NASHVILLE – Cummins says X15 Efficiency Series and X15 Performance Series engine owners can extend their oil drain intervals up to 80,000 miles using the free Cummins OilGuard program, which uses engine performance data and oil analysis to safely optimize oil drain intervals.

For years, recommended oil drain intervals have been based on a set distance and/or time period. The Cummins OilGuard program allows participating truck owners to safely extend oil change intervals while keeping full warranty coverage for their Cummins engine.

"With oil changes routinely costing $350 or more for the oil, oil filter, labor and disposal costs – and a typical over-the-road trucker performing two to three oil changes per year – we see the potential to significantly reduce costs and downtime, with some customers needing an oil change only once a year," said Mark Ulrich, director of customer support, "Most importantly, you get an optimized oil change interval while preserving your warranty coverage, and at no risk to engine component durability or resale value."

It starts with a selection of test vehicles and a monitoring program with regular submission of engine data and oil samples for analysis, covering a minimum of two oil change intervals. For example, fleets desiring an 80,000-mile oil change interval will be required to submit samples every 10,000 miles.

Full warranty coverage will continue throughout the testing/analysis period. Once the results are received, Cummins will present the findings, identifying the vehicles and duty cycles eligible for a longer oil-drain interval. The optimized drain interval will then become the required maintenance for warranty coverage. Periodic follow-up testing may be requested by Cummins for verification that no changes in operation or maintenance practices have taken place that might impact the approved oil drain interval.

Use of a Cummins-approved CK-4 or FA-4 engine oil is required in order to qualify. Cummins recommends the use of Valvoline Premium Blue engine oils, which are already approved by Cummins for 60,000-mile oil drain intervals in 2017 Cummins X15 engines. That's a 10,000 mile extension compared to other CK-4 engine oils.

Cummins will provide sample kits, prepaid mailers and the oil analysis free of charge to every customer participating in the program. The Cummins OilGuard program is currently available for 2017 and newer X15 engines; however, Cummins said it could be extended to other engines in the near future.