How oil choice can extend engine life
James Joyce, head of lubricants at Watson Fuels, offers his take on how fleet operators can help maximise HGV engine life with high-quality engine oils
HGV fleet operators face a multitude of challenges, which mean they are constantly looking for solutions to help them evolve and ensure vehicles are delivering the necessary cost efficiencies to allow their business to prosper.
Choosing the correct high-quality engine oil can make the difference for a business in achieving its productivity goals. With several products available from licensed providers, there are plenty of opportunities for businesses to improve their HGV fleets by understanding which engine oils are best for their needs.
Maintenance aside, fundamental operational considerations like driver, pedestrian and cyclist safety, as well as driver recruitment, are paramount issues which can be a huge drain on resources if not properly planned for.
However, the key environmental challenge HGV fleets are having to contend with is the need to reduce emissions while maintaining profit.
New legislative measures which put pressure on HGV fleets to become more environmentally friendly have been implemented, and the industry is urgently trying to reduce emissions as a result – but there are steps that can be taken which can help lower emissions without a hefty price tag.
Tightening regulations have forced OEMs (original equipment manufacturers) to quickly develop new technologies to filter and ‘neutralise’ emissions, with most adopting a combination of EGR (exhaust gas recirculation), SCR (selective catalytic reduction) and DPF (diesel particulate filter) aftertreatment system technology. But these have introduced challenges of their own.
As each additional system is implemented, vehicle efficiency becomes an even greater challenge, with HGV fleets having to adapt to using complex new systems and the added weight that comes with them.
With the right product, and an experienced consultative approach from their supplier, fleet operators can expect to see long-term running costs plummet, and their business prosper as a result.
While standard engine oils usually do little more than provide basic lubrication and protection, high-quality engine oils can do much more. They provide several benefits such as a superior ability to prevent the gathering of soot particulates and engine sludge, as well as extended drain intervals, greater fuel efficiency, lower filtration costs and reduced downtime.
It is essential for HGV fleet operators to ensure they are using high-quality engine oils with the right OEM approvals to maintain their warranties and maximise efficiency.
Following the introduction of new legislation around emissions in January 2019, HGV fleets had to seek out ways to meet the new restrictions while maintaining or improving profitability.
In response, suppliers began to develop low viscosity engine oils, which help lower internal resistance to flow, enabling quick and easy travel for fluids through the engine. The lower the viscosity level, the less power required from the engine, the lower the fuel usage, the lower the exhaust emissions and the better the engine responsiveness.
However, the reduced thickness of a poor-quality low viscosity engine oil carries the risk of providing less protection and could result in increased maintenance bills.
It is important to use an engine oil that has been researched and developed alongside engine manufacturers to ensure essential vehicle protection. This will enable HGV fleets to improve performance and fuel economy, reducing emissions and overall cost of ownership, ultimately maximising the profit that each vehicle delivers.
Any fleet operator that uses high-quality, low viscosity engine oils has already taken a step in the right direction and will be experiencing improved profits while meeting emissions regulations. For those who are using lower quality engine oils, or low viscosity engine oils that haven’t retained the protective ability of high-quality lubricants, there are products available which could transform the business.
As a leading UK distributor of Texaco Delo products, Watson Lubricants offers a product range consisting of first-rate low viscosity engine oils which have retained the protective characteristics of high-quality engine oils.
The long-established firm also offers a comprehensive consultancy service to ensure its customers benefit from the most appropriate products for their vehicles, as well as the best delivery and storage solutions for the business.
Texaco Delo’s suite of products comprises of a selection of low viscosity engine oils proven to help HGV fleets meet environmental legislation, sustain fuel economy performance, maintain outstanding piston cleanliness and quality wear protection, whilst providing the cold weather performance required.
