To Increase Your Diesel's Sustainability, Choose Blue Flame

Photo by Taylor on Unsplash

This past week Fleet Equipment published a thoughtful article by David Sickels about sustainability and efficiency. A lot of us tend to cringe when we touch this topic because sometimes it feels like the demands being put on the industry end up. costing us more money. We all want clean air, and a future for our grandchildren. We don't want the changes to be so economically unrealistic that they put us out of business.

The sustainability premise is that resources are finite. They should therefore be used conservatively with a long-term view in mind regarding consequences of the manner in which they are used.

The reality is that the history of diesel technology has taken the industry an incredibly long way toward this end. The article in Fleet Equipment outlines ways in which we can get the most out of these advances that have been implemented by engine manufacturers. It is titled "How To Increase Diesel Truck Sustainability, Efficiency Via Lubricants."

Sickels notes that most fleets are not yet ready to leap into the future of electric trucks, but these are steps we can take in the interim. 

1. Start with used oil analysis

We wrote in October about things things you can learn from oil analysis. Sickles takes this a step further, noting that some of what we learn from oil analysis can help us improve sustainable practices. By periodically analyzing the condition of our lubes, the data gives us a basis for leaving fleets on the road for longer periods of time between maintenance intervals. "It not only gives you a snapshot of the health of the oil, but also of the health of the hardware."

The author goes on to say that if you are able to use a lighter oil without compromising engine protection, you can improve by at least 1% one fuel economy with this viscosity change alone. (Check your owner's manual.) This latter leads directly into the second point.

2. Switch to synthetic lubricants

According to the Sickels, "Oil companies tend to agree that as long as the fleet is following OEM guidelines, swapping to synthetic lubricants will likely bring about fuel economy savings versus using alternative products."

The article suggests that if you're uncertain about viscosity selection, you can work with your oil company to ensure you have the right fluids protecting your equipment. 

Here at the Blue Flame blog, we have an orange button on the right that says ASK JAKE in the event you are uncertain about the correct fluids for your truck. Champion Oil has been a major player in the development and manufacture of semi-synthetic and full synthetic motor oils for 65 years.   

3. Check whether CK-4 or FA-4 oils can be used

Evidently many fleets are not taking advantage of the fuel economy benefits of CK-4 or FA-4 oils. There are trucks coming off the assembly line with FA-4 fluid and the owner or fleet manager switches to CK-4 at the first oil change. 

Since there's no one solution for everyone, it does get complicated. Decisions can be made based on insecurity or misinformation. That is why we address this in September in our article "Still Confused About Diesel Engine Oil Specs?"

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There's no question that things have become increasingly complicated in our modern age. Fortunately you don't have to go it alone. Whether it's Jake at Champion or your current lubricant supplier, build a relationship with someone you trust for answers when you need them. 

Trade magazines exist for this purpose as well, keeping you informed of new regulations that can impact your livelihood. That's what we're also trying to do here at the Blue Flame where our passion is all things diesel. 

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READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE
"How To Increase Diesel Truck Sustainability, Efficiency Via Lubricants."