Introduced about a year ago in drum and bulk volumes, Shell has added 1-gal. containers for its Rotella Ultra ELC, its top-of-the- line extended life coolant. The jugs will be available at retail outlets starting in the fourth quarter, according to Shell.
Featuring a non-nitrite formulation, Ultra ELC is designed to operate at full cooling capacity for up to 600,000 mi. without any supplemental additives. By contrast Shell’s mid-priced coolant Rotella ELC, which does contain nitrites, has a 600,000-mi. life, but requires its additives to be renewed at 300,000 mi., according to Stede Granger, technical services manager. Rotella ELC is currently the standard factory fill at most major truck manufacturers, he said.
The lack of nitrites improves corrosion protection for aluminum and copper, Granger said, helping to extend the life of water pumps, radiators and other cooling system components. Ultra ELC has also been designed with superior heat transfer properties, and has been approved by all the major diesel engine makers, he added.
Along with Rotella Ultra ELC and Rotella ELC, Shell will continue to offer its standard Rotella Fully Formulated coolant with supplemental coolant additives (SCAs).