Shell Rotella Ultra ELC leads revamped heavy-duty coolant portfolio
Shell Rotella Ultra ELC, an extended-life antifreeze/coolant for use in heavy-duty diesel, gasoline and natural gas-powered engines, is designed to go 600,000 on-highway miles and provide overall reduction in cooling system maintenance. It is formulated to meet more severe operational conditions of modern, hotter-running engines
Lube effects on fleet fuel economy
Last month I suggested fleets utilize the thinnest oils possible in their engines, transmissions and differentials to maximize fuel economy by minimizing pumping losses. A friend’s subsequent question prompted me to further discuss oil viscosity (resistance to flow) this month. All liquids, except bismuth and water (between 0˚ F and 4˚ F), become less viscous
Truck tire balancing clarification
As late as the 1970s, some bias ply truck tires came from the factory with balancing “pads” strategically placed inside the tire liner to at least partially correct the uneven distribution of mass around the tire. This helped reduce vibration as the truck rolled at increasing speeds on road surfaces. Of course, then suspension systems
Delo 400 LE SAE 15W-40 exposes the semi-synthetic myth
Chevron Lubricants said its premium conventional heavy-duty motor oil, Delo 400 LE SAE 15W-40, was equal to or better than leading semi-synthetics in industry-recognized tests in the areas of wear control, oxidation and deposit control.
Spectra Premium launches Checkered Flag fuel delivery promotion
Through March 31, technicians and counter persons can receive cash back for qualifying fuel delivery purchases and sales. Qualifying Spectra Premium products include fuel tank assemblies, fuel modules, hanger assemblies, fuel tanks, filler necks, sending units and fuel tank straps.
Wix ecoLast heavy-duty oil filter doubles life
The oil filters capture dirt and soot like a traditional filter, while utilizing media to sequester the acids in the oil. The company said typical fleets that average four oil changes per vehicle per year can save approximately $100 to $200 per vehicle annually using ecoLast filters when compared to oil changes using standard oil filters.
Donaldson expands fuel filter product line
The expanded line of replacement fuel filters includes a full complement of filters to fit Cummins engines, Racor fuel systems, Stanadyne Fuel Manager FM100 fuel systems and DAVCO Fuel Pro 380/382/482 fuel processors. Many of the fuel filters in the expanded line have Twist&Drain valves, which are designed with a wider, easy-turn profile; self-venting for easy water flow; and a single threaded port in the bottom of the filter housing for fast and easy water draining.
Beware of scams when improving fleet fuel economy
It’s gratifying to see regulators finally shift their focus from reducing NOx emissions to reducing global warming, because global warming can be reduced by improving efficiency. Improved fleet fuel economy can significantly reduce a fleet’s carbon footprint. But beware. When fuel economy becomes an issue, charlatans come out of the woodwork. During commercial fuel economy
CSA 2010 and its impact on tires
The Federal Motor Carriers Safety Administration (FMCSA) has officially rolled out its new Comprehensive Safety Analysis (CSA) program. Commercial trucking fleets need to fully understand all of the rules and regulations of CSA that will affect your fleet’s tire program. Commercial fleets cannot afford to be penalized for the results of a poor tire maintenance
New Luber-finer phone app helps installers
The new application is, for smartphones that run on Android operating systems, is designed to provide installers and other Luber-finer partners with one-click access to filter product search and cross-reference information to help speed filter changes. It can be downloaded at no charge from the Luber-finer website or online from the Android Market.
Spectra Premium launches ‘Checkered Flag’ fuel delivery promotion
As part of the promotion, which runs from Feb 1 to March 31, Spectra Premium Industries will give technicians and counter persons cash back for all qualifying fuel delivery purchases and sales. Eligible products include fuel tank assemblies, fuel modules, hanger assemblies, fuel tanks, filler necks, sending units and fuel tank straps.
Valvoline ‘Fuel Proof Guarantee’ expands with new features
The program now includes any fleet with an existing telematics provider. Fleets are guaranteed at least 1.6% MPG gain with Valvoline heavy-duty motor oil and gear lubricant, and up to 4% MPG benefits to customers also using tiwiPro.