Where better to discuss innovative ways to maintain your fleet than in Fleet Maintenance magazine? Read the thoughts of Donaldson’s Nate Neudecker, Engine Air Aftermarket Product Manager, as he discusses why every fraction matters when it comes to air filtration.

When every dollar counts, small improvements can make a major impact.

Nowhere is that truer than in fleet management, where supply chain delays and rising fuel costs continue to chip away at profits. Smart operators know: even fractional gains in efficiency can add up to significant savings across an entire fleet.

And one of the smartest — yet often overlooked — areas to find those gains is air filtration.

Why Air Filtration Matters More Than You Think

Most fleet managers understand that airflow affects engine performance and fuel economy.
But here’s the question that matters:

How much could you save if you improved air filtration efficiency by just a small fraction?

The answer: a lot.

For example:

  • A fleet of 600 trucks using Donaldson PowerCore® air filters could save over $100,000 USD per year.
  • Better airflow reduces fuel consumption while still protecting the engine from harmful particles.

The takeaway?

  • Efficient filtration = better performance + lower operating costs.

The Real Cost of Low-Quality Filters

Some might argue that if a low-cost filter can block dirt and dust, why pay more for premium filtration?

Here’s why:

  • Higher airflow efficiency: Premium filters may restrict airflow 25% to 50% less than lower-quality alternative filters, potentially reducing fuel burns.
  • Greater dust-holding capacity: Cheaper filters may suffer from a 13% to 35% lower dust-holding capacity compared to premium options, resulting in more frequent filter changes.

Short primary air element life results in:

  • Unscheduled downtime
  • Increased labour and consumable costs
  • Reduced vehicle availability

While on-road fleets don't often encounter heavy dust, these fractions add up fast, in both dollars and hours.

The Math Behind Smarter Filtration

Consider this:

  • A top-quality air filter can return $175 USD per truck, per year through better fuel economy and fewer element changes.
  • Multiply that by 600 trucks, and you’re looking at $105,000 USD saved annually.

That’s a major impact, simply from choosing quality air filters.

Downtime Costs Even More

Unplanned downtime can quickly outweigh the cost of upgrading your fleet's filtration. When you choose high-performance filters for:

  • Air
  • Fuel
  • Engine oil
  • Hydraulics

You’re not just protecting your engines — you're protecting your profitability.

One hour of unexpected downtime could cost more than the value of the vehicle's total annual filtration usage.

A Smart Investment That Pays Off

By starting with filtration products proven to deliver better efficiency and longer service life, you can expect:

  • Maximized vehicle availability
  • Lower total maintenance costs
  • Enhanced fleet longevity

Spend less time worrying about challenges that are easily overcome.

Ready to protect your fleet and cut costly downtime?

Talk to your local Donaldson specialist today.