GUEST EDITORIAL
As we move into the autumn months, many
fl eets across North America will begin to turn
their attention to the challenges posed by winter
and the extremely cold conditions they will face.
Th roughout the year, engine lubrication is
crucial for fl eets. Lubricants enhance engine
performance and protection by minimizing
metal-to-metal contact between moving components,
while reducing pumping and spinning
losses. By doing this, engine lubricants can
improve engine effi ciency and fuel economy.
Impact of cold weather
In the cold weather, trucking operations are
exposed to various stressful conditions, such
62 Fleet Maintenance | October 2018
as cold starts, that can have a negative eff ect
on the wear rate of the engine. Taking longer
to warm up in freezing conditions, the engine
lubricant’s viscosity can be adversely aff ected
and so can the protection it off ers to the vehicle’s
vital engine components. Lubricants are
limited to optimal temperature ranges. When
temperatures drop into the “critical” zone, the
lubricant may stiff en or become overly viscous.
Th e results can be damaging for machinery
hardware as if it is improperly lubricated, and
under these stressful conditions, equipment
can seize up or even fail.
To address this, fl eets should consider using
a lower viscosity oil that will stay viscous and
maintain its fl ow as temperatures decrease
throughout the winter months. Lower viscosity
lubricants are better suited to moving around
machinery quicker, maintaining an adequate
fl ow, in order to ensure vital components stay
lubricated and protected. By utilizing the lowest
viscosity grades accepted by the component OE
ambient temperature requirements, the entire
vehicle powertrain and hydraulic system can
also operate with an improved effi ciency.
Fleets have a business to manage and must
ensure their vehicles are kept running, so it
is important to choose the right heavy duty
engine oil that meets seasonal demands, and
the fl eet’s operating conditions.
New engine oil specs
Since the biggest specifi cation overhaul in the
history of the North American heavy duty
lubricant market, the introduction of API category
CK-4 and FA-4 oils has gone even further
to improve performance, durability and fuel
economy. FA-4 oils, designed for 2017 and newer
diesel engines, have a signifi cantly lower viscosity,
helping the engine to cope with extreme
temperatures. Th is oil specifi cation change is
designed to create less friction in the engine
and reduce fuel consumption, which can deliver
improved fuel economy versus an SAE 15W-40.
Multi-grade oils such as SAE 15W-40 or
10W-30 are widely available and popular
with fl eets as they are able to operate both
in extremely hot and cold temperatures. Th is
allows fl eets to stock just one product, rather
than two. However, a fl eet’s choice of lubricant
should always be made aft er consulting the
truck manufacturer on ambient temperature
range recommendations as provided in the
owner’s manual.
Just because temperatures are falling,
doesn’t mean that equipment should be put at
risk or that fl eet operations should come to a
halt during the winter months. Th e cold climate
may pose a signifi cant risk to machinery in
the industry, but by choosing the appropriate
lubricant, fl eets can be sure that their assets
and machinery remain in top operating condition
and that their business can run as usual
throughout the winter months.
It’s important for fl eets to understand what
happens to their lubricants in extreme conditions,
because all engine lubricants have limits
when it comes to operating temperatures.
With a better understanding, fl eets will have
the foresight to select the appropriate lubricant
for their operation, ensuring that their
machinery is protected, whatever the weather.
Additionally, by choosing an eff ective lubricant
that complements the unique challenges of
their operating conditions, fl eets can maximize
the performance of their heavy duty vehicles.
The importance
of proper lubricant
selection for cold weather
By Brian Humphrey
OEM TECHNICAL LIAISON,
PETRO-CANADA LUBRICANTS
Brian Humphrey joined Petro-Canada Lubricants in 2013
as OEM Technical Liaison, HD Commercial Equipment
Powertrain sectors, with responsibility for building the
Petro-Canada Lubricants relationship with the North
American heavy duty OEMs. Humphrey has over 35
years of experience working with prominent companies
across energy, transport, chemical and industry sectors,
Humphrey has held senior R&D, engineering and sales
services roles, and worked in international markets.
» Petro-Canada Lubricants tests its
engine lubricants in extreme temperature
conditions, ensuring they are strong and
durable. The company’s DURON heavy duty
diesel engine oils offer a comprehensive
range of products to meet any climate and
operating condition, whether hot or cold.
Photo courtesy of Petro-Cananda Lubricants
Fleets have a business
to manage and must
ensure their vehicles are
kept running, so it is
important to choose the
right heavy duty engine
oil that meets seasonal
demands, and the fleet’s
operating conditions.
Consider evaluating engine
oil with lower viscosity for
use during winter months.