA filters, including the ​NAPA Gold​ (manufactured by Wix) and ​NAPA Platinum​ lines, are renowned for their quality construction, superior filtration media, and broad vehicle coverage. By understanding how to cross-reference effectively, you can confidently select a high-quality NAPA filter that meets or exceeds your vehicle manufacturer's specifications, often at a better value than dealership parts.

​Understanding NAPA Oil Filter Lines and Their Equivalents​

NAPA Auto Parts offers several tiers of oil filters, each designed to meet different performance and budgetary needs. Knowing the differences is the first step in accurate cross-referencing.

  • ​NAPA Platinum:​​ This is the premium line of oil filters. They are designed to provide the highest level of protection and performance. Key features often include a ​silicone anti-drainback valve​ that remains pliable in extreme temperatures, a ​high-capacity synthetic or blended media​ for capturing more contaminants and smaller particles, and a ​heavy-duty steel base plate and housing​ for durability. The Platinum filter is typically cross-referenced with other premium filters like ​Wix XP, ​Mobil 1 Extended Performance, ​K&N Performance, and ​PurolatorONE. It is engineered for severe service, extended oil change intervals (when following appropriate oil and vehicle manufacturer guidelines), and high-performance engines.

  • ​NAPA Gold:​​ This is the standard high-quality line and represents the core of NAPA's filter offering. Manufactured by Wix, a global leader in filtration, the ​NAPA Gold​ filter is an excellent OEM-replacement filter for conventional and synthetic oil change intervals. It features a ​robust filtration media, a ​nitrile rubber anti-drainback valve​ (effective for standard use), and a ​metal end caps​ for media stability. This line directly corresponds to the ​standard Wix filter​ (e.g., Wix 51515 is NAPA Gold 1515) and is a direct replacement for filters from ​Fram Ultra Synthetic, PurolatorBOSS, Bosch Premium, and AC Delco Professional. For most daily drivers, the NAPA Gold filter offers outstanding protection and value.

  • ​NAPA Silver:​​ This is an economical line designed for budget-conscious consumers maintaining older vehicles or those on strict maintenance schedules. While it meets basic OEM specifications, it may lack some of the enhanced materials and capacity of the Gold and Platinum lines. It often corresponds to basic or traditional lines from other manufacturers.

The critical point is that ​NAPA Gold and Platinum filters are manufactured by Wix Filters, a company with a long-standing reputation for quality and innovation in filtration. This partnership means you are getting a proven, professional-grade product when you choose these NAPA lines.

​How to Perform a NAPA Oil Filter Cross Reference​

Cross-referencing is a straightforward process if you have the right information. Here are the primary methods, from simplest to most technical.

  1. ​Use the NAPA Website or In-Store Catalog:​​ The easiest method. Visit NAPAAutoParts.com and use the "Vehicle Lookup" tool. Enter your vehicle's year, make, model, and engine size. The site will display all compatible NAPA filters (Platinum, Gold, Silver). This tool is the most accurate as it is based on NAPA's direct application database.

  2. ​Use the Existing Filter Number:​​ If you have the old filter in hand or know the brand and number currently on the vehicle, you can cross-reference it directly.

    • Find the part number on the filter's label or metal casing (e.g., ​Fram PH3614, ​Purolator L14612, ​Motorcraft FL-910S).
    • Go to the NAPA website and use the "Part Number Lookup" or "Cross Reference" feature. Enter the competitor's part number. The system will show you the corresponding ​NAPA Gold​ and ​NAPA Platinum​ numbers.
    • You can also use printed cross-reference charts available at NAPA stores, though the online database is more frequently updated.

  3. ​Use OEM Part Numbers:​​ This is crucial for owners who want to move away from dealership filters without sacrificing compatibility. Find your vehicle's original equipment part number (e.g., ​Toyota 04152-YZZA1, ​Honda 15400-PLM-A02). Use this number in the NAPA website's part number lookup. The result will show you the NAPA filter engineered to match that exact specification.

  4. ​Understand Generic Numbering (The "Last Four Digits" Rule):​​ A common industry practice, especially with filters manufactured by Wix/Dana, involves generic numbers. For example, a very common filter is known as Wix 51515, ​NAPA Gold 1515, Carquest 8515, etc. Here, the "1515" is the core number. If you know a Wix number is 51515, the corresponding NAPA Gold is often 1515. However, ​do not rely solely on this rule without verification, as there are exceptions. Always confirm with a vehicle lookup or part number cross-reference.

​Key Factors in Oil Filter Selection Beyond the Cross-Reference​

A simple part number match is not enough. An informed decision requires understanding the filter's specifications.

  • ​Thread Specification:​​ This is the most critical mechanical dimension. The threads must match the engine's filter mounting stud perfectly (e.g., 3/4"-16, M20 x 1.5). An incorrect thread will prevent installation or cause leaks. The cross-reference process automatically accounts for this.
  • ​Gasket Diameter:​​ The rubber O-ring or gasket must be the correct diameter to seal against the engine's mounting surface.
  • ​Relief Valve Setting:​​ Also known as the bypass valve, it allows oil to flow if the filter becomes clogged. Its opening pressure is calibrated to match the engine's oil pump requirements. High-quality filters like NAPA Gold/Platinum use precise valves.
  • ​Anti-Drainback Valve:​​ This valve prevents oil from draining out of the filter when the engine is off, ensuring immediate oil pressure on startup. ​NAPA Platinum filters use silicone valves for superior performance in hot and cold climates.​​
  • ​Filtration Efficiency and Capacity:​​ Measured by standards like ISO 4548, this indicates what percentage of contaminant particles of a certain size (e.g., 20 microns) the filter captures. Higher-quality media, like that in ​NAPA Platinum filters, has higher efficiency and ​dirt-holding capacity, meaning it can protect your engine longer.

​Step-by-Step Guide to Changing Your Oil Filter with a NAPA Filter​

  1. ​Gather Materials:​​ New ​NAPA Gold or Platinum oil filter, correct weight and type of engine oil, wrench set, oil filter wrench (if needed), drain pan, funnel, and gloves.
  2. ​Safety First:​​ Park on a level surface, engage the parking brake, and allow the engine to cool slightly (warm oil drains better but is not scalding hot).
  3. ​Drain Engine Oil:​​ Locate the engine oil drain plug on the bottom of the oil pan. Place the drain pan underneath and carefully loosen the plug with a wrench, then remove it by hand, pushing it away from you as the final threads release.
  4. ​Remove the Old Filter:​​ Locate the oil filter. Using an oil filter wrench if it is tight, turn the filter counterclockwise to loosen it. Carefully unscrew it by hand. Tip: ​Ensure the old filter's rubber gasket came off with the filter.​​ If it stuck to the engine, remove it.
  5. ​Prepare the New NAPA Filter:​​ Before installing, inspect the new filter. ​Lightly coat the new rubber gasket with a thin film of fresh, clean engine oil.​​ This ensures a proper seal and prevents the gasket from tearing or binding during installation.
  6. ​Install the New Filter:​​ Screw the new ​NAPA filter​ onto the mounting stud by hand. Once the gasket makes contact, tighten it an additional ​three-quarters of a turn to one full turn by hand only.​​ Do not use a wrench for final tightening unless specified otherwise in the filter's instructions. Over-tightening can damage the gasket or housing.
  7. ​Reinstall Drain Plug and Add Oil:​​ Replace and tighten the drain plug to your vehicle's specified torque. Use a funnel to add the correct amount of new oil through the oil fill cap on the valve cover.
  8. ​Check for Leaks and Reset Monitor:​​ Start the engine and let it run for a minute. Inspect the area around the ​NAPA filter​ and drain plug for any drips or seeping. Turn off the engine, wait a minute, and check the dipstick, adding oil if necessary. Reset your vehicle's oil life monitoring system if equipped.

​Common NAPA Filter Cross-Reference Examples​

Here is a practical table showing how popular filters cross to NAPA numbers. Always verify with your specific vehicle.

Common OEM/Competitor Filter Part Number Typical Application (Example) Corresponding NAPA Gold Filter Corresponding NAPA Platinum Filter
Fram PH3614 Many GM 4-cylinder & 6-cylinder engines NAPA Gold 13614 NAPA Platinum 713614
Purolator L14612 Many Ford 4-cylinder & 6-cylinder engines NAPA Gold 14612 NAPA Platinum 714612
Motorcraft FL-910S Ford Focus, Escape, Many Mazdas NAPA Gold 1515 NAPA Platinum 7015
AC Delco PF46 Many GM V6 and V8 engines NAPA Gold 1046 NAPA Platinum 70046
Mopar 5281090 Chrysler 3.6L Pentastar V6 NAPA Gold 7068 NAPA Platinum 77068

​Addressing Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)​​

  • ​Are NAPA Gold filters as good as OEM?​​ Yes, and often better. ​NAPA Gold filters, made by Wix, frequently exceed the original equipment specifications in terms of filtration media quality and capacity. They are a trusted choice by professional mechanics.
  • ​Can I use a NAPA Platinum filter for extended oil changes?​​ The ​NAPA Platinum filter​ is engineered for extended drain intervals ​when paired with a full synthetic oil and following the guidelines of both the oil manufacturer and your vehicle's owner's manual.​​ Do not arbitrarily extend change intervals.
  • ​What's the difference between NAPA Gold and Wix?​​ In most cases, a ​NAPA Gold filter is identical to a standard Wix filter​ of the same last four digits (e.g., NAPA 1515 = Wix 51515). They come from the same factory. NAPA Platinum is identical to a Wix XP filter.
  • ​My vehicle has a cartridge-style filter. Does NAPA carry these?​​ Absolutely. NAPA provides both spin-on and cartridge-style filter elements for vehicles that require them (like many European and newer Asian models). The cross-reference process works the same way.
  • ​Where can I find the cross-reference information?​​ The most reliable sources are the ​official NAPA Auto Parts website​ or by asking the counter professionals at your local ​NAPA store. They have direct access to the most current application guides.

By mastering the ​NAPA Oil Filter Cross Reference​ process, you empower yourself to make informed maintenance decisions. You are not locked into a single brand or the dealership parts counter. Instead, you have access to a wide network of NAPA stores and a proven product line that offers quality, value, and the performance needed to protect your engine investment for the long term.

BACK