Like coolant, proper filtration is critical to engine health and performance. With that in mind, we reached out to filtration experts to track the latest engine filtration trends, and how application impacts filter usage.
“Fleets have a lot of choices when it comes to engine filtration, but the best choice is a filter that meets engine-OEM requirements,” says Roma Fatima, lube product manager for Cummins Filtration. “Lube, air and fuel filters are essential to the engine’s health. A lube filter acts like a kidney: It protects the engine by capturing and removing harmful contaminants from the oil. The air and fuel ingested by an engine must also be kept as clean as possible to ensure the engine’s longevity and performance.”
“Engine filtration for fleets depends entirely on where you operate and what you’re trying to accomplish,” says Donald Chilton, vice president of product management for Wix Filters. “Your goal should be making your fleet more effective and efficient since proper maintenance means more usability or time on the road. Particular attention should be on fluid analysis to inspect the condition of the oil and engine and how well filtration is happening. A suite of heavy-duty filters that protect against dirt, dust, heavy-sludge and higher pressures is absolutely key and paramount to maintaining a strong fleet.”
“With all the filter options in the market, it can be a daunting task to choose the right one for your fleet needs,” says Veli Kalayci, director of engine liquid products for Donaldson. “These needs can be quite different from fleet to fleet, making the challenge even more complex. Some will prefer to have a one-stop source for all the filters for their entire fleets, whether it be air, lube, fuel, or any of the various other filters on the equipment. Other fleets will want to select only the filters with the greatest engine protection to ensure maximum uptime and to minimize repair needs. Of course, there also is the financial aspect of the choices and making sure the fleet is getting the right value for the money being spent.”
As with any truck equipment advice, fleets need to be aware of the OEM recommendations for their trucks and follow them for the best filtration results.
“The aftermarket is full of filters and not all are created equal,” Cummins’ Fatima concludes. “Some fail to meet OEM specifications and others simply aren’t designed for your vehicle’s typical operating environment. Cost, warranty, performance and brand preference are just a few things to consider when you’re choosing aftermarket filters. You can make the decision easier by selecting a lube, air, or fuel filter that meets or exceeds the engine-OEM’s performance requirements and is specifically designed for your engine and vehicle application.”
