HOUSTON, Texas — With hotter running engines and increased levels of exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) in 2007, Shell Lubricants is advising fleets to monitor their oil condition.

The oil manufacturer offers oil analyses through its Shell LubeAnalyst service a program designed to deliver a fast and comprehensive analysis of a companys used lubricant and coolant. Shell technicians examine the oil sample for wear particles and other contaminants and can provide information on the condition of the oil and engine.

Truckers wishing to take advantage of the program can draw oil samples from sump or equipment reservoirs and mail them to a Shell LubeAnalyst laboratory, the company says. Tests are conducted within 24 hours, and signs of abnormal wear, contamination and other problems are identified. Shell then provides an easy-to-understand summary report, including recommendations.

Shell officials say analyzing the condition of your engine oil is more important than ever, with the introduction of a new generation of engines and motor oil.

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.

For more information on the program, call 800-64-LUBES.