Filters, an essential component in any vehicle, capture the contaminants that can work there way into sensitive systems and prevent trucks from operating to their fullest potential—and sometimes not at all. In short, they shield vehicles from waste and downtime, so commercial fleets wishing to protect their uptime and efficiency must never overlook these replaceable parts in their preventative maintenace planning.
According to a study referenced by Chris Scott, CEO of Senzit, poor filtration was the cause of half of all downtime.
And fleet vehicles require numerous types of filters to run efficiently. The include:
- Air
- Oil
- Fuel
That doesn't mean you only have three filters to change every 25,000 miles or so. A vehicle will likely primary or secondary oil filters, and a diesel engine will also have a Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) filter. Air filter keep debris and particulates out of the engine and the cab. And certain work trucks will also require hydraulic oil filters, as well.
That's on each truck, meaning a fleet has a lot to keep track of. To help your team keep your fleet's filters working at peak efficiency, here are some basic management steps and a recap of the latest filtration trends.
Steps to Optimize Filtration for Your Fleet
Optimizing filtration for your fleet requires a few steps. Repeat these throughout the year to maintain your vehicles, prevent downtime, and save money on potential repairs.
1. List the filters your vehicles need
Everyone responsible for commercial vehicle upkeep should understand which filters to watch. Oil, air, and fuel filters have different specifications. Keep a list of each vehicle’s specific types of filter where your team can reach it. They’ll refer to it if they have questions, preventing trucks from getting the wrong replacements due to miscommunication.
2. Schedule standard replacements
Replacing filters requires a watchful eye on each vehicle’s mileage. Paper versions may need replacements every 5,000-10,000 miles, which you can schedule based on each truck’s typical route. However, you may need to replace them sooner if they clog with seasonal pollen or other airborne debris.
It’s best to schedule standard replacements and reminders to visually check each filter between those calendar dates. Management teams might think maintenance will always be reactive, but it doesn’t have to be. The key is adding replacement or visual inspection reminders into daily, weekly, or monthly routines.
3. Compare the latest models
Fleet management is time-consuming. It’s easy to get in the habit of installing the same filters for months or years, but schedule time to check for new models at least a few times annually. You might find newer filters with updates that require fewer replacements or utilize new technology. Investing in them could save the team money in the long term.
Read more: Identifying the right filter, and maintenance solution, for your fleet
It’s worth noting that the model you want may not be available with your current installation partner. You may need to call different companies and potentially switch fleet maintenance providers to get the upgraded filters your vehicles need to maximize their efficiency.
Notable filtration trends in commercial vehicles
As fleet managers determine how to optimize their vehicles’ filtration, they should also watch for these notable trends. Learning about them could help you choose the best path forward for your fleet’s needs.
1. Technology can send replacement alerts
Installing telematics and sensor technology into engines has revolutionized how proactive fleets can be in terms of filter efficiency, which in turn improves fuel usage and minimizes operating expenses. A sensor that detects reduced air flow, for example, can automatically send real-time data to cloud-based software so everyone can understand the truck’s operational abilities, and that the filter likely needs to be changed out.
Trucks don’t have to operate with clogged filters just because they encounter more particles between replacement dates on the calendar.
2. Filters can contain synthetic media formulations
Filters keeping debris out of engine liquid now come with synthetic media formulations. This new design makes them more efficient in catching contaminants that might otherwise clog your motor. Original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) provide these filters more widely due to the demand for improved efficiency.
Fleet managers can check with their OEMs to see if these filters are available for the next restock order. They may also have other benefits depending on the manufacturer, like a higher capacity for contaminant filtration. Although the refined formulations may cost a bit more, they make filters last longer and ensure fleet engines don’t require expensive repairs.
3. Find gaskets to better resist vibration
When team members remove an air intake filter, they expose the gasket-sealing surfaces that keep it in place. These gaskets deal with constant, intense vibrations as the vehicle completes its route. They also encounter dirt particles. The combination of granules and vibrations wear on the seals until the gaskets pop out of place.
Newer gaskets could optimize your vehicle’s filtration system by utilizing vibration-resistant designs. They’ll remain in place better while undergoing daily routes, ultimately extending the life span of each filter. The filters won’t loosen or fall out because the gaskets won’t pop off during routes.
Optimize air filtration and vehicle performance
Fleet management teams can learn about optimizing filtration to improve each vehicle’s performance. Replacing filters regularly, updating the models you use, and understanding how technology can send timely alerts are just a few ways to merge trends with practical steps that make commercial fleet management more straightforward.
