As the fuel efficiency battle marches on, fleets are looking anywhere and everywhere to get the most out of their fuel savings. Whether it be aerodynamics or new manufacturing techniques, even the smallest gains in fuel efficiency can have big impacts on the bottom line. The new front line may now come in the form of lower-viscosity fuels.
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Did you know that there will be a new API oil classification list coming out in December? That’s right, and the parameters will be specifically set to work with advanced, next-generation engine models. OEMs are doing everything they can to bend technology to the will of fuel efficiency.
Specifically changes include the addition of two new oil categories. The moral of the story? You will need to do some strategic and technical planning in order to get the most out of your lower-viscosity oil choice. But how do you do that?
What it Means
The details of this information lie in the new classifications: CK-4 and FA-4. The API Service Symbol will be updated by the end of the year as well. These new oil categories are the direct result of a long process that includes a number of tests and standards checks. In their infancy, these oil varieties were known under the call name of PC-11.
Many are saying that it’s about time two different categories have been created. Specifically, FA-4 is meant to be used in 2017 and later models with advanced engine systems. This hardware will be specifically designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
As a rule, lower-viscosity oils have done a good job in improving fuel economy. But the new, FA-4 oils will be held to a higher temperature and shearing standard. They will not only be able to stand up to the relentless environment inside a heavy truck engine, but they will do so more efficiently and with less friction.
This also means that the new FA-4 oils are not backwards compatible. This is where the new CK-4 category comes in. This is what older oils designated for older trucks will be designated as. If you are a fleet using CJ-4 engine oil, you should start using CK-4 once the new designations are put into place.
This doesn’t mean that you won’t get fuel savings. Even within the CK-4 category, you will be able to find lower-viscosity fuels that are more than adequate to meet the needs of your fleet.
Where the Savings Are
If you take a deeper look into the latest Confidence Report from Trucking Efficiency, OTR fleets can expect anywhere from half a percent to over a percent in fuel savings when switching to lower-viscosity lubricants.
Ever since the start of the new millennium, fleets have been increasing their investments in lower-viscosity lubricants. Still, perceptions are a little off. The belief is that heavier, thicker engine oil does a better job at protecting the engine.
If you take a look at modern engine oil technology, it’s apparent that how well the oil performs is based on more than just its viscosity. Lower-viscosity oils have been proven to perform under the harsh conditions generated within the engine cylinders.
The fact is, the amount of testing that goes into creating a new lubricant is designed to weed out the low-hanging fruit. But is there a cost?
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Much of the 15W-40 oil out there today has a mineral-base to it. A change in viscosity might not result in a cost increase, but it could come with other performance or production concerns. In the end, if you can show a return on investment, then switching to lower-viscosity fuels may be just the answer in gaining even a bit more out of your fuel efficiency numbers.