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By Counterman
WIX Filters announced the “Win with WIX” promotion, which is designed to incentivize professional installers to switch from their current filter brands to premium WIX-branded filters, while encouraging DIFM consumers to choose premium service options.
Installer customers who switch to WIX-brand filters and place a qualifying opening order for $350 or more during the promotional period will automatically be registered in the “Win with WIX” sweepstakes. In addition, all participating customers will receive a point-of-sale kit to display in their service centers that includes a WIX-branded clock, bay banner and other point-of-sale materials designed to help educate customers about the benefits of using premium WIX filters.
The sweepstakes features a VIP fan experience weekend for two installer winners, which will be selected by random drawing. Each winner and a guest will have VIP-suite seating at the Bank of America ROVAL 400 NASCAR Series Cup race at Charlotte Motor Speedway this October. Winners also will receive an exclusive tour of the Hendrick Motorsports campus, the Hendrick Museum and the main WIX manufacturing facility in Gastonia.
“We are very excited about the ‘Win with WIX’ installer promotion,” said Tina Davis, senior marketing manager – WIX Global and US. “The message conveyed by the point-of-sale materials to DIFM consumers is straightforward and to the point by calling out the important benefits of using superior filtration products. And installers will reap the rewards of expanding premium services in their shops.”
The “Win with WIX” promotion runs from June 27 to Aug. 25, 2023. No purchase is necessary to enter. For complete sweepstakes rules and regulations, visit
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By Counterman
Over the years, I’ve been in many different roles in an automotive shop, from sweeping and washing cars to technician, shop manager and owner. As a result, I’ve heard many different approaches to selling oil filters. Many times, I was just listening in, sometimes on the receiving end of a sales pitch, sometimes on the delivering end, explaining to a customer what filter is being used on their vehicle, and why there can be a drastic difference in cost.
Overall, there’s a lot to consider – from both sides – but the best place to start is with the facts. There are multiple manufacturers of oil filters, and as with many things, they’re often branded and sold under different names. Keeping track of who makes what can seem to change quicker than the weather, and as a technician, I always relied on my suppliers – the counter professionals – to keep me in the loop.
Under any given brand, there usually are at least two and sometimes more grades, or quality, of filters. The only real exceptions are OEM-branded filters, which generally don’t offer options. They tend to offer a top-of-the-line filter. But no matter how you stack it, quality is the factor that drives the price, and rightfully so, as it also drastically affects the performance.
Selling is all about knowing and differentiating between the levels of filter, and it comes down to the individual components that make up the filter itself. I’ll use a typical spin-on filter as the basis for explanation.
The filter housing is where dependability begins. High-quality steel is important for a tough, sturdy housing, because not only must it protect against pressure surges, but no filter is immune to the possibility of getting hit by road debris, and a sturdy housing also guards against punctures. Additional features such as a non-slip or textured grip applied to the outside simply make it easier to install and remove them.
The seals all might look the same, but they’re all not created equal. It’s generally known to apply a thin film of clean engine oil to the seal before installing the filter. The reason, if your customer asks, is that it reduces the friction that normally builds between the oil-filter flange and the seal, preventing damage and potential leaks. However, the oil also is forced out as the filter is tightened, resulting in high seal friction during removal.
Many filters now use an internally lubricated seal, which is one that’s made with friction-reducing ingredients in the elastomer formula. Not only does this offer additional protection during installation as the oil film is forced out, but it also allows for much easier removal. If you’ve ever removed an oil filter or heard someone talk about one that feels as if it’s been welded in place, you’ll appreciate an internally lubricated seal.
On filters designed for longer synthetic oil-change intervals, nitrile rubber seals offer extended durability and temperature protection.
Now let’s get to the business end, on the inside of the filter. The main components are the media, the relief valve and an anti-drainback valve.
There are different types of media, the most basic being a cellulose type. However, there also is synthetic filter media or microglass media, and many different proprietary media blends as well. This is a science all on its own, but it makes a big difference, and it simply comes down to how much dirt they trap and how long the filter efficiently traps dirt while allowing for proper, unrestricted oil flow.
The relief, or bypass, valve is designed to open and allow oil flow under extreme conditions in which the oil is too thick or if the filter becomes plugged. It’s important that this is a well-made part of the filter.
Last but not least is the anti-drainback valve that keeps oil in the filter to provide protection at startup. It’s just one more hidden piece of the oil filter. They all might look the same on the outside, but there’s a clear difference, and ultimately, engine protection depends on what you can’t see.
Selling to the DIYer
Knowing and being able to educate your customer on what makes a quality oil filter gives you the confidence to sell top-of-the-line, every time. But you must be careful characterizing a value-line filter as a low-quality filter – especially if it’s part of your branded line. One approach is to represent a value-line filter as a quality filter that’s designed for more frequent changes, so your customer has the understanding that the filter won’t last as long.
Then you can point out how the different media in a higher-quality filter provides better filtration for a longer period of time, which leads into the additional selling features of more expensive filters. If someone opts for the value-line filter, you’ve still given them the feeling they’re getting a quality filter.
I also like to use the “positive-reinforcement” approach. Many people will come through the door with a pre-conceived notion of the best filter there is, or a filter brand they prefer. When a customer asks for a certain brand, then asks you what you think of them, you’re always better off agreeing that you, too, like that brand.
By agreeing with a customer’s choice, not only does this build rapport by making them feel knowledgeable, but it also makes them more likely to trust your opinion. Maybe that’s not a brand you stock, or maybe you have a better deal that includes a different filter – for example a bundle offer. Since you’ve already gained their trust by agreeing with their initial choice of filters, you then can easily compare how another brand “has the same quality features,” for example, and if the customer knows that another filter is “just as good” as their original choice, they’ll most likely be willing to buy.
Selling to Professionals
This crosses over into different territory. When you’re selling to a shop or professional technician, you generally don’t have to educate them about the construction and quality of filters. We’re all familiar with the fact that top-line filters are much better, which is why we use those products on our vehicles. Truth be told, I’ve used several different brands of filters over the years, but I always use top-of-the-line. I don’t skimp and I’ve never experienced a filter-related issue, or any oil-related issue for that matter.
As technicians, however, we have other hurdles to jump. More often than not, we’re dealing with oil changes that are way over their interval, and the other big one is price competition. Many of us truly care about the quality of our oil-change services, but it’s a simple fact that one of the most popular forms of marketing to get people into a shop is the lure of an affordable oil change. This approach is highly exploited by shops that simply don’t care about the cars. They’re looking at the bottom line and what they can upsell when the vehicle is on the lift.
Of course, upsells are important and we all do it, but there’s the honest upsell and then there’s the other … a topic for another day. As far as the oil change, there are some established shops that may take the stance of only offering top-of-the-line filters and the cost is the cost, take it or leave it. But due to demographics and local competition, many shops have no choice but to offer inexpensive oil changes, simply to remain competitive and get traffic through the door.
I’ve heard many a sales rep talk down their value-line filters in an attempt to stock the shelves of a local shop with their better and best products. That doesn’t mean they’re wrong about the quality or that we don’t agree as technicians. However, as I just pointed out, we know from the standpoint of running a business that we simply may have no choice but to stock low-line product in order to remain competitive.
One thing you can do to help professional shops is provide them tools – such as counter displays or pamphlets – that explain what makes a top-of-the-line filter different from a value-line filter. This makes it much easier to offer different levels of oil-change services that include higher-quality filters. It’s always our goal to sell top-of-the-line, but you’d be surprised how tough it can be with so many shops offering inexpensive oil changes. The more tools we have to sell top-of-the-line, the more we can stock in our shops.
Upsells
For your walk-in customer or the DIYer, you always should offer an upsell – not from a negative or pushy standpoint, but out of professionalism and sharing your knowledge, making sure they have everything they need to get the job done. Never assume. But, it’s a safe bet that if they need an oil filter, they’re changing the oil too – even if they aren’t getting any oil. They may already have the oil. A drain pan and shop towels are number one. Just ask if they need either, and it’s always best to replace the oil drain-plug gasket.
link hidden, please login to view Funnels are a good upsell, because how many of us can really hit that hole every time, right on the money? I even like the “extra quart of oil for the trunk.” You’d be surprised how many people agree with that idea.
This is more of a rarity, but if they’re working on an older vehicle (pre-catalytic converter), make sure to ask them if they need a zinc additive for the engine oil. Oil-filter wrenches are another good upsell, as well as latex gloves and hand cleaner.
Tech Tips
There are a few extra things you can suggest that can help your customer. One, if the filter is an element-style filter, check the box and make sure it contains the replacement O-rings for the filter housing. Remind them to be sure to use them. Also remind them about using a thin film of clean engine oil on the filter seal before installing.
Some newer vehicles are designed with single-use drain plugs that require special tools to remove. If they have one of these, not only could they be looking for the tool, but they also might ask if you really have to replace the drain plug. The answer is to recommend “yes.” Is it overkill? Some may argue it is, but these are plastic plugs that turn and lock in place, quickly losing their tension with multiple uses. Have I personally ever seen one fall out? No, not yet, but if the manufacturer says to replace them every time, that’s what I do. Nobody wants to take the chance of ruining an engine.
Sharing what you know makes oil-filter sales easy, and it’s the basics like this that brings customers back to your store.
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By RockAuto
Get up to $2 per filter with purchase of select ACDelco Cabin, Engine, Fuel and Oil Filters!View on RockAuto.com
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By Counterman
Filters trap contaminants and protect vital components downstream. Replacing filters on a regular basis is one of the most important things your customers can do to prolong the life of their vehicles.
Oil filters trap dirt and other particles that could lead to premature wear on the bearings, rings and other internal engine surfaces. Air filters trap dirt and debris to protect the piston rings and cylinders. Cabin air filters help to prevent dust, pollen and other odor-causing contaminants from entering the vehicle cabin. Finally, the transmission filter prevents debris from jamming control valves and hydraulic passageways, and helps to prevent premature wear inside the transmission.
Fuel filters also have an important job, but they’ve grown more and more uncommon in recent years. It’s not that fuel filters have gone away. They’ve simply been phased out in favor of better filtration at the fuel-pump module inside the fuel tank (also known as the “sock”).
There’s one more filter that only recently has come into the market: the battery-compartment filter. This filter can be found in many hybrid and electric vehicles on the road today. It’s responsible for filtering the air that’s flowing into the battery compartment for cooling purposes. It has a replacement interval just like any other filter.
Modern Media
Filters use all sorts of different media inside to trap contaminants. This may be resin-impregnated cellulose fibers, synthetic fibers (glass and polyester) or more commonly, a composite mixture of natural and synthetic fibers. The bottom line is that there’s a lot of clever engineering that goes into finding just the right balance between efficient filtering, dirt-holding capacity and overall flow.
Standard air filters use pleats to trap airborne contaminants as they pass through the element. The deeper the pleats are, the more surface area the filter use to trap those contaminants. Once light is unable to pass through the air filter, it’s probably time to replace it. This method may not work well with certain filter media, so it’s still best to always follow the OE maintenance schedule for the particular application.
Some customers may be interested in engine air filters that offer improved air flow and performance. This type of filter element is typically a cotton weave that’s held in place by some sort of mesh material. The weave is looser than a traditional air-filter media, allowing a greater volume of air to pass through. Since this type of media wouldn’t be able to filter out smaller particles like a standard air filter could, it’s coated with a light oil that will aid in trapping those particles. That oil coating will contain a coloring dye, and they will need to be cleaned and re-oiled periodically. I would suggest warning your customers to be careful to not over-oil the filter during that process.
Selling the Right Filter
When you’re selling an oil filter, consider the price point, service life and ease of installation. Extended-life oil filters are a great option for vehicles with long oil-change intervals. My 2019 VW Golf Alltrack has an interval of 12 months or 10,000 miles. It’s very important to only use oil filters that are rated to go for that long before being replaced.
Some oil filters may contain a gel or wafer that slowly dissolves over time. This process releases chemicals that help to maintain oil viscosity and neutralize sludge-forming acids. Some premium spin-on oil filters utilize an internally lubricated seal. This simple addition makes a big difference when it comes time to remove the filter during the next oil change. If you’ve ever tried to remove an oil filter that felt like it had been welded into place by “the last guy,” you know why this is a big deal.
Premium cabin air filters may use activated carbon to aid in trapping odors and smaller airborne contaminants. Your customer may be interested in a premium cabin air filter if they, or someone in their family, have a severe allergy, asthma, bronchitis or another respiratory concern. Some premium filters include an antimicrobial coating that helps to prevent the growth of bacteria and mold, as well as trap airborne virus aerosols. So, how small are we talking? Pollen is easy to filter, ranging from 10 to 100 microns in diameter. Mold and spores can range from 3 to 80 microns in diameter. Viruses are much smaller and can only be seen with a high-power microscope. They can range in size from .005 to .3 microns. However, it’s unlikely for viruses to “fly solo.” They’re usually carried through the air in liquid aerosol droplets, typically around 3 microns in diameter. All of these contaminants can be trapped using the right filter.
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By Counterman
The KBS Coatings Ultimate Frame Coater Kit provides everything needed for ultimate inside-out rust protection for auto frames, auto bodies and more.
The easy-to-use DIY kit employs the KBS 3-Step System combined with KBS Cavity Coater to prepare and coat up to 50 square feet of metal, according to the company.
KBS Klean, a nontoxic and biodegradable super cleaner, removes dirt, grease, grime and other contaminants. Next, water based and biodegradable RustBlast effectively dissolves rust and corrosion while etching metal for best adhesion of KBS RustSeal. RustBlast also leaves a zinc phosphate coating to stop flash rust from forming.
The third step is RustSeal, a rust-inhibitive and preventative paint that’s applied by brush, roller or spray gun. RustSeal chemically bonds to metal, including rusted metal, to isolate it from moisture and oxygen. Without those present, metal can’t rust.
RustSeal comes in 11 colors and flows out to provide a beautiful, smooth finish that resembles a powder coat. RustSeal provides a flexible, yet rock-hard barrier that’s extremely resistant to abrasion and impact – so it won’t crack chip, or peel, according to the company.
For ultimate protection, KBS Cavity Coater Aerosol provides rust protection in hard-to-reach areas such as inside frame rails, rocker panels, doors, tailgates and more. Cavity Coater, a self-healing corrosion-inhibiting coating (CIC), provides long-term protection and wicks into welds and seams that primers and top coats can’t reach.
For especially hard to-reach-areas, the KBS Cavity Wand is provided to extend the reach of aerosol Cavity Coater with a reusable 48-inch hose featuring a 360-degree spray tip.
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