Tackling engine oil topics: FA-4, used oil analysis, transmission and axle greases, and more
Engine oil is more complicated than a viscosity number. We have a lot to get through, so let’s get to it. Read on to learn about FA-4 oils; the latest in engine oil technologies and advancements; the importance of used oil analysis; and the importance of using the right oils and greases throughout the rest
Upfitting trucks with oil changes in mind
The process of vehicle upfitting can be filled with headaches. You’re faced with problems like how to make your drivers more comfortable, how to improve fuel efficiency, and even which software to use to predict future demand. We all want to make the best decisions for our fleet when deciding between the latest specialized parts
Watch: Can you stop bulk engine oil from expiring?
Buying bulk engine oil for your trucks can be a great idea for those fleets looking to save a dollar – but it also means the Oil Expiration Executioner will be patiently waiting in the wings, ax in hand, ready to degrade and contaminate that bulk oil order with a single slice. Is there any way
The benefits of API FA-4 heavy-duty engine oils
Introduced nearly four years ago, API FA-4 heavy-duty engine oils came to the market alongside API CK-4 lubricants to much anticipation as the biggest overhaul in engine oil specifications in a decade. It marked a significant step change in the development of lower viscosity oils to meet the needs of modern heavy-duty fleet engine designs.
Watch: What’s next for heavy-duty truck engine oil technology?
In December 2016, two new oil categories were introduced by the American Petroleum Institute: CK-4 and FA-4. Today, these products have proven to be a boon to the industry. But what can we find on the horizon of engine oil technology? According to oil marketers, these new CK-4 and FA-4 oil categories are just the
Watch: How new trucking engine oils are tested
When developing and testing new engine oils, companies must strike a balance between fuel economy and product durability. Once the company has a formula that they feel is a winner, that’s when engine oil development lab testing can begin. And getting the formula just right requires more work in the lab than you might expect.
How API engine oil categories are defined
Ever wondered how those engine oil categories from the American Petroleum Institute (API) are decided upon? Here’s a bit of behind-the-scenes info. “It’s important to note that once a standard or an API category has set those specifications, they remain untouched,” says Jeff Harmening, API manager of the Engine Oil Licensing and Certification System (EOLCS).
How the right engine oil can impact your DPF maintenance costs
Name your biggest service headache. Ready, go: DPF! Jinx.
The value of used oil analysis
Oil manufacturers are quick to point to used oil analysis as a good practice for your fleet to ensure the health of your engine oil and related components. According to Dan Arcy, global OEM technical manager for Shell Lubricants, this is a scientific way to assess the condition of the lubricant in your engine and
Recycled oils: Are they safe to use in your trucks’ engines?
A fleet manager should keep fluids in bulk, of course, but how much qualifies as “bulk” largely depends on your fluid consumption. Kenneth Tyger, director of technical services with D-A Lubricant Co. Inc., says that “it is typically recommended to turn the fluid over in the bulk tank(s) every one to two months.” After being used,
