Eight steps to maximize truck efficiency and reduce emissions
Advancements in vehicle and engine technology, communication systems, fleet management programs and more allow fleet operators to improve performance, reduce emissions and reduce operating costs.
Engine oil field trials evaluate fuel economy in real-world conditions
In July, we discussed the science behind engine oil development and testing. This included the steps required to create a fuel-efficient heavy-duty engine oil and the need to conduct field trials. This month, we’ll cover how a field trial can evaluate the fuel economy in trucks with different duty cycles in order to get a true picture of how they will perform.
The science behind engine oil development and testing
Developing and testing new engine oils requires a careful balance: fuel economy must be balanced with product durability and the precision of laboratory testing must be balanced by evaluating the oil’s performance under real-world conditions.
Where are we with FA-4 engine oil?
How are FA-4 oils doing in real-world applications? What kind of durability have they shown? Will FA-4 be available in more engines anytime soon? Let’s get to the answers.
Oil additives are crucial in protecting your engines
When API CK-4 and FA-4 oils were developed, one of the requirements was that lower viscosity FA-4 oils had to meet the same level of engine protection as CK-4 oils.
Kenworth, Toyota showcase hydrogen fuel cell-powered truck
At a recent event at the Port of Los Angeles, Kenworth Truck Co. and Toyota Motor North America showcased a production model of the companies’ hydrogen fuel cell-powered truck.
On the Road: Freightliner electric trucks; Shell Starship; ZF Lane Keep Assist Technology
Our travel schedule took the FE team across the country last month. The biggest news was the unveiling of Daimler Trucks all-electric eCascadia and eM2 medium-duty trucks, signaling an all-in approach to electrification. The eCascadia has up to 730 peak HP. The batteries provide 550 Kwh usable capacity, a range of up to 250 miles
How manufacturer oil drain intervals are set
There’s a lot of talk in our oil drain interval and used oil analysis story about manufacturer-set oil drain intervals. And you may be wondering: how do they set those intervals, anyway?
New oils lead to longer life
While many fleets may be looking at potentially extending their drain intervals beyond the engine OEM recommendations, those recommendations themselves are much longer now than they have been in the past. This trend has been ongoing for years, but recently got a boost from the introduction of the new API CK-4 and FA-4 oil categories.
The importance of oil drain intervals, used oil analysis
The appeal of extending your truck’s oil drain intervals beyond the manufacturer recommendations is easy to see: It’s both a cost-saving and time-saving measure, and it does make sense in a lot of applications. However, it’s important to remember that manufacturer oil drain intervals are set for a reason, and that while extending them may
Stoneridge MirrorEye camera system featured on Shell Starship truck
Stoneridge Inc. has partnered with Shell Lubricants and AirFlow Truck Co. by fitting its MirrorEye camera monitoring system on the hyper-fuel efficient truck, the Starship Initiative. Stoneridge’s MirrorEye mirror replacement system not only improves safety by diminishing blind spots, but can also allow for the removal of side mirrors altogether to achieve a more streamlined
Coolant system maintenance checklist
Of course, your OEM maintenance recommendations are your primary source for how to structure your coolant system PM program. But you can also refer to this handy guide provided by Stede Granger, OEM technical services manager for Shell Lubricants. ❶ Determine Coolant Type: The type of coolant in use in the vehicle may be determined