The viability of reusable
engine oil fi lters
Five questions to consider.
By Scott Killips, CEO, HUBB Filters, Inc.
Although the majority of
fleets in the U.S. use conventional
oil filters, the concept
of “reusable filters” is gaining
momentum. However, cost
is seen as one of its major
drawbacks. Reusable filters
can easily justify the added
expense over a conventional
filter, but only if certain
benefits are realized. So,
what are those benefits and
how can fleets determine if
they are real? Here are the
five questions to consider:
CAN I EXTEND
MY OIL DRAIN
INTERVAL?
Extending oil drains is the
most important way to justify
the cost of a reusable filter,
because the right reusable
filter can extend oil drain
intervals and save a fleet
hundreds of dollars in oil
and labor costs over the life
of the vehicle. Many filter
suppliers claim that their
filter can double the life
of the oil or more, but is it
true? There is a simple way
to assess their credibility:
ask for the field test data
that supports their claim.
DOES THE
WARRANTY
COVER SOMETHING
GOING WRONG?
If any oil filter supplier can
double the oil drain interval,
they should be prepared
to back it up with a performance
16 Fleet Maintenance | July 2018
guarantee. There are
large differences between
reusable oil filter warranties.
Some offer minimal guarantees
that cover the cost of
the filter. But, what if something
goes wrong with the
engine and it’s an oil filter-related
failure? Choose a reusable
filter supplier that covers
the repair or replacement
of the engine if the filter
supplier’s product is at fault.
CAN A REUSABLE
FILTER
PROVIDE BETTER
PROTECTION THAN
A CONVENTIONAL
FILTER?
HUBB Filters recommends
using oil analysis as your
primary evaluation tool.
Oil analysis measures the
performance of the filter in
the real world. In contrast,
lab tests can be designed to
generate a specific outcome
and almost all lab tests
are based upon mil-spec
fluid, versus actual oil.
For oil analysis, select an
independent testing lab that
has benchmarks to compare
the performance of the reusable
filter. Also, look for field
testing data on the ability
of the filter to provide fast
oil flow at cold start-up and
consistent flow during long
periods of idling. This is when
the engine is most vulnerable
to excess wear and tear.
IS A REUSABLE
FILTER
BETTER FOR THE
ENVIRONMENT?
The right reusable oil filter
will reduce a fleet’s carbon
footprint by reducing the
amount of oil consumed
by the fleet. The environmental
“cost” of producing
one quart of oil is five
pounds of carbon, so the
numbers add up quickly.
In addition, a reusable oil
filter can eliminate used oil
filters going into landfills.
WHAT DO
REUSABLE
FILTERS COST?
Reusable filters can cost
anywhere from $85 to $250
per unit. A higher priced filter
does not mean it will necessarily
be the best option.
Focus on performance
and value rather than cost.
The right filter can easily
justify the added expense.
CONCLUSION
Some reusable filter suppliers
enable fleets to pay
for filters on a monthly
basis rather than as an
outright purchase. This
option matches the savings
with the cost and reduces
upfront investment.
Not all reusable filters
are equal in terms of the
technology behind them.
Asking the right questions
is crucial in helping fleets
understand which reusable
filter has the right benefits
to justify the expense and
anticipated performance.
SCOTT KILLIPS is the CEO of
HUBB Filters, Inc. HUBB is a
reusable performance oil filter
for passenger cars, light duty or
medium duty trucks that use a
spin-on filter. HUBB’s patented
filter-in-a-filter design is made
of surgical stainless steel filter
weave, rather than paper that
is used by conventional filters.
Backed by independent third
party testing from Automotive
Testing and Development
Services, Inc. (ATDS), HUBB filters
are designed to last the lifetime
of a vehicle, and are backed by an
industry-first 100,000-mile performance
guarantee.
While recommended oil change intervals
provide a good baseline for maintenance scheduling,
any number of variables including vehicle
application, geographic location, driver behavior
and quality of fl uids and fi lters can impact the
life of the engine oil and fi lter.
To determine maintenance intervals, a comprehensive
fl uid analysis program for the specifi c
system being evaluated can provide insights into
the current status of the fl uid, and subsequently,
the fi lter productivity.
For example, Cummins Filtration off ers their
OilGuard program for select Cummins engines,
to determine the viability of extending drain
intervals without voiding the engine warranty.
An assessment is conducted on a sample set of
test vehicles in the fl eet. Th e program reviews
engine data and oil analysis from a minimum of
two oil changes. “For example, fl eets desiring an
80,000-mile oil change interval will be required
to submit samples every 10,000 miles,” according
to marketing materials from the company.
In general, for any oil analysis program, it is
recommended fl eets work with their fi lter or oil
suppliers throughout the process to ensure appropriate
methods for oil sampling and other tests are
conducted, as well as ensure the factory warranty
isn’t compromised.
“Any decision to extend oil drain intervals must
be based on oil analysis and adherence to OEM
criteria for acceptable oil operating properties,
which may include, but are not limited to: TBN,
soot, viscosity and fuel dilution,” Luber-fi ner’s
Hussein explains.
If an analysis confi rms oil change intervals can
be extended, it is important to note there are engine
oils and fi lters designed specifi cally for this purpose.
“Not all fi lters are designed for extended life,”
Gwin says. “Attempting to run a fi lter that does not
have extended service interval capability can lead
to decreased engine protection and performance
over time.”
FUEL FILTERS
Shortened fi lter life can be frustrating, but can
be indicative of a larger issue with the fl uids or
vehicle system itself.
“A fuel fi lter that is plugging quickly is protecting
those precision fuel system components from
harmful contamination that can cause premature
wear of expensive fuel injectors, preventing
decreased fuel economy and reduced engine
performance over time,” Cummins Filtration’s
Gwin explains.
Conversely, he confi rms an unclogged fi lter does
not necessarily mean it isn’t ready to be replaced.
“Th e common misconception is that if the fi lter
is not plugging, it does not need to be changed
when, in reality, the fi lter may not be removing
contaminant to protect the engine over time as
it should.”
Just like an oil analysis kit works to test engine
oil performance, when it comes to fuel analysis
kits, these products work well to determine the
condition of the fuel.
Combating water contamination
When it comes to fuel analysis, there are additional
variables to consider compared with
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» Reusable filters can easily justify the added expense over a 5.
conventional filter, but only if certain benefits are realized.
Photo courtesy of HUBB Filters