Some thoughts on fuel economy
In this column, I want to discuss fuel economy (FE), in the hopes that I might give you a few ideas to experiment within your operation. Note that I said “experiment.” My experience has been that no matter what you hear or read, you need to check new ideas out in your operation. You need
Phillips 66 Lubricants adds two new heavy-duty synthetic transmission lubricants
Phillips 66 Lubricants has announced the addition of two new heavy-duty synthetic transmission lubricants to its Commercial product line—Triton Synthetic MTF and Kendall SHP Synthetic MTF. The new manual transmission fluids are full-synthetic, fuel-efficient transmission lubricants designed for use in heavy-duty commercial manual transmissions operating in extreme temperatures and extended service intervals. Both products are approved for
The importance of oil filtration
Lube oil is one of those crucial aspects of truck engine life. It keeps the engine running by reducing friction, removes heat from the engine, and carries debris to the filters. Thus it makes sense that the engine’s filtration system would be similarly important. The filter prevents dirt, carbon, and metal particles from doing damage
The government and alternative energy
Isn’t it wonderful that we have both state and federal governments to do our thinking for us? I don’t know what I’d do without their help, but I would certainly like to find out. The Federal Department of Energy (DOE) recently released its second Quadrennial Technology Review. Amongst the political babble about how we are
New Frontier: The changing market of on-highway fleets
The market is changing. Vertical integration has meant fewer choices when spec’ing trailers, but has also in some ways made things more complicated.
Shell Rotella introduces new oil filters
A new line of Shell Rotella oil filters has been introduced, which are designed to help reduce engine wear and promote longer oil life. The new Shell Rotella diesel oil filters are currently available at AutoZone stores, with further distribution anticipated for 2016. “Shell Rotella oil filters were developed with the idea that a diesel oil
Politicians and science don’t mix
I recently learned that some inexpensive Chinese tires have obtained SmartWay certification by the EPA. This act illustrates that politicians and science don’t mix. The lack of scientific knowledge always does them in. In the case of the SmartWay program, I’ve always thought it was initiated with the best intent by people who wouldn’t understand
Penske introduces website for finding alternative fuel stations
Penske Truck Leasing has created a website, www.AltFuelStations.com, to assist the transportation industry with identifying publicly accessible fueling stations for heavy-duty alternative fueled vehicles in the United States and Canada. The stations listed can provide trucks with either compressed natural gas (CNG) or liquefied natural gas (LNG) fuel. “We created this tool to assist fleets
Are legislators out of control? A look at oil regulations
I should be used to it by now, but I just can’t get over the continued lunacy of both state and federal legislators. They continue to advance legislation without trying to understand the applicable science or business reasons for not doing so. They call it “technology forcing legislation.” The latest fiasco to grab my attention
Shell’s PC-11 website updates engine oil spec info
PC-11 will be licensed Dec. 1, 2016, and as that date draws closer, Shell Rotella will continue to update WhatIsPC-11.com with information about the upcoming diesel engine oils specification. New information includes details about how the specification is being developed including testing, the two oils that will be used for current and older engines and for
Quantum Technologies releases new Q-Cab 180 DGE
Quantum Technologies has announced the release of a new product, the Q-Cab 180 DGE. Quantum claims that this new back of the cab CNG system has the highest fuel capacity in the industry. According to the company, these are the benefits of the new Q-Cab 180 DGE: * Available in 160 DGE and 180 DGE *
Shell launches artificial intelligence-powered Virtual Assistant
Shell has launched an artificial intelligence-driven service for customers, the Shell Virtual Assistant. It is an interactive shop on the Shell website where customers and distributors can ask common lubricant-related questions, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Customers and distributors type in their question via an online message window, and avatars Emma and Ethan
