I can understand why someone might be concerned about oil flow with a finer element. We have a wet sump so I don't think that would be an issue. Not sure where our filter is the route the oil takes. I can see the idea of it being too fine and bypassing the filter and then not getting the filtration you should. That can only happen if there is a bypass valve or the element is loose enough to allow oil to flow past at the sealing points.

I live near a few places and also pass them to and from work to buy filters so that is no issue for me. I could even buy one at work if I wanted a Fram. I use a Wix filter in most cases. Not my first choice but usually the easiest one to get. It's a decent filter and costs me about $6. I say each to his or her own, I rather a cheap spin on that I change once a year that does a good job of filtration. As for disposal, I drop mine at work where they get crushed to recover oil for recycling and then the filter itself goes to be recycled.

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