CALGARY, Alta. — Shell Canada has launched a new Rotella T Synthetic 5W-40 heavy-duty engine oil, which the company says offers improvements in wear protection, soot control, deposit control and heat resistance as well as improved performance in harsh climates.

It also claims its new synthetic oil offers better fuel mileage than conventional 15W-40 motor oils.

Shell credits its use of advanced multi-functional dispersant additives and synthetic base oils for the oil’s improved protection against soot, dirt and other contaminants. It claims that in all seven of seven industry-standard tests used to measure wear, Rotella T Synthetic 5W-40 demonstrated an average of 34% less wear than conventional oils.

The company says the benefit is greatest in applications where the truck is operated at low speeds, such as when hauling heavy loads.

As far as fuel economy is concerned, the new synthetic oil can contribute to a 1% improvement, according to Shell. This occurs through decreased friction and by lowering the energy used to pump the oil through the engine, the company explained. That can result in savings of about $884 per year based on 160,000 kms travelled.

“The potential fuel savings in using Shell Rotella T Synthetic 5W-40 oil has never been as critical as it is today, due to the current diesel fuel prices in Canada,” said Ainsley Grower, transport brand manager for Shell Canada Products.

The newest Shell synthetic oil meets or exceeds API CJ-4 requirements and is compatible in on- and off-highway applications, the company says. For more information visit www.shell.ca/rotella.