Touting "the most advanced technological leap in the engine oil filter industry for over 30 years," SOMS Technologies has introduced the microGreen filter, a two-filters-in-one that reduces the frequency of oil changes, preserves the environment, saves time and most importantly money.

Still carrying the appearance of a standard oil filter, the microGreen has a typical filter that catches oil contaminants as small as 25 microns. The  difference? It also has a specialized teflon filter that rids oil of contaminants as small as two microns.

"The filter keeps the oil cleaner longer, and you don't have to change your oil as much," says Steve Kirchner, company chief operating officer.

With four different models dependent on vehicle, the filter can cost between two and three times that of typical oil filters. But here is the catch: You change the filter every 6,000 miles, or about twice per year, and change your oil every 24,000 to 30,000, or about once every two years, Kirchner says.

And aside from saving 65 to 70 percent of oil maintenance costs and offering the potential for up to a 5 percent improvement in fuel efficiency, the filter also has an enviromental impact. It creates a 70 percent savings in engine oil use. "Our environment is no longer a fad. It is a way of life," Kirchner says.

Based in upstate New York, SOMS first targeted fleets when releasing the product into the market. It will be available for consumer purchase next week on the company Web site, www.microgreenfilter.com. Longterm, SOMS aims to expand to more nationwide retailers and repair shops.