GASTONIA, N.C. -- WIX Filters, a member of the Affinia Group family of brands, has just introduced ecoLAST, a new line of heavy-duty oil filters that the company says has proven to double oil life and save fleets money each year.
      
WIX says the ecoLAST oil filters capture dirt and soot like a traditional filter, while utilizing media to sequester the acids in the oil. Current extended drain technologies, such as time release additives, sacrificial elements, on-board refining and bypass filtration, are all limited by build-up of acidity levels, the company explained.
           
“WIX ecoLAST oil filters are the most significant development in filtration technology adaptation since WIX invented the spin-on oil filter in 1955,” said Keith Wilson, president of Affinia Global Filtration Group. “This new technology represents a significant breakthrough in helping our customers reduce the operating costs of fleets while also supporting a more sustainable environment.”
           
Typical fleets, which average four oil changes per vehicle per year, can save approximately $100 to $200 per vehicle annually using ecoLAST filters when compared to oil changes using standard oil filters, according to WIX. The company says mega-fleet with 9,000 vehicles using ecoLAST oil filters can realize a potential annual savings of nearly $1.2 million by eliminating the need for 5,400 barrels or 226,800 gallons of oil, 18,000 oil filters and approximately 9,000 man hours. A medium-size fleet of 400 vehicles could potentially save more than $51,000 by eliminating the need for 240 barrels of oil, 800 filters and approximately 400 man hours.
           
“WIX has conducted significant real-world testing during the past 24 months with many of the most popular original equipment diesel engines, from small engines and generators to over-the-road and off-road heavy duty engines, in North America and Europe,” said Norbert Schuermann, vice president original equipment sales and new business development, WIX Filters. “This new filter media was engineered to be the answer to the change from CI-4 to CJ-4 lubricants, because CJ-4 oils contain fewer additives and therefore have reduced acid neutralization capability. Filter media durability and all other components were tested and confirmed to meet these extended drain intervals.”
      
WIX’s ecoLAST oil filters are a direct replacement with no changes or modification required to the vehicle. WIX says its filtration media has no similar competition on the market and does not rely on slow release technology. The company claims WIX ecoLAST oil filters have proven effective with conventional and synthetic lubes, and work with biodiesel, LPG, gasoline and diesel fuels.
   
The company plans to make ecoLAST filters available for heavy-duty over-the-road applications between February and April for the following engines: Cummins ISX, Cummins M11, Mack MP8, Detroit DD60, Caterpillar C13 and Caterpillar C15.