Mobil 1 212, 212A oil filter changes

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lt1gmc

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I have been using the Mobil 1 Oil filters on my vehicles for quite a while and use the M1-212 on my 13 Denali since it is longer and has more filter area than the original. Mobil recently replaced the M1-212 with the M1-212A which is supposed to be "Extended Performance". Below are 2 pictures, both of filters labeled M!-212A. The longer one is identical to the older M1-212, while the shorter one is the M1-212A and the only one available now. Notice the newer filter is over 1/4" shorter, has less filter media, appears to have less folds (I did not count) and has a cheaper looking relief valve (flat metal spring sealing against metal compared to the rubber seal of the older one). Why change size and quality of a particular part number?

Just an FYI. I may try some other brands upscale models. BTW, the standard Fram, AC Delco, and others are pretty much cheap inside, the upscale ones like Fram Extra Guard, AC Delco Ultra, and such are made much better.
Oil Filter 1.jpg Oil Filter 2.jpg Oil Filter 2.jpg
 

jj88

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yeah Mobil 1 filters I think are still some of the best, but they have cheaped out in their newest update (the A versions), not just for Tahoe filters but other car makes. I guess stock holders run and ruin the day in today's age. And the business leaders to seek to please them with profits over quality.
 

killjoy

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I'm getting ready to do my first oil change on a '21 AT4 and just ran out to the garage to inventory oil and filters on hand. I have 3 M1-212A... 2 are the longer ones, 1 shorter. 2 longer ones have a copyright 2016 date. Shorter one is 2019. I probably didn't even realize the size difference last time I was at Walmart picking up jugs of 0w-20 EP and grabbed the shorter filter too.

I've never heard/seen a manufacturer change a product this drastically and keep the exact same model #. I mean the physical size is different, let alone the interior components.

I certainly like the looks of the older, longer filter. If Mobil is only making the shorter one now, might be time to look for a new filter. Sad since quality is why I've always used Mobil 1 filters for decades.
 

roosh725

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I’ve used the mobil for a long time but recently I’ve been using the fram-XG10575.


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BG1988

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I’ve used the mobil for a long time but recently I’ve been using the fram-XG10575.


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fram filters are not great mine stopped filtering after 1,000 miles had to spend another 60$

you know what they say the "cheap " comes out expensive..
 

Fifty

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I was on btog and they did a break down on filters.

I couldn’t believe how different the different levels of Fram and wix filters were.

I’d have to go back and look, but the extra guard or what ever were pretty legit.
 

roosh725

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fram filters are not great mine stopped filtering after 1,000 miles had to spend another 60$

you know what they say the "cheap " comes out expensive..
You just be thinking of the basic Fram filters. Check out the fram ultra. Beats out mobil 1 on most tests.


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roosh725

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I was on btog and they did a break down on filters.

I couldn’t believe how different the different levels of Fram and wix filters were.

I’d have to go back and look, but the extra guard or what ever were pretty legit.
Absolutely, lots of good YouTube videos of disassembled filters. Fram ultra looks to be better than mobil is most tests.


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sealandsky

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I have been using the Mobil 1 Oil filters on my vehicles for quite a while and use the M1-212 on my 13 Denali since it is longer and has more filter area than the original. Mobil recently replaced the M1-212 with the M1-212A which is supposed to be "Extended Performance". Below are 2 pictures, both of filters labeled M!-212A. The longer one is identical to the older M1-212, while the shorter one is the M1-212A and the only one available now. Notice the newer filter is over 1/4" shorter, has less filter media, appears to have less folds (I did not count) and has a cheaper looking relief valve (flat metal spring sealing against metal compared to the rubber seal of the older one). Why change size and quality of a particular part number?

Just an FYI. I may try some other brands upscale models. BTW, the standard Fram, AC Delco, and others are pretty much cheap inside, the upscale ones like Fram Extra Guard, AC Delco Ultra, and such are made much better.
View attachment 271351 View attachment 271352 View attachment 271352
Looks like they are squeezing the manufacturing cost by reducing content. On the other hand, their marketing department isn't missing out on an opportunity to provide less for more!
 

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