Parts is parts?

"ttyymmnn" (ttyymmnn)
11/20/2015 at 12:02 • Filed to: None

You may have seen a couple of posts down where I said that I am going to change the cabin air filter in my ‘03 Odyssey. So, now I need a new filter. I looked up on O’Reilly, the closest AP store to me, and they’ll sell me one for $25. On a whim, I looked on Rock Auto and they have them for as little as $3.79 or as much as $25. So my question is, what do you get for the extra $21? Is a filter a filter? Is there insane markup at O’Reilly? Should I shoot somewhere in the middle on that price?

I’m also going to replace the engine air filter, so the same questions apply.

Thanks.

DISCUSSION (16)

HammerheadFistpunch > ttyymmnn
11/20/2015 at 12:06

I suspect its just like home HVAC filters...its a matter of particulate size and flow. i.e. the cheaper ones will allow larger particulates though, or they may flow badly, and the more expensive ones will filter finer particulates without as steep a flow restriction. Depends on your preference. Its my personal experience that I notice a decrease in health issues with my kids when I spring for the nicer filters in my home...maybe just keeping the crud from circulating...I don’t know.

ttyymmnn > HammerheadFistpunch
11/20/2015 at 12:06

That’s a good thought.

Takuro Spirit > ttyymmnn
11/20/2015 at 12:08

My guess is the level of charcoal impregnation. From a lot for $25, to none for $4.

Ash78, voting early and often > ttyymmnn
11/20/2015 at 12:09

Build quality, pleat density, filtration capability...maybe the $25 has charcoal. A lot of them $20+ do.

I hate to obsess over a 2+ year item like that, but it does create a lot of questions.

Also, is “Talking About Car Maintenance” today’s version of “My High School Car”? I sure hope so, I have some stories. At least until pauljones takes me to task.

Seat Safety Switch > ttyymmnn
11/20/2015 at 12:09

Try to get a charcoal filter if you can. They’re a night and day difference.

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > ttyymmnn
11/20/2015 at 12:11

Rock Auto’s knock off parts are pretty cheesey I would go with what AutoZone or whatever has or even OEM. I still put OEM filters in my Subaru.

HammerheadFistpunch > ttyymmnn
11/20/2015 at 12:11

Re: engine filter - Factory paper.

coelacanthist > ttyymmnn
11/20/2015 at 12:12

I think of replacement parts like groceries. Sometimes brand name is worth it, sometimes generic is just fine. I would agree that for a cabin air filter, as well as the hvac filter in your home, it would be a wise investment to pony up.

EL_ULY > ttyymmnn
11/20/2015 at 12:12

Better item all together sir. It might not look like it on the surface. We have A/C filters here up to $180 and when you know how they are made and their cleaning abilities (smog, dust, odor) you could see the justification.

jariten1781 > ttyymmnn
11/20/2015 at 12:15

For filters I tend to try to find out what supplier makes the OEM ones then buy their non-OEM-branded version if it’s available since they're normally identical but a bit cheaper.

Future next gen S2000 owner > ttyymmnn
11/20/2015 at 12:18

I highly suspect a 3 dollar filter. I doubt it will be very good at filtering anything. To make one in China, ship it, have associated costs, I don’t see how you could sell it for 3 bucks.

Where they the same brands?

ttyymmnn > Future next gen S2000 owner
11/20/2015 at 12:27

I did not look specifically at the brands. I did see that some were labeled OEM.

ttyymmnn > HammerheadFistpunch
11/20/2015 at 12:28

So you're suggesting I buy direct from Honda?

HammerheadFistpunch > ttyymmnn
11/20/2015 at 12:35

Thats just my 2 cents, but my perspective is of the world of land cruiser were the OEM parts are usually the best parts you can find for it.

ttyymmnn > HammerheadFistpunch
11/20/2015 at 12:38

Considering that changing the cabin filter is such a pita, it may be quite some time before I do it again. So it's probably better to drop a few more coins on a good one.

HammerheadFistpunch > ttyymmnn
11/20/2015 at 12:39

makes sense to me.