Shell Lubricants lists the Shell LubeAnalyst oil condition monitoring service as an integral component of their value-led services for 2007. This service offers customers a program designed specifically to meet their preventative maintenance needs by providing fast and comprehensive analysis of their used lubricant and coolant to help assess the general condition of their diesel engine and other vehicle components based on wear particles and other contaminants present in the oil sample. The Shell LubeAnalyst oil condition monitoring service helps provide customers with valuable information on the condition of their oil and engine and can be a cost effective and scientific warning system for equipment. At specific intervals, oil samples are drawn from sump or equipment reservoirs and mailed to a Shell LubeAnalyst laboratory. Using state of the art equipment and instrumentation, tests are performed within 24 hours to evaluate the oil sample and identify what is occurring inside the engine and other components. Data analysts review the results to determine if contaminants and/or wear particles are present which could indicate abnormal wear, contamination or other operational problems. An easy to understand summary report complete with test results and recommendations is then delivered to the customer. In the case where an abnormal or potentially critical condition is detected, customers will be called to discuss the test results and corrective action recommendations. Now with the introduction of the new 2007 engines with diesel particulate filters and API CJ-4 motor oil, the Shell LubeAnalyst oil condition monitoring service will be a useful tool in reevaluating a truck maintenance program since it provides information on both engine and oil condition. The Shell LubeAnalyst oil condition monitoring service can help identify trends or problems with vehicle equipment. Additionally, the service will provide information to help analyze whether the proper oil is being utilized and whether the proper oil drain interval is maintained for specific driving conditions and vehicle duty cycle. With the changes in the new 2007 emission engines, which include higher operating temperatures and increased levels of exhaust gas recirculation, monitoring engine and oil performance can help maximize service life from equipment, especially in those engines running on extended service intervals. "Prevention is an important part of helping control costs and maximizing equipment utilization," says Dan Arcy, Technical Marketing Manager, Shell Lubricants. "The Shell LubeAnalyst oil condition monitoring service can help provide customers with an understanding of what, when, where and why things happen inside equipment and can serve as an important maintenance monitoring service." Through the Shell LubeAnalyst oil condition monitoring service, customers can use the results to help gain greater equipment reliability and minimize unscheduled downtime. Additionally, customers can develop more precise monitoring of operating efficiency and shop maintenance practices while potentially lowering total operating costs. This service can also help identify potential engine problems before a warranty expires. A Shell Technical Specialist can serve as a key resource in determining the appropriate test kit to be used based on the needs and objectives of the customer. Those interested in the Shell LubeAnalyst oil condition monitoring service can contact their local Shell Account Manager or call 1-800-64-LUBES for more information.