Super Tech Ph8172

Maximizing Engine Life Without Breaking the Bank: Everything You Need to Know About This Budget-Friendly Filter

In the world of automotive maintenance, few components play as crucial yet underappreciated a role as the humble oil filter. Among the myriad options available to vehicle owners today, the Super Tech PH8172 has carved out a notable reputation as a budget-friendly option that doesn’t compromise on quality. Whether you’re a seasoned mechanic or a weekend warrior looking to save on maintenance costs, understanding this particular filter could save you time, money, and potentially extend your engine’s lifespan.

The PH8172 might just look like another cylindrical component in the vast sea of automotive parts, but its importance to your vehicle’s health cannot be overstated. As someone who has spent countless hours under hood and chassis, I’ve developed a particular appreciation for components that deliver consistent performance without fanfare—and the Super Tech PH8172 fits that description perfectly.

Your engine’s longevity depends significantly on the quality of filtration it receives, a fact often overlooked by casual drivers but never by experienced mechanics. The Super Tech PH8172 oil filter represents an intriguing intersection of affordability and functionality that merits closer examination.

What Exactly Is the Super Tech PH8172 Oil Filter?

The Super Tech PH8172 is a replacement oil filter designed to fit a wide range of vehicles while providing effective filtration of engine oil. It’s manufactured for Walmart under their Super Tech brand, which has become synonymous with value-oriented automotive products. Despite its budget-friendly price point, the PH8172 features construction elements that rival more expensive alternatives.

At its core, the PH8172 is engineered to remove harmful contaminants from your engine oil—particles that, if left unchecked, would accelerate wear on critical engine components. The filter utilizes a pleated paper filter element housed within a metal canister, with rubber gaskets to ensure a proper seal when installed.

What makes the PH8172 particularly noteworthy is its widespread compatibility. This isn’t a niche product designed for exotic applications—it’s a workhorse filter that fits numerous domestic and import vehicles, making it a go-to option for multi-vehicle households or repair shops serving diverse clientele.

Vehicle Compatibility: Will It Fit Your Ride?

One of the PH8172’s most appealing characteristics is its extensive compatibility across vehicle makes and models. This filter is designed as an equivalent to several popular filter designations, including Fram PH7317 and Motorcraft FL820S.

The Super Tech PH8172 is compatible with many Ford, Lincoln, Mercury, Mazda, and Toyota vehicles. Specifically, it fits many:

• Ford F-Series trucks (particularly F-150s from various years)
• Ford Mustangs
• Ford Explorers and Expeditions
• Lincoln Navigators
• Mercury Grand Marquis
• Mazda B-Series trucks
• Toyota Tundras (select years)

This broad compatibility makes the PH8172 a convenient option for fleet managers or families with multiple vehicles. However, it’s always crucial to verify compatibility with your specific make, model, and engine before purchase. Vehicle manufacturers occasionally make changes to filtration requirements, and using an incompatible filter can lead to leaks or inadequate protection.

Most auto parts stores and retailers have comprehensive filter lookup systems that can confirm whether the PH8172 suits your particular vehicle. Alternatively, comparing the specifications of your current filter with those of the PH8172 can provide a reliable indication of compatibility.

The Inner Workings: How Does the PH8172 Protect Your Engine?

Understanding how oil filters work helps appreciate what the PH8172 brings to your vehicle’s maintenance regimen. As your engine runs, oil circulates through its various components, picking up metal particles, dust, carbon deposits, and other contaminants along the way. Left unfiltered, these particles would cause accelerated wear on bearings, journals, and other precision surfaces within your engine.

The Super Tech PH8172 employs a multi-stage filtration process:

1. First, oil enters the filter through inlet holes in the base plate
2. Next, it passes through the pleated filter media, where contaminants are trapped
3. Finally, cleaned oil exits through a central outlet and returns to the engine

The filter media in the PH8172 is designed to capture particles as small as 25 microns (for reference, a human hair is about 70 microns thick). This level of filtration helps ensure your engine oil maintains its lubricating properties while minimizing abrasive contaminants.

Like most spin-on oil filters, the PH8172 also incorporates a bypass valve. This critical safety feature allows oil to circumvent the filtering element if it becomes clogged, ensuring your engine continues receiving lubrication even if the filter becomes saturated with contaminants. While this bypassed oil isn’t filtered, the alternative—engine oil starvation—would be catastrophically worse.

Accessibility and Cost: The Value Proposition

One of the most compelling aspects of the Super Tech PH8172 is its accessibility. As a Walmart house brand product, it’s readily available at virtually any Walmart location with an automotive department. This widespread availability makes it a convenient option for last-minute oil changes or emergency replacements.

Price-wise, the PH8172 typically retails between $4-6 per unit, with potential savings when purchased in multi-packs. This represents significant savings compared to OEM filters, which can often cost $10-15 or more. For budget-conscious vehicle owners who perform regular maintenance, these savings can accumulate substantially over the life of a vehicle.

The value equation becomes even more favorable when considering that independent testing has shown many house brand filters, including Super Tech, perform comparably to their more expensive counterparts in normal driving conditions. The performance-to-price ratio of the PH8172 makes it an exceptionally smart choice for cost-conscious vehicle owners who refuse to compromise on engine protection.

While saving money is always appealing, it’s worth noting that the true value of any filter lies in its protection capabilities. Fortunately, the Super Tech PH8172 offers a compelling combination of affordability and functionality that makes it a rational choice for many applications.

Maintenance Intervals: When Should You Replace Your PH8172?

Like all oil filters, the Super Tech PH8172 has a finite lifespan. The general recommendation for oil and filter changes has evolved over the years, moving from the once-standard 3,000-mile interval to longer periods reflecting improvements in both oil and filter technology.

For vehicles using conventional oil with a PH8172 filter, most manufacturers recommend changes every 5,000-7,500 miles under normal driving conditions. If you’re using synthetic oil, this interval might extend to 10,000-15,000 miles, though the filter itself may become a limiting factor before the oil reaches the end of its useful life.

Certain driving conditions warrant more frequent changes:

• Frequent short trips (less than 10 miles)
• Extreme temperatures (very hot or very cold climates)
• Dusty or off-road environments
• Towing or hauling heavy loads
• Idling for extended periods

In these situations, it’s prudent to change your PH8172 filter more frequently—perhaps every 3,000-5,000 miles—to ensure optimal engine protection. Remember that the cost of more frequent filter changes pales in comparison to premature engine repairs or replacement.

Some modern vehicles are equipped with oil life monitoring systems that calculate replacement intervals based on actual operating conditions rather than simple mileage. If your vehicle has such a system, it’s generally safe to follow its recommendations regarding filter changes.

Performance Reviews: What Users Say About the PH8172

The court of public opinion provides valuable insights into real-world performance, and the Super Tech PH8172 has accumulated substantial feedback over the years. Reviews from everyday users and professional mechanics alike tend to cluster around several key observations.

Positive reviews frequently mention:

• Excellent value for money
• Consistent performance comparable to more expensive filters
• Good build quality with no leakage issues
• Proper fitment across compatible vehicles
• Satisfactory filtration evidenced by clean oil at change intervals

Critical reviews occasionally note:

• Variable quality control (though relatively rare)
• Less robust construction than premium filters
• Filter media that may not be optimal for extended oil change intervals

The consensus among most reviewers positions the PH8172 as a reliable performer for standard driving conditions and conventional maintenance intervals. Professional mechanics often recommend it as a sensible alternative to more expensive filters for customers on a budget, particularly those who adhere to regular maintenance schedules.

Several independent testing agencies have subjected various oil filters, including the PH8172, to benchmark testing. These tests typically evaluate factors like filtration efficiency, flow restriction, and burst strength. While the Super Tech filter may not lead every category, it consistently performs within acceptable parameters across key metrics, often outperforming its price point.

Installation: Getting Your PH8172 On Right

Installing the Super Tech PH8172 follows standard oil filter replacement procedures, making it accessible even to novice DIY mechanics. Here’s a step-by-step guide to ensure proper installation:

1. Begin with preparation: Gather your tools (filter wrench, catch pan, gloves) and ensure the engine is cool to prevent burns.
2. Locate the existing filter, typically mounted on the engine block or oil adapter housing. Position your catch pan beneath it to capture any oil drips.
3. Remove the old filter by turning it counterclockwise using your hand or a filter wrench if it’s too tight. Be prepared for some oil spillage as you remove it.
4. Clean the mounting surface on the engine with a lint-free rag, ensuring no old gasket material remains attached.
5. Apply a thin film of clean motor oil to the gasket of your new PH8172 filter. This ensures a proper seal and prevents sticking for future removal.
6. Thread the new filter onto the mounting base by hand, turning clockwise. Continue until the gasket makes contact with the mounting surface.
7. Tighten the filter an additional 3/4 to 1 full turn after gasket contact. Avoid overtightening, which can damage the gasket and cause leaks.
8. Complete your oil change by replacing the drain plug and adding the manufacturer’s recommended quantity and type of oil.
9. Run the engine for a minute, then check for leaks around the filter. Also verify the oil pressure warning light extinguishes as expected.
10. After shutting down, wait a few minutes and check the oil level, topping off if necessary.

This straightforward installation process highlights another advantage of the PH8172—it follows industry-standard design parameters, requiring no special tools or techniques beyond those needed for any spin-on filter replacement.

Lifespan Expectations: How Long Will Your PH8172 Last?

The operational lifespan of a Super Tech PH8172 filter depends on multiple factors, including driving conditions, oil type, and engine characteristics. Under typical conditions with conventional oil, the filter is designed to maintain effective filtration for 5,000-7,500 miles.

When paired with synthetic oil, which has better resistance to breakdown and contamination, the PH8172 can potentially last longer. However, many mechanics recommend replacing the filter at every oil change regardless of the type of oil used, as the filter represents a small percentage of the overall maintenance cost but provides critical protection.

The physical construction of the PH8172 includes provisions for typical operational stresses, including:

• Pressure spikes during cold starts
• Thermal cycling between ambient and operating temperatures
• Vibration from normal engine operation
• Exposure to various oil additives and contaminants

While the filter itself might physically survive longer durations, its filtration capability diminishes as contaminants accumulate within the media. Once the filter becomes sufficiently loaded with particles, the bypass valve begins to open more frequently, allowing unfiltered oil to circulate—an undesirable condition for long-term engine health.

Technical Specifications: The Numbers Behind the PH8172

For those who appreciate the technical details, the Super Tech PH8172 features specifications that explain its performance characteristics:

• Filter Type: Full-flow, spin-on
• Thread Size: 3/4″-16 (standard for many American and Japanese vehicles)
• Outside Diameter: Approximately 3.6 inches
• Height: Approximately 3.8 inches
• Bypass Valve Setting: 8-11 PSI (typical)
• Anti-Drainback Valve: Yes (silicone construction)
• Media Type: Cellulose with synthetic reinforcement
• Filter Area: Approximately 55 square inches
• Filtration Rating: Captures particles down to approximately 25 microns with high efficiency

These specifications position the PH8172 as a mid-range filter with adequate protection for normal driving conditions. The inclusion of an anti-drainback valve is particularly important for vehicles with horizontal filter mounting or those that experience extended periods between starts, as it prevents oil from draining back into the oil pan, ensuring immediate oil pressure upon startup.

Material Composition: What’s Inside the PH8172?

The construction materials of any oil filter significantly influence its performance and durability. The Super Tech PH8172 employs a conventional yet effective material profile:

The outer canister is constructed from stamped steel, providing structural integrity and burst resistance. This housing is typically powder-coated or painted to resist external corrosion from road splash and environmental exposure.

Inside, the filtration media consists primarily of cellulose (paper) fibers, often reinforced with synthetic materials to improve strength and filtration capabilities. This media is pleated to maximize surface area while maintaining reasonable flow characteristics.

The base plate and internal components utilize various metals and engineered plastics selected for their strength and resistance to oil degradation. The crucial gasket is typically made from nitrile rubber compound, offering a good balance of sealing properties and resistance to oil and temperature effects.

The anti-drainback valve incorporates silicone rubber, which maintains flexibility across a wider temperature range than conventional rubber, ensuring proper function even in extreme cold or heat.

While these materials aren’t exotic, they represent a cost-effective combination that delivers consistent performance under normal operating conditions. More expensive filters might use more synthetic media or higher-grade materials, but the PH8172’s construction proves adequate for its intended application and price point.

Warning Signs: When Your PH8172 Needs Replacement

While following recommended change intervals is the best practice, certain symptoms may indicate your PH8172 filter requires immediate attention:

1. Decreased engine performance or power, potentially indicating restricted oil flow
2. Unusual engine noises, particularly at startup (which might suggest inadequate oil pressure)
3. Oil pressure warning light illumination
4. Dirty or darkened oil well before the expected change interval
5. Visible leaks around the filter housing
6. Check engine light accompanied by oil-related diagnostic codes

Additionally, physical inspection during oil changes can reveal telling signs. If your filter shows any of these characteristics during removal, consider shortening your change interval:

• Excessive weight compared to a new filter
• Denting or deformation of the canister
• Torn or deteriorated gasket material
• Evidence of contaminant bypassing (visible dirt on the outlet side)

Remember that preventive maintenance is invariably less expensive than reactive repairs. When in doubt about your filter’s condition, the cost of premature replacement is negligible compared to potential engine damage.

Manufacturing Origins: Where Does the PH8172 Come From?

The Super Tech brand, including the PH8172 filter, is a Walmart private label product. However, Walmart doesn’t manufacture these filters directly. Like many store-brand products, Super Tech filters are produced by established manufacturers who also make filters under their own brand names.

Industry analysis and physical examination suggest that Champion Laboratories, a major filter manufacturer, produces many Super Tech filters, although the exact manufacturing arrangement may vary over time and by product. Champion also produces filters under the Mobil, ACDelco, and other recognized brands.

This manufacturing approach—contracting with established producers—is common in the automotive aftermarket and helps explain how store brands can offer products with similar performance characteristics to name brands at lower price points. The savings typically come from reduced marketing costs and streamlined distribution rather than substantial differences in manufacturing quality.

Production typically occurs in facilities across North America and Asia, with quality control measures designed to ensure consistency across production runs. While manufacturing origins aren’t typically promoted in product marketing, the Super Tech line generally adheres to industry-standard quality control practices.

Oil Compatibility: Conventional vs. Synthetic

An important consideration for any filter is its compatibility with different oil types. The Super Tech PH8172 is designed to work effectively with both conventional and synthetic oils, offering flexibility for various maintenance approaches.

Synthetic oils present unique challenges for filters due to their:

• Enhanced cleaning properties (which can dislodge more contaminants)
• Extended service intervals (requiring longer filter life)
• Different flow characteristics at temperature extremes
• Varied additive packages that may interact differently with filter materials

The PH8172’s construction accommodates these characteristics, making it suitable for use with modern synthetic formulations. However, when using premium synthetic oils with extended drain intervals (10,000+ miles), some mechanics recommend upgrading to a higher-tier filter specifically designed for extended service.

For vehicle owners who switch between conventional and synthetic oils seasonally (a practice in some extreme climate regions), the PH8172 offers seamless compatibility with either approach, requiring no special considerations during transitions.

Comparative Analysis: How Does the PH8172 Stack Up?

The automotive filter market spans a broad spectrum from budget to premium offerings. Positioning the Super Tech PH8172 within this landscape requires consideration of several comparable products:

Compared to OEM filters (those branded by vehicle manufacturers), the PH8172 typically offers:

• Significantly lower cost (often 50-70% less expensive)
• Comparable basic filtration performance
• Similar physical construction and materials
• Slightly less rigorous quality control (though differences are generally minimal)

Against other budget-friendly options like Fram’s basic range:

• The PH8172 offers similar price points
• Performance characteristics are generally comparable
• Construction quality is often perceived as slightly superior in the Super Tech

When measured against premium offerings from brands like Royal Purple, K&N, or Mobil 1:

• The PH8172 comes at a substantial discount (often 1/3 to 1/4 the price)
• It lacks some advanced features like synthetic media or higher bypass pressure settings
• It may not be optimal for extended drain intervals
• For normal driving conditions and conventional change intervals, performance differences may be negligible

This comparative positioning explains the PH8172’s popularity—it occupies the sweet spot for value-conscious consumers who prioritize reasonable protection at minimal cost, particularly for vehicles maintained on regular intervals.

Reliability Assessment: Can You Trust the PH8172?

The question of reliability encompasses both immediate performance and long-term protection. Based on user experiences, professional recommendations, and limited independent testing, the Super Tech PH8172 demonstrates satisfactory reliability for its intended purpose.

For vehicles under standard driving conditions that follow recommended maintenance intervals, the PH8172 provides adequate filtration protection without significant failure concerns. The filter’s construction includes the essential features needed for proper function, including:

• Robust bypass valves to prevent oil starvation
• Anti-drainback valves to maintain oil pressure at startup
• Sufficient media area for reasonable dirt-holding capacity
• Appropriate gasket materials for proper sealing

Where the PH8172 might fall short compared to premium filters is in extreme conditions or extended use cases. Vehicles subjected to severe duty (towing, racing, off-road use) or those using extended oil change intervals may benefit from higher-tier filters with enhanced capabilities.

The consensus among automotive professionals suggests the PH8172 represents a reliable choice for the average driver who maintains their vehicle according to standard recommendations. Its widespread acceptance in the DIY market and continued production speak to its satisfactory performance in real-world applications.

Performance Enhancement: Can the PH8172 Improve Your Engine?

Claims about performance enhancement through filtration upgrades should be approached with measured expectations. The Super Tech PH8172, being a replacement-grade filter designed for standard service, isn’t marketed as a performance enhancer.

That said, proper filtration contributes to engine health in ways that can preserve performance over time:

• Removing abrasive particles prevents accelerated wear on bearings, journals, and cylinder walls
• Filtering combustion byproducts helps maintain proper oil viscosity and lubrication
• Removing moisture and fuel contaminants prevents oil degradation and sludge formation

These benefits are common to any functioning oil filter, including the PH8172. Where premium filters might offer incremental advantages is in filtration efficiency or dirt-holding capacity, potentially extending the period of optimal protection.

For most drivers, the performance difference between a properly maintained engine using PH8172 filters and one using premium filters would be imperceptible. The most significant performance benefit comes from consistent maintenance rather than filter brand selection.

It’s worth noting that in specialized applications—particularly high-performance or motorsport uses—upgraded filtration can contribute to performance and reliability. However, these scenarios typically call for purpose-built components beyond the scope of general replacement filters like the PH8172.

Super Tech Filter Family: The PH8172 in Context

The PH8172 is just one entry in Super Tech’s extensive filter catalog. Understanding how it relates to other Super Tech offerings provides context for its positioning:

Within the Super Tech line, filters are typically designated by a letter-number combination where:

• “PH” indicates a standard spin-on oil filter
• The numerical portion identifies the specific application

The PH8172 represents a middle-range offering in terms of size and application, designed for common V6 and V8 engines in domestic vehicles. Other popular Super Tech filters include:

• PH7317: Often used in smaller engines and many Japanese vehicles
• PH3614: Common in many GM applications
• PH6607: Fitted to numerous Chrysler vehicles

Super Tech doesn’t typically differentiate their filters into good/better/best tiers like some brands. Instead, they offer a single quality level positioned as a value alternative to both basic and premium filters from name brands.

This approach simplifies selection for consumers while maintaining the value proposition that defines the Super Tech brand. For vehicle owners with multiple different vehicles, familiarizing yourself with the appropriate Super Tech filter numbers can streamline maintenance and potentially yield significant savings over time.

Conclusion: Is the Super Tech PH8172 Right for Your Vehicle?

After this comprehensive examination, the Super Tech PH8172 emerges as a sensible choice for cost-conscious vehicle owners who maintain their vehicles on regular schedules. It delivers adequate protection at a price point that represents significant savings over premium alternatives.

Ideal candidates for the PH8172 include:

• Daily drivers operated under normal conditions
• Vehicles maintained on 3,000-7,500 mile oil change intervals
• Fleet vehicles where maintenance costs must be carefully managed
• DIY enthusiasts looking to maximize value without compromising basic protection

Situations where upgrading from the PH8172 might be warranted include:

• High-performance or heavily modified engines
• Severe service applications (towing, off-road, extreme climates)
• Extended drain interval maintenance programs
• Vehicles in their warranty period where manufacturer-specific filters are required

The ultimate value of any maintenance component lies not just in its purchase price but in the protection it provides relative to that cost. By this measure, the Super Tech PH8172 represents a pragmatic choice that balances adequate protection with excellent affordability—a combination that explains its enduring popularity among informed vehicle owners.

Whether you’re managing a fleet, maintaining multiple family vehicles, or simply looking to reduce the cost of caring for your daily driver, the PH8172 merits consideration as part of your maintenance strategy. With proper installation and regular replacement, it can contribute to your engine’s longevity while keeping your maintenance budget in check—a winning combination in today’s automotive landscape.