Low viscosity fuel economy
For fleets looking to improve engine efficiency and reduce fuel consumption, low viscosity motor oils should be a key consideration.
With the ability to flow more easily through the engine while reducing engine drag and pumping and rotating losses, they allow the engine to use less fuel to achieve the same output resulting in better fuel economy.
Low viscosity motor oils also undergo the same qualification testing programs as higher viscosity lubricants that demonstrate their ability to protect the internal engine hardware from wear.
Lower viscosity lubricants that meet the API FA-4 specification, such as Petro-Canada DURON LubricantsTM Advanced 5W-30, have been designed to match and support the efficiency of modern engine technology. In fact, according to industry data, API FA-4 motor oils provide additional potential fuel savings over API CK-4 of the same grade, up to 1% when compared to SAE XW-30 with 3.5 cP HTHS with an XW-30 with 3.1. cP HHS.
In addition to this, in a trial with Light Speed Logistics, DURON Advanced 5W-30 was projected to deliver total cost savings of C$1.26 million per year – cost savings of 1 C$1 million per year in reduced downtime and C$260,000 in savings from reduced oil, filter and labor costs: If the company were to upgrade its entire fleet of more than 1,100 units to oil from lower viscosity
These advantages have driven a trend in the road industry away from thicker, heavier motor oils. Data from additive manufacturer Infineum has highlighted that SAE 15W-40 lubricants have peaked and are expected to decline by nearly 30% by 2029.2. In the same year, SAE 10W-30 is expected to account for approximately 40% of the market, while SAE 5W-XX could account for up to 10%[1].
A holistic approach
This trend is also affecting the other fluids and lubricants used in a truck, where additional fuel savings gains can be secured.
For example, controlled field testing of low-viscosity gear oils has found that they can provide up to a 2.25% improvement in fuel economy when switching from an SAE 85W-140 fluid to SAE 75W-90. This is crucial, as any fuel economy gains secured by engine oil can be lost if the drive train is not operating at high efficiency to transmit power from the engine.
However, when selecting a new lubricant or making any changes to your lubricant program, be sure to consult your original equipment manufacturer (OEM) manual and the expertise of a lubricant technical service advisor. This is vital as using the wrong lubricant can cause increased wear on components and affect the validity of warranties.
Low viscosity lubricants offer untapped potential for fleets looking to improve fuel economy performance. By working with a lubricants expert, your fleet can benefit from improved lubrication, efficiency and, in turn, fuel savings that have a real impact on business operations.
To put Petro-Canada Lubricants DURONTM for the test visit: https://lubricants.petro-canada.com/en-ca/duron-challenge
