DALLAS, Texas –Shell Lubricants has launched a complete line of Rotella-branded heavy-duty coolants, which is headlined by a new Shell Rotella Ultra ELC, a nitrite-free coolant the company says can last up to 600,000 miles with no extender required.

The latest addition is well suited for EPA2010-compliant engines, Stede Granger, OEM technical services manager told Truck News at the Great American Trucking Show, where the product was launched.

“With the new 2010 engines, we’re seeing a lot more use of aluminum and in certain situations, nitrite has a reaction with aluminum. It can form ammonia gas and cause corrosion, so we’re now working with the OEMs to put into the marketplace a nitrite-free coolant,” Granger said. The Rotella Ultra ELC is also designed to handle the requirements of hotter-running engines and an overall harsher engine environment.

Other benefits of the Rotella Ultra ELC product include: enhanced oxidation control and corrosion protection of aluminum alloys and lead solder as well as better elastomer compatibility with silicone seals, the company claims.

It can also be used in light-duty engines, making it ideal for fleets with a mix of light-and heavy-duty vehicles, Shell points out. The top of the line product from the new Rotella coolant family is available immediately in bulk and drum quantities and will be available in a 50/50 pre-diluted concentration in December, Shell officials told Truck News.

Rounding out the product line is Shell Rotella ELC, which uses organic additives to inhibit corrosion and protect cylinder liners from pitting. The Rotella ELC coolant can provide protection for up to 600,000 miles as well, but it requires an extender at the 300,000-mile mark.

Also available is Shell Rotella Fully Formulated coolant with supplemental coolant additives (SCAs), offering protection for up to 250,000 miles. However, it requires the user to monitor and maintain SCA additive levels.