BROADVIEW, Ill. — Most of us have seen news items or YouTube videos showing battles between robots that feature combat mechanisms such as circular saw blades, nasty jaws with an appetite for the appendages of opponents, pincers that are able to amputate limbs and drive mechanisms – all in the interest of exploiting opponents’ weaknesses.

In that same spirit, Purolator has launched a series of videos in which combat robots quickly and convincingly chew cardboard combatants to shreds. Part of a campaign designed to cast light on the use of cheap non-metallic components used in the manufacture of some oil filters, these videos can be viewed at http://www.purolatorautofilters.net/promotions/video/pages/videos.aspx.

The video series, titled "Metal Wars," specifically focuses on the internal end caps and center tubes that Purolator says in some competitive filters are made of flimsy, paper-based materials or plastic instead of strong, steel-based materials.

Purolator Metal Wars videos aim to demonstrate, in a graphic yet entertaining way, the structural integrity of steel versus paper-based materials. In Purolator Classic and PureOne oil filters, strong steel end caps and center tubes are used to ensure the media is supported for the life of the product and to minimize the potential for oil leak paths, according to the company.

"Since the installer and consumer can’t see the internal components of an oil filter they do not know that paper-like materials are being used," said Chuck Kerrigan, director of marketing at Purolator Filters. "We’ve always prided ourselves on using the very best, and most durable, components in our filters, and motorists, mechanics and parts professionals can all rest assured that our Purolator Classic and PureONE oil filters incorporate the finest materials and design features available. We stake our reputation on every filter that carries the Purolator name."