Steps toward getting PC-11 ready The PC-11 heavy duty engine oil category will be a major step forward in engine technology, providing greater protection while also offering effi ciency gains and reductions in emissions. Driven by changes in environmental policy and the need to support the rapid development of heavy duty vehicle technology, the new specifi cations will see North America set a new standard for diesel engine lubricants. With PC-11 oils set to be introduced to the market this December, it is essential that fl eets understand how the new specifi cations will impact their business, says Brian Humphrey, OEM technical liaison, HD driveline, Petro-Canada Lubricants. He also notes there is still some confusion within the industry. Additionally, fl eets need to know the steps that must be taken to be suitably prepared for this major industry overhaul. Petro-Canada Lubricants (lubricants.petro-canada. com) specializes in products and services to maximize equipment performance, productivity and overall savings. It blends and packages more than 350 different lubricants, specialty fl uids and greases that are exported to more than 80 countries on six continents. ACTION ITEMS “PC-11 represents a signifi cant change in specifi cations that the industry has embraced, and will set a new standard for performance,” Humphrey explains. “PC-11 lubricants will provide greater durability to support engine protection and reduce vehicle downtime – a major source of fi nancial drain in the fl eet sector – as well as allow engines to run more effi ciently and use less fuel. “A second phase of the program will be introduced in 2018, with the aim of cutting greenhouse gas emissions by around 1 billion metric tons and lowering fuel costs by $170 billion over the lifetime of the vehicles sold under the program.” Petro-Canada Lubricants has launched its own campaign, Here Comes the Future (herecomespc11.com), to address common questions asked by fl eets about the introduction of PC-11 and how it will affect their business. THE RIGHT SPECIFICATION The PC-11 category will include two sub-categories of motor oils – API (American Petroleum Institute) CK-4 and FA-4 – and “it is crucial that fl eets understand which oils will be most suitable for their vehicles,” says Humphrey. API CK-4 will offer full backwards compatibility to previous diesel categories, allowing use in older diesel engine vehicles and offering increased performance and protection gains, as well as the capability of extending the intervals required between oils changes. API FA-4 is specifi cally designed for certain newer vehicles. FA-4 oils will have a lower viscosity, meaning less viscous drag in the engine and a potential reduction in fuel consumption while still offering improved levels of wear protection. Some future heavy duty vehicles will be designed to comply with this specifi cation to offer even higher levels of effi ciency, he notes. Humphrey advises that fl eets consult with their engine OEM for specifi c guidance regarding the recommended viscosity grade for their engines and which sub-category of PC-11 motor oils will be best suited for their applications. This can depend on a wide range of factors, so “gaining their expert knowledge is crucial to unlocking the potential of PC-11 oils.” BUSINESS IMPACT The impact of the introduction of PC-11 specifi cations will vary depending on the size and type of the fl eet. Many fl eets are comprised of a range of models of varying ages, observes Humphrey, so there may not be a uniform oil solution for all vehicles. Fleets will need to “understand the best solutions across their operations to witness the true benefi t of the new specifi cations. “While multiple solutions may be required, upgrading oils can be achieved at relatively low cost and in a short timeframe, offering greater fuel effi ciency and providing a faster return on investment than purchasing new vehicles.” Furthermore, he notes that since FA-4 category oils have been specially designed to cope with the pressures of hotter-burning, more fuel effi cient and low emissions diesel engines currently in development, this category is less likely to have an immediate impact on the majority of fl eets. However, for those planning to overhaul their fl eet and adopt newer models in coming years, it is important to consider how to maximize return on investment – something that FA-4 certainly will contribute to. Humphrey recommends that fl eets “monitor and regularly analyze used oil to understand the optimal oil drain intervals for their specifi c vehicles and operating conditions to ensure that peak effi ciency is achieved. OEMs will be providing recommendations on operating range for all their engines, but fi rst-hand analysis will offer invaluable insight.” TIME TO PREPARE While OEMs are currently working on their own specifi cations incorporating API CK-4 and FA-4, which will be revealed in the coming months, it is essential that fl eet operators begin preparations now to ensure that they are suitably equipped ahead of the December 2016 arrival of the new engine oils, stresses Humphrey. “This is not only an opportunity to improve the effi ciency and carbon footprint of fl eets, but also a chance to recognize the potential to cut costs and increase the profi tability of fl eet operations. As with all business decisions, clear understanding and early adoption of new technologies could result in a genuine competitive edge.” SERVICE or SAFETY? VehicleServicePros.com/10119745 The impact of the introduction of PC-11 oils – now known as CK-4 and FA-4 – will vary depending on the size and type of the fl eet. Photo courtesy of DK Communications Heavy Duty | VehicleServicePros.com ❚ JUNE 2016 ❚ FLEET MAINTENANCE 17
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