may2022 - 22

Filter media
Thomas Walsh, MAHLE head of Aftermarket
Filtration, North America, explained that
the different types of filters allow for different
levels of change intervals.
Cellulose filter media is the most common
filter media and is paper based, allowing for oil
change intervals between 3,000 and 5,000 miles.
Synthetic filter media is a high-quality or
premium media produced from a variety of
compounds and polymers, allowing for oil
change intervals between 5,000 and 10,000
miles, depending on OEM guidelines.
» Donaldson found cheaper air filters could reduce dust-holding capacity by up to 35%.
Photo: John Hitch | Fleet Maintenance
He said the company has been able to use Senzit
sensors to collect all the data points and enhance
the physical product, software, and predictive
algorithms associated to filter health.
Optimizing intervals
Thomas Walsh, MAHLE head of aftermarket
filtration, North America, said advances in fluid,
filtration, and engine technology have helped to
extend oil change intervals.
For example, prior to the change to FA-4 and
CK-4 engine oils, heavy-duty trucks would require
an engine oil change about every 15,000 to 20,000
miles. With the introduction of synthetic oils and
filters to address needs in improving fuel efficiency,
OEMs now recommend a 50% to 65% longer
oil drain interval.
These longer intervals provide fleets more time
on the road and less money spent maintaining
their vehicles.
Walsh noted that commercial vehicles that use
synthetic oil and premium filters can typically use
oil filters with extended intervals. But there are
factors that could reduce these intervals.
" Driving conditions should also be kept in mind
when monitoring length between oil changes, "
Walsh added. " Long periods of idling, extended
Microglass filter media is the highest quality
media for oil filters and is produced with
extremely fine metal media or a fiberglass type
of media. Walsh said these filters allow for intervals
above the 10,000-mile threshold, but should
only be used if recommended by the OEM.
towing, or driving in dusty conditions are just a
few of the reasons that could contribute to premature
oil and filter wear. "
The introduction of synthetic oil to the market
is a main factor in the ability to have extended
filter change intervals, he explained. Synthetic
oil does not break down as quickly as standard
oil. However, with the increase in the length of
intervals between oil changes comes the need for
better oil filters.
" As synthetic becomes the standard option for
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many vehicles, a premium filter is needed to truly
achieve the extended intervals, " Walsh said. " A
premium filter also helps protect engines better
from contamination and keeps the oil
cleaner, allowing for less wear on internal
engine components like bearings
and cylinder walls. The positive benefits
a premium filter has on the engine
lubrication system far outweigh the few
dollars it costs to upgrade the filter. "
Walsh said while extended intervals
are a great way to save money on shortterm
and long-term maintenance for
fleets, it cannot replace checking the
oil on a regular basis.
That's where advanced technology
and cloud-based tools come into play for
fleets looking for preventative maintenance
solutions.
Brian Bressler, director of powerNEXIQ
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train aftersales at the Paccar Technical
Center, said his company has run
several tests in their own facilities to
determine the best intervals for oil and
fuel changes.
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22 Fleet Maintenance | May 2022
2/2/22 1:16 PM
ing-to check the engine's durability and
reliability, dependability, and expectations. "
Bressler said. " And in that process,
we're constantly monitoring the fuel
filter and the oil filter and determining
what the best interval to change it would
be based on those types of tests. "

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may2022

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of may2022