Donaldson Company has released its new Filter Minder to monitor engine air filters by tapping into existing telematics systems.

It means filter changes can be based on actual condition rather than being set on scheduled maintenance intervals alone.

Through the system, sensors and receivers will feed filter performance data into the cloud, while predictive analytics warn when individual trucks need a filter change.

Consider the applications. Air filtration monitoring comes first, but fuel, lube and hydraulics are coming soon. In winter, for example, the system could help to identify increased restriction on the fuel filter.

There are no upfront hardware costs, but a nominal subscription fee based on the option — about the cost of a sandwich per month, per service, he said. The wireless sensor also features “ultra-low” energy consumption and promises a 10-year life.