LAS VEGAS. Fleets can double mileage between oil changes by replacing current spin-on heavy-duty oil filters with a direct replacement from Wix Filters that features an all-new proprietary media. The WIX ecoLAST oil filter does not “dope, modify or use slow-release chemicals,” according to the company, but rather sequesters acids created in engine oil by the combustion process to extend the life additives in the oil.
The filter works with conventional and synthetic oils in engines using biodiesel, LNG and gasoline, as well as standard diesel fuels.
Other than spinning on the new filters, which are direct replacements for existing filters, fleets only have to take periodic oil samples for analysis to confirm the new extended drain intervals, according to the company.
With a new filter media material that actually captures acids in the oil, the ecoLAST increases the life of detergents, dispersants and anti-wear additives in all modern heavy-duty oils. That’s especially important with the new CJ4 oils as they contain lower additive levels and have reduced acid neutralization capability, according to WIX.
The new filter is a premium product that is “two to three times the cost of a standard filter,” but in extensive tests with 15 fleets, the longer drain intervals saved on average $125 a year per truck just in material costs, according to Norbert Schuermann, vp of original equipment sales & new business development. By cutting oil use in half, the new filter also offers significant environmental benefits, he pointed out at a news conference here during Heavy Duty Aftermarket Week.
The first direct-replacement ecoLAST oil filters will be available by April for the Cummins ISX, Cummins M11, Mack MP8, Detroit DD60, Caterpillar C13 and Caterpillar C15 heavy-duty engines. WIX said the new filter will eventually be offered for most heavy-duty over-the-road applications.
