SACRAMENTO, Cal. – Shell Lubricants has introduced its Rotella T engine oil with Triple Protection technology which the company claims offers improved wear, deposit control and reduced emissions. Shell officials unveiled the new oil at a recent press conference, claiming it’s their most significant advancement in 30 years.

The new oil meets API CJ-4 standards so it can be used in 2007 engines as well as older trucks.

“Shell Rotella T with Triple Protection technology meets or exceeds API CJ-4 specifications in part due to an exclusive detergent system designed for outstanding control of piston deposits in 2007 engines,” announced Dan Arcy, technical marketing manager for Shell Lubricants.

“We also expect that owner/operators and fleet maintenance technicians will be able to visibly notice the outstanding wear protection for valve train components.”

Shell has conducted engine wear tests which show Rotella T with Triple Protection provides an average of a 50% improvement in wear protection, the company says.

The tests have been backed up by more than 5.5 million miles of on-highway road testing.

“We were very pleased with the way the new Shell Rotella T with Triple Protection technology performed in key industry tests, such as the Cummins ISM tests where it scored maximum merits for wear protection,” Arcy said.

“For example, in the Cummins ISM engine test, valve adjuster screws showed less wear and scratching.”

Shell Rotella T with Triple Protection underwent seven key test types and Phil Burnett, brand team leader, global brand manager, heavy-duty engine oils, said the new oil showed improved wear in every instance.

Improvements ranged from 27-88% in various areas with a 38% reduction in iron wear.

“What we were seeing at the laboratory is being backed up by what we’re seeing in the field,” noted Burnett.

The new oil is formulated with 30% more active ashless chemistry, the company said, providing added protection against deposits and sludge.

It also boasts a new detergent system which provides better control of high temperature piston deposits.

Combating piston deposits is key to ensuring the engine is operating at full power, Burnett pointed out.

“Keeping the pistons clear is an absolute must in terms of extending engine durability,” he said.

Shell officials said the new oil will optimize the durability of diesel particulate filters, which will be found on 2007 trucks.

The lower ash content of the oil will allow the DPF to run longer between cleanings, lowering maintenance costs, the company said.

Burnett said a blocked DPF will result in higher exhaust backpressure, higher fuel consumption and loss of power.

Burnett added Shell Rotella T with Triple Protection results in a cleaner engine overall, and “a clean engine is paramount to engine life.”

He also said Rotella T with Triple Protection will boast outstanding viscosity control, acid and corrosion protection and soot control. Shell Rotella T with Triple Protection is already available in bulk and drums and will be on store shelves in quart, gallon and pail packages beginning Oct. 15.

While Shell officials wouldn’t immediately confirm the price of Rotella T with Triple Protection, they estimated it would cost about 10-15% more than today’s Rotella T.

Shell said it’s the company’s “most technologically advanced oil to date” and it will be aimed at owner/operators, and small to medium-sized fleets.