............where they are made now.

www.facebook.com/watch?v=7952932961391659

And a follow up: www.facebook.com/reel/270372126155882

So, NAPA has those filters made in China now and say that they are just as good. So, if they are (only) just as good just not made HERE, why make the move? Could it be cost? I am surprised that the cost of the filters never came up in the videos. Who here thinks that the price changed when the manufacturing was moved overseas? Anybody here buy those NAPA filters often enough to answer that? Did the price go down once NAPA began selling the Chinese made filters?

Yep. Picked up my usual Napa Gold this week for the wife's minivan. Made in China now.

Price was the same.

For what it's worth the old counter guy who has been there forever said that was a WIX decision, not a NAPA decision. He said found out the same way I did. (If you believe an anecdote from a counter jockey.)

Thanks for posting.

Guess I have to switch to WIX only.

People say it meets OEM specs and it's a quality filter all they want but FRAM says that too.

Wix got bought out a couple years ago by a German company.

Mann+Hummel

https://www.fleetowner.com/equipment/article/21693506/mannhummel-acquires-wix-filters-parent

that was my first thought too, but with a little research I think you'll find those are being offshored as well. It's just taking a bit longer to work through the old US-made shelf stock.

They were basically the same filter off the same line with just a different sticker and box.

I learned some time ago to always open the box & inspect the part, and I'm sure most of you do the same.
Now, it seems wise to also buy multiples, and have a backlog of stuff.
Not really what I want to do, but I don't like worrying about what I'm putting on/in my cars, right ?

But could the German Mann company have purchased Wix and with no plan of moving production and just purchase the facilities here?

Time to look at Baldwin filters - I believe they are made in Nebraska. Baldwin is a heavy favorite for the heavy-duty truck market. Last I knew about WIX premium filters, they were made here & the NAPA Gold filters were WIX premium. If WIX is no longer WIX, then I'm done with them too.

Pretty sure the Walmart Supertech filters are made in the US, Champion Labs

Never used Wix or Napa, Fram gets a bad rap but they offer more than one style filter. Look into royal purple filters, They filter down well with good flow. And they are made here in the USA. And why does everybody have to link to FB? Will not go to FB ever.

I know people like that. And people who feel the same about youtube. Heck, we all know people who think the internet itself is evil and won't access it. Whatever.

But the 'one size fits all' negative opinion on information sources as broad as Facebook and youtube is very limiting. There certainly is lots and lots of crap on those platforms. But there is also lots and lots of sound information. The challenge is separating what is valuable and what is not. And that requires critical thinking, research, and objectivity.

But facebook and youtube are no different than Moparts in that regard. Just look at the different opinions in this thread on oil filters. Or look at a thread on preferred oil brands. Today, we are overwhelmed with information/opinions/agendas from every conceivable source; TV, radio, our phones, and anything and everything we use the internet for including Moparts. And there are certainly some sources that we should not let have access to us. But one is doing a disservice to himself if he removes broad content providers like facebook or youtube or the internet itself. In many cases there simply is no other venue for certain content/information. Information that a person may actually want to have. It is tantamount to sticking their head in the sand. And someone who does that really can't know what they are missing. But, that is an individual's choice, isn't it.

Baldwin

Baldwin Filters continued its steady growth. In Nebraska, manufacturing capacity was expanded and a multi-million dollar technical center was added for research and testing. New facilities were also opened in Europe, Mexico, Australia, China, South Africa and Morocco.

NAPA filters are literally a wix with a NAPA name printed on them. The much cheaper Oreilley brand pro-tec is also a wix.

FRAM is total garbage no matter what level of filter you get with that name on them.

I have yet to buy a Wix filter NOT made in the USA. But I buy the racing filters

Did you watch either of the posted videos?

Here's my latest experience with oil filters. I usually use Supertech filters on my daily drivers. My Dart and Ram both take an ST10060. I changed the oil in the Dart a couple weeks ago and saw this. Something looked goofy when I first looked at the filter. After comparing the old and new I could see what had changed.
The filter is completely missing the upper metal cover piece. Is it really needed? I have no idea. Looks like a cost savings thing to me. I also noticed that the O-ring didn't fit very nicely and wanted to pop out of the groove. I made extra sure that it stayed in place as I spun the filter into position. I'll make a point to inspect the new filters I buy in the store before purchase from now on.

Bob is the Oil Guy website likely has current info on who makes the best oil filters. I buy WIX from NAPA, or Oreilly's, and have not found a China made one so far. If that is what it comes down to I guess I'll go elsewhere with my $$$. Even if the filters are the same it's the principle of having them make it over there and pocketing the difference.

NAPA fiters are no longer wix

This used to be true. Not anymore.

He obviously commented WITHOUT having actually watched either video.

🎯👍🏻

https://youtu.be/fU4JAkqv65g?si=7FiCBT31DypegDZ3

The "Engine Masters" aka: Frieburger and Dulcheck, test various filters..

Wix 51515 is Baldwin B2 correct? Writing it in my parts list in case I switch from Wix. So far, all of mine are made in the USA.

So what are they?

Just a comment about Wix. Years ago the preventive maintenance foreman at the plant I worked at visited Wix and got a tour of their manufacturing facility. The tour guide explained that Wix made filters for a number of private label brands to their specifications, filter media quality being one of them. Our foreman asked who these were and the guide just smiled.

Moral of the story: Just because Wix makes a filter for someone else doesn't necessarily mean it's to Wix standards.

If you look on Amazon.com the 51515R race filter is listed as "Made in China" while the 51515 non race filter is still listed as "Made in USA"..

We as consumers have to start becoming more aware of the swindling and respond by
1. not buying the o/s products
2. start wiring letters / posting on their social media pages and other forums like this
As mentioned earlier the prices have not dropped accordingly but have continued to climb as have the exec's compensation. Unfortunately this practice has had a 20 year or so head start with no one questioning it enough to make an issue.
It's going to take some time to turn the ship around as it's course has been pretty well established, accepted, and condoned by all involved including consumers
I hope this is not deemed too political as it is just an opinion/observation.
Should it be, just delete it 🍻

when my supply of usa made wix filters run out, i'm switching over to baldwin.

I switched to Baldwin for my BB B'cuda a couple years ago. Zero issues with them. My DDs are Ford so they get Motorcraft filters....zero issues with those either but I also haven't researched where they're made either. May switch to Baldwin for those as well?

I have always just used the Mopar filters for all my stuff. Never bothered to find out where or who made them.