Good Filters Key to Optimizing Oil Drain Intervals

Maintenance costs are a key consideration when it comes to fleets. While fleet managers are keen to cut operational costs, they do not want to compromise on maintenance and then experience vehicle breakdowns or pay heavy repair bills. One way to keep costs down is to extending oil drain intervals to help save money spent on maintenance and reduce vehicle downtime. These are the two key factors that can help fleets stay profitable.

Generally fleet managers have stuck to oil drain intervals based on the mileage or calendar intervals. However, recently there have been several developments in oil and filter technology that have forced fleets to reconsider the frequency at which they should change the oil. When the interval is chosen based on the average data for fleets, it may not be ideal for the vehicles in a “particular” fleet.

While oil analysis can help determine how much longer the oil can last, using the right filter is equally important. Scott Killips, CEO, HUBB Filters says that the importance of oil filters is overlooked when it comes to extending oil drains.

He advises, “Be sure to select a filter that is up to meeting the challenge of an extended oil drain interval. Cleanable and reusable oil filters are an excellent match for some of the quality oils we see on the market today.”

Killips explained that HUBB filter’s surgical steel media removes more contaminants than a conventional filter and has up to five times the storage capacity. This makes it possible to extend the interval for oil drain. HUBB filters are also manufactured to be cleanable and reusable and are guaranteed to last 100,000 miles or 5,000 hours. The company’s patented filter-in-filter design ensures lasting protection and the safety of an extended oil drain program.

Killips said that it is important to use the right combination of filter and oil for fleets implement a successful and safe extended oil drain program. A program that is not well planned not only costs more when it comes to oil but can also have an adverse impact on the engines of vehicles.