Thin Is In: Incremental Improvements in Fuel Economy Add Up to Big Gains for Diesel Owners

It seems like forever that 15W-40 oils were "the choice" for heavy duty diesel engines. Or at least for decades.  

All this has been changing though, and in ways we could not have imagined at one time. 

Do you remember when passenger car oils began getting thinner? By the 1990s there were at least 16 0W-30 oils registered with the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) registry for upcoming oils, even though many were not yet in production. 

It wasn't long before Lubes N Greases (LNG) was writing about SAE 0W-16 and 0W-12 and 0W-8 oils that were coming and more recently the 0W-0 oils being tried in Japan. 

This past year George Gill wrote an LNG feature on thinning oil viscosities in the diesel market. The story was titled Heavy-duty Shifts to Lighter Oils. In recent years, 15W-40 diesel oils began yielding market share to lower viscosity SAE 10W-30 oils. 

Part of the reason is the fuel economy benefit that lighter oils offer. For over-the-road truckers, the cost of fuel alone is 30 to 40% of a trucking firm's overall costs. Another reason, according to the article, has to do with the new engine architecture with its tighter clearances, thus requiring thinner lubes that can flow more readily to engine components.

There's a third reason for the thinner oils. In colder temps these lower viscosity oils will decrease warm up times and provide better protection in colder climates.

You may be wondering, though, "Is my engine still protected?" The answer to that question is that this has been going on for years now with millions of miles of data to support this move to lighter oils. 

CK-4 and FA-4 
The article turns to address the newer API categories of CK-4 and FA-4. CK-4 was designed to have backward compatibility built into it. This has resulted in wider acceptance of the new designation. FA-4 oils are not so versatile. FA-4 oils in modern contemporary engines, however, do offer a 1% fuel economy improvement, the article states.

Despite the benefits outlined for thinner oils, 15W-40 remains the category leader for heavy duty diesel engines, but 10W-30 is the fastest growing segment during these past 10 years.

READ THE FULL STORY HERE:
https://www.lubesngreases.com/lubereport-americas/heavy-duty-shifts-to-lighter-oils/

RELATED LINK
CK-4, FA-4? Still Confused About Diesel Engine Oil Specs? 

Photo by Matthew T Rader on Unsplash

The Four Key Lubrication Tactics to Extend Diesel Engine Life

Model diesel engine. Luc Viatour, Wikimedia Commons

One of the benefits diesel engines offer over gasoline engines is longer service life. That being said, it's useful to know that there are steps you can take to get the maximum life from your engine before it needs its first overhaul. Here are some things you can do drawn from an article in Machinery Lubrication titled "Lubrication Tactics to Address Diesel Engine Life."

The article is essentially a practical outline of matters to address in answer to the question, “Are there any specific lubrication tactics that can help extend the service life (overhaul interval) of a diesel engine?”

The answer is yes, and the author proceeds to outline the four "rights" of lubricant application: 
The Right Lubricant
The Right Amount
The Right Component/Machine
The Right Change Interval.

It's a clever way to think about lubrication and it applies to all things that need lubrication, whether in the form of oil or grease. In this case we're talking about oils for diesel engines.

The first action suggested is to select a high-performance oil, rather than the one with the lowest price. This can be synthetic or mineral de[ending on the engine's requirements. 

Engines are designed to hold a specified oil level, so using the right amount of oil is important. This oil should not be mixed with other products, the author states. The specified oil is designed for a purpose. Its effectiveness can be altered through mixing with assembly lube or other products.

Because lubes age over time and during service life, they need to be replaced from time to time. This article notes that the "when" for changing oil should be not based on a time period or mileage limit. Rather, oil should be changed when it is ready to be changed.

To know the "when" you can perform oil analysis or utilize online sensors. This kind of monitoring will help you optimize the oil's use which still protecting the engine.

After explaining the four "rights" we are reminded of the need for proper filtration so that the oil is free of contamination, whether solid of liquid. The author suggests that the oil should be filtered before being put in the engine, and maintained in this condition using high-quality filters.

Many people use by-pass filters which take a portion of the oil out of circulation to continuously filter more slowly and more effectively before reintroducing to the oil stream. Premium air filters are also recommended because a majority of debris that gets into the oil is sucked in through the air.

Periodic oil analysis is the most effective way to monitor contaminants in the oil, whether fuel, glycol or soot, as well as other particulate matter. By this means you'll know when corrective actions need to be taken.

Because water contamination can be an issue in many machines the author recommends keeping your lubricants dry. They should also be kept cool, because the higher the operating temperature the shorter the lubricant life. For maximum service life, pay attention to operating temps.

If you're really looking for the most out of your engine life and lubricant performance, the article notes the importance of several additional variables: good training for your maintenance personnel, good procedures, the right tools, communication and team alignment. You may  even consider a pre-lube system. And last, but not least, use a high quality fuel and a periodic engine flush.

If it seems like a lot to consider, it's good to know what is possible.  This is the "white glove" treatment, if you know what I mean.  Read the original story here.

Related Link

Why Does Engine Oil Break Down

Let's Stay the Course on Clean Diesel: Progress Is Being Made

A lot of Americans are unaware of how much progress has been made in terms of eliminating pollutants like nitrogen oxide (NOx) and carbon dioxide (CO2). Did you know that the new diesel trucks are so clean that it would take 60 of today's new generation diesels to equal the emissions from one truck sold in 1988? New technology diesel engines and the increased use of biobased diesel have contributed to noteworthy carbon reduction and clean air gains. 

All this has been documented, according to a recent Earth Day announcement from the Diesel Technology Forum. "Today, diesel remains the dominant technology in long-haul trucking, powering 97 percent of Class 8 big-rig trucks in the United States. A growing percentage of diesel-powered commercial trucks rely on the newest-generation diesel technologies, which deliver near-zero emissions performance while using less fuel."

The announcement begins by acknowledging the new emphasis on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and tackling the climate challenge. To do this requires thinking through solutions and timetables that are customized to the realities of our time. Timetables have to correspond. But progress has already been extensive.

Today, more than 43 percent of commercial Class 3-8 vehicles utilize the newest generation technology (2011 and newer model years), up 6.8 percent over 2017. Since 2011, these nearly 5 million new-generation commercial diesel trucks "have already delivered reductions of greenhouse gases (carbon dioxide (CO2)) in an amount equivalent to eliminating 26 million light-duty vehicles from the fleet or converting those to all electric vehicles." In other words, more than 18 million tons of nitrogen oxides (NOx) and 126 million tons of CO2 have been removed.  

In short, tremendous progress has been made, and there's more to come.

Furthermore, in addition to the reduction in greenhouse gases, the advances in diesel technology have produced significant gains in fuel economy. From 2014 to 2018 530 million barrels of oil were saved in Phase 1, according to the EPA and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Phase 2 rules will save nearly 2 billion barrels of oil from now till 2027.

 As diesel technology evolves, the four trends are defining the direction advances will take. First, increasing energy efficiency. Second, achieving low emissions. Third, expanding the use of renewable biodiesel fuels. And fourth, hybridization. We live in a world which depends on the transportation of goods. To effectively do this while meeting tomorrow's climate and clean air challenges will require continued innovation and efforts in trucking, marine, agriculture, construction and freight rail applications.

The steady progress in carbon reduction and clean air gains has been somewhat remarkable. It has also been fairly unheralded. This is why the Diesel Technology Forum strives to get the word out and works hard to increase awareness of its mission. 

Read the full Earth Day announcement here:  
ACCELERATING TURNOVER TO NEW TECHNOLOGY DIESEL ENGINES, INCREASED USE OF BIOBASED DIESEL FUELS ENSURE STEADY PROGRESS ON CARBON REDUCTION, CLEAN AIR GAINS 

Gas-Powered? Here’s a top-tier choice for Vintage Trucks

This product is not from our diesel family but it is an important one for enthusiasts with old, gas-powered classic trucks. The reason is that in the mid-90s the American Petroleum Institute began to phase out zinc and phosphorous. There were soon problems cropping up in older vehicles with flat tappet cams. In response to this need, Champion introduced a beefed up Classic & Muscle Car Oil that protect old vintage vehicles. Here are the details.

Champion’s Classic & Muscle 15W-50 Motor Oil is a favorite among enthusiasts with older gas-powered vintage pick-up trucks, hot rods, street rod, classic, and muscle car engines. This full synthetic motor oil is proven to provide more horsepower and torque than other leading brands of oil for older vehicles.  

 

These benefits are directly linked to Champion’s premium base stock and ZDDP anti-wear protection package, which contains a unique balance of chemistry including high levels of zinc and phosphorus. The full synthetic formula provides lower coefficient of friction than conventional or synthetic blend motor oils. Plus offers film strength and viscosity stability of thicker mono-grades at higher temperatures with less drag, provides upper cylinder anti-wear protection, and reduces operating temperature. 

https://www.championbrands.com/classic-muscle-15w-50-full-synthetic-motor-oil/

 

In addition, the Champion 15W-50 Classic and Muscle Motor Oil is specially formulated utilizing exclusive TVS® (Thermal Viscosity Stabilizer) technology. This proprietary technology delivers unmatched film strength at high temperature, better piston ring seal for maximum compression, and increases the foot-pounds of torque in most engines.

 

This top-tier oil addresses the potential of flat tappet camshaft failures found in older gasoline motors. The problem started years ago when oil companies began producing oils with a reduction in the anti-wear additive packages and noticed flat tappet camshaft and lifter failures 

 

“Most engine builders over the years might have blamed camshaft or lifter hardness, however they found that the majority of the failures were, in part, due to a reduction of anti-wear additives in motor oils. These failures coincided with an EPA mandate calling for the reduction of the Zinc additive and a longer life of the catalytic converters,” stated Karl Dedolph, Director of Champion Racing and Performance. 
https://www.championbrands.com/classic-muscle-15w-50-full-synthetic-motor-oil/

 

“This is not a problem in late model engines using roller lifters and newer camshafts because they do not need the anti-scuffing additive packages to protect the sliding action of flat tappet camshaft and lifter surfaces,” said Dedolph. “The main anti-wear additive in Champion’s Classic and Muscle Motor Oil is Zinc dialkyldithiophosphates (ZDDP).  There are other anti-wear additives but Zinc is maybe the most well-known oil additives found in any “purpose-built” oil. In much the same way that aspirin cures many ailments, ZDDPs provide many benefits to lubricating oils, especially engine oils”.

 

This class of additives delivers the anti-wear film necessary to protect metal parts under mixed lubrication where metal-to metal contact can occur. They function by adhering to the metal in the engine and are activated as metal-to-metal contact causes temperatures and pressures to rise. 

 

The result is a smooth, glass-like surface that provides excellent protection of metal components. This sacrificial coating prevents metal to metal contact, which reduces friction and wear. All key protection properties for cams, lifters, push rods, wrist pins, distributor gears, bearings, etc.

 

ZDDP also provides an excellent anti-oxidant that works synergistically with other additives found in engine oils. Along with its stability it activates at differing temperatures and pressures.  

Champion’s Classic and Muscle 15W-50 Motor Oil is recommended for typically all non-catalytic converter equipped vehicles. This “purpose-built” oil provides a higher level of Zinc not found in the current API certified oils for recommended for newer OEM applications. 
https://www.championbrands.com/classic-muscle-15w-50-full-synthetic-motor-oil/

Engine builders and enthusiasts can now feel assured of using the right oil for their hot rods muscle cars, antique cars, trucks and vintage boats to protect the flat tappet camshafts. The full synthetic 15w-50 viscosity range will work with older, high compression engine and their larger clearances. 

“Forget the 0W-20 and 5W-20 used in today’s motors; they run tighter clearances and are specifically designed to work with these new, thinner oils. Older engine designs and platforms use heavier viscosity oils such as 15W-50,” added Dedolph. “Champion’s 15W-50 full synthetic motor oil is built specifically to meet the lubrication demands of older gas-powered vintage pick-up trucks, hot rods, street rod, classic, and muscle car engines”.

 

 * * * 

CONGRATULATIONS CHAMPION BRANDS 

as you celebrate 65 Years serving the needs 

of automotive and diesel engine enthusiasts.

Champion Brands Celebrates 65 Years in the Lubricant Business

Since its founding in 1956, Champion Brands has established itself as a stalwart of the oil industry. The following announcement came across the wire this morning. We share it here in case you don't catch it in one of your favorite diesel publications or resources.

 

(Clinton, Mo / 01.04.21) Champion Brands, LLC, a globally recognized industry manufacturer of chemicals, lubricants, brake fluids, motor oils and additives, announced this week a year-long 65th Anniversary Celebration in 2021.  Highlights of the year will be sponsorship of national & regional auto races, product contests, promotions, and special events.  

https://www.championbrands.com/

 

Originally Lowe Oil Co. founded by Ralph Lowe in 1956, Champion Brands, LLC is a globally recognized industry leader in specialty lubricants. Champion produces and blends more than 350 products including fuel, oil and engine additives, brake fluids and motor oils for the automotive, heavy truck, racing, performance, industrial, commercial, agricultural and specialty markets.  https://www.championbrands.com/products/

 

Champion understands the complexities of doing business in today’s market and is always looking for new and better ways to be more efficient and resourceful. Quality products are more than a commitment at Champion; high standards define the way it does business. Champion is an ISO 9001:2015 Certified and Registered Company.

 

The company uses top tier additives and base stocks to formulate products for outstanding wear protection, fuel economy, high temperature stability, long-life protection, improved efficiency, oxidation resistance, lower evaporation, increased performance, friction reduction, and lubricant compatibility across a wide range of engine operating conditions and applications.

 

Headquartered in Clinton, Missouri, just 75 miles southeast of Kansas City, Champion’s 450,000 square foot plant with 30 loading bays accommodates more than 1.7 million gallons of bulk storage with convenient rail siding.

The plant has 10 filling lines and several blow molding machines including two Bekum 406 production units capable of blowing PVC and HDPE bottles, one Bekum 807D with 6-layer capability for containers up to 5 gallons and one AOKI PET Blow Molding Machine. Depending on the particular configuration, Champion is capable of producing well over 100,000 bottles per day. Three resin silos with over ½ million-pound capacity supply the blow molders. 

https://www.championbrands.com/plant-tour/

 

The facility also houses state-of-the-art net weight and piston filling lines capable of filling 300+ containers per minute to exact weight specifications. Containers are de-palletized, labeled, filled, sealed, capped, coded, packed and palletized, using only 3 operators. Lines are capable of running metal, HDPE, PVC and PET containers in sizes ranging from 2.4 oz to 330 gallon totes.

 

The speed and versatility of these lines make it a high volume, cost effective solution for the many Fortune 500 companies that private label and package product with Champion. Fluid blending and storage capacity includes over 100 tanks ranging from 1.5K to 34K gallons for blending lubricants, brake fluids and various chemicals.

 

The collection of blending tanks feeds the elaborate pigging system designed to prevent cross-product contamination. Rail siding and tanker truck load/offload locations provide the versatility to receive/ship bulk fluids in sizes ranging up to 30,000-gallon rail cars.

 

Ten lubricant/chemical filling lines package engine oils, hydraulic fluids, specialty oils, fuel additives, and automotive fluids that include power steering fluid, brake fluid, tire sealant, etc. Each line has specific types of products that it can package. Bottles are labeled, capped, heat sealed (if needed), coded, placed into cartons, and loaded onto pallets.

 

Champion has a very modern testing laboratory. While the lab’s primary function is to test the performance of products before they are packaged, the lab also has the tools to perform elemental analysis of fluids to blueprint the various components of different fluids or test used fluid. The talented R&D team formulates the world’s most advanced, engineering-approved fluids that exceed API, ILSAC, ACEA, JASO, Dexos, and other OEM and global standards.

 

Champion formulates and provides custom packaging for private label products including mineral, semi-synthetic and full-synthetic engine oils, fuel treatments, brake fluids, hydraulic fluids, automotive additives and chemicals, and more. The product portfolio is one of the largest in the industry.  https://www.championbrands.com/private-label/

 

Good people are the heart of Champion Brands, LLC. Passion, dedication, knowledge and a can-do attitude drive the growth of this company.

 

For more information about Champion contact your nearest Champion Distributor, or call Champion at 660-890-6231. Champion Brands, LLC; 1001 Golden Drive, Clinton, MO, 64735 or go to http://www.championbrands.com

Happy New Year to All -- Especially Diesel Lovers

With 2020 behind us it's time to look ahead. First, one quick backward glance. When the Blue Flame Blogger launched at the beginning of September, we were happy that so many of your found us so quickly and in our first months we've had tens of thousands of pageviews. Our data shows us that many of you are staying around and we appreciate that. We've worked hard to assemble a lot of good content for you and promise to deliver more in 2021.

Our top three stories from the past four months were these:

#3
PaxPower Converts F150 to Diesel Raptor 

#2

Shaq Goes Big with a Diesel Ford F-650

#1

Blue Flame Contingency Program Rewards Diesel Drag Racers

* * * 

And in case you missed it,  BE SURE TO ENTER OUR SWEEPSTAKES to win a year's supply of Blue Flame Oil for your diese. DETAILS HERE. Or to push the green button (above write) to enter directly.

Happy New Year

Blue Flame Diesel Oil: Buy Now Before the End of the Year

Oil rig photo by WORKSITE Ltd. on Unsplash

The price of oil has certainly been herky-jerky this year. Pandemic shutdowns in the spring resulted in a sharp decline in fuel prices to the extent that it was more profitable for many oil companies to leave it in the ground than pay to extract and transport it.

Prices at the pump declined as well, which was appreciated by those who were still on the road even though a lot of us were on the sidelines for a spell. By mid-summer, though, crude futures recovered to their target base of $40 and climbing, which helps keep oil companies solvent and truckers on the road. Then again, downstream fuel and oil prices are impacted. 

Apparently oil companies are not losing sleep over that short term hit and things are feeling pretty hopeful going forward. 

In the meantime, however, I saw some news from Champion that came across the wire today. The company has announced a price increase, which means that December might be a good time to stock up for 2021. Here's the story:

Champion Oil Announces MWD Price Increase Effective 2021  

(Clinton, MO 12.08.20) Champion Oil, a major player in development and manufacturing of semi-synthetic and full synthetic motor oils, announced that effective January 1st, 2021 there will be a price increase for Master Warehouse Distributors (MWD) and Private Label Customers.

 

“Champion attributes the increase to a number of factors, one being the recent round of base oil posting increases”, said Karl Dedolph of Champion Brands in Clinton, MO. “In addition, higher freight rates, corrugated packaging, and high demand for resin, caps and bottles due to the massive new/increased demand for cleaning/disinfecting products, which has caused the prices for those commodities to spike. And as is the case with nearly all businesses during the pandemic, the high cost to maintain safe operations and keep plant staffing levels sufficient to run as efficiently as possible.”

 

Why the price increase? https://jobbersworld.com/2020/10/20/why-the-price-increases/

 

It should be noted that Champion Oil, who manufactures primarily synthetic and semi-synthetic motor and engine oils, is not in a direct parallel or correlation with crude oil pricing volatility. The development in creating the base stocks and additives for these oils is a very arduous and expensive process and only in a very small part associated with crude oil.

 

There's little doubt today that synthetics are now superior over conventional mineral based products in almost all scenarios. They feature resistance to high temperature oxidation, good film strength, lower volatility, stable viscosity, improved cold-flow and extended drain interval opportunities.  These properties ultimately result in better operation and life expectancy of engines, gears and other equipment.  This is especially true under harsh or extreme operating conditions.

 

About the company: Champion Brands, LLC, is a globally recognized industry leader in specialty lubricants for over 645 years. Champion also produces and blends over 350 products including fuel, oil, engine additives, and lubricants for the racing, automotive, heavy truck, agricultural, industrial, and specialty markets. For more information call Champion at 660-890-6231. Champion Brands, LLC; 1001 Golden Drive, Clinton, MO, or go to http://www.championbrands.com

December Special for Champion Distributors

Champion has recently announced a December special for their diesel engine oils. Distributors will get 10% off the company's 275 gallon tote pricing, plus Free Freight. 

A lot of people don't realize Champion offers 4 different lines of diesel engine oils: Premium Heavy-Duty, All Fleet-T, Blue Flame and Ultra Fleet.

For diesel enthusiasts, oil is the lifeblood of their equipment. Oil's responsibilities are many. They include reducing friction, cooling, cleaning and sealing, as well as protecting moving parts. Because it is treated as a commodity the important roles it plays are often overlooked. 

For many enthusiasts, the Blue Flame is still burning. They want a brand they can identify with, so Champion is looking to expand its distribution to meet demand.

HERE ARE THE DETAILS

10% Off MWD Pricing on 275 Gallon Totes and Free Freight.

One tote is the equivalent of Five 55-Gallon Drums.

For more details on this offer or to become  Champion Distributor yourself, 

Contact kdedolph@championbrands.com or call 660-890-6231

Champion Brands, LLC, originally Lowe Oil Co. founded by Ralph Lowe in 1956, is a globally recognized industry leader in specialty lubricants for over 60 years. Champion also produces and blends more than 300 products including fuel, brake fluid, oil and engine additives and lubricants for the automotive, heavy truck, agricultural and specialty markets.

Champion Brands understands the complexities of doing business in today’s market and is always looking for new and better ways to make your company more efficient and increase your bottom line. Quality products are more than a commitment at Champion; their standards define the way they do business.

Their headquarters, located in Clinton, Missouri, just 75 miles southeast of Kansas City, is ideal for timely, cost-effective service and distribution. Champion’s 450,000 square foot plant accommodates more than one million gallons of bulk storage with convenient rail siding.

* * * 

Have a great weekend, and enjoy the ride.

Thin Is In: Heavy Duty Oils Getting Lighter

It seems like forever that 15W-40 oils were "the choice" for heavy duty diesel engines. Or at least for centuries. No, I s'pose that would be decades. 

All this has been changing though, and in ways we couldn't imagine at one time. 

I do remember when I first noticed passenger car oils getting thinner. When I saw the first 0W-30 I thought it interesting. Even more interesting, though, was when I looked at the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) registry for upcoming oils, there were actually 16 companies with a 0W oil registered, even though they were not yet in production. 

I later saw an article in Lubes N Greases (LNG) about SAE 0W-16 and 0W-12 and 0W-8 oils that were coming and more recently the 0W-0 oils being tried in Japan. 

This week, George Gill wrote an LNG feature on thinning oil viscosities in the diesel market. The story is titled Heavy-duty Shifts to Lighter Oils. In recent years, 15W-40 diesel oils began yielding market share to lower viscosity SAE 10W-30 oils. 

Part of the reason is the fuel economy benefit that lighter oils offer. For over-the-road truckers, the cost of fuel alone is 30 to 40% of a trucking firm's overall costs. (I bet you didn't know that.) Another reason, according to the article, has to do with the new engine architecture with its tighter clearances, thus requiring thinner lubes that can flow more readily to engine components.

There's a third reason for the thinner oils. In colder temps these lower viscosity oils will decrease warm up times and provide better protection in colder climates.

You may be wondering, though, "Is my engine still protected?" The answer to that is that this has been going on for years now with millions of miles of data to support this move to lighter oils. 

CK-4 and FA-4 
The article turns to address the newer API categories of CK-4 and FA-4. CK-4 was designed to have backward compatibility built into it. This has resulted in wider acceptance of the new designation. FA-4 oils are not so versatile. FA-4 oils in modern contemporary engines, however, do offer a 1% fuel economy improvement, the article states.

Despite the benefits outlined for thinner oils, 15W-40 remains the category leader for heavy duty diesel engines, but 10W-30 is the fastest growing segment during these past 10 years.

READ THE FULL STORY HERE:
https://www.lubesngreases.com/lubereport-americas/heavy-duty-shifts-to-lighter-oils/

RELATED LINK
CK-4, FA-4? Still Confused About Diesel Engine Oil Specs? 

Photo by Matthew T Rader on Unsplash

The Impact of the Pandemic on Oil and Gas

This summer I was talking with a friend from Texas about the situation there with regard to oil and gas. When the market price of oil goes below a certain point, he said, they just shut everything down and leave it in the ground. That's because it costs more to bring it to market than they will get when they sell it. The oil rigs are thus left idle.

It's been a tough year for the oil industry. The Covid pandemic has dealt a lot of people a bad hand, but we have to play the cards we're dealt. 

I remember a number of years back when the six top companies in the Fortune 50 were automakers and energy companies. Mobil and Shell were slugging it out for the top slot for a while back then. Remarkable as it seems, Mobil was dropped from the Dow Jones Industrial Average this summer. Today the five biggest companies are technology giants. According to the Washington Post, any one of the top five--Alphabet, Amazon, Apple, Facebook and Microsoft--is larger than all 76 companies in the energy sector combined.

Yes, you read that right. 

Part of this is due the long term trend toward renewable energy. Nevertheless, the pandemic has done more than make a dent. When people stop flying, and people stop driving to work every day--in other words, when people stay home they consume less fuel. Combine this with an oil glut due to other factors and you have additional hurdles for the energy companies.  

It's not all bleak news for oil companies. With people in larger cities avoiding public transportation, many are buying cars again. In addition, large numbers of city dwellers are considering leaving city life altogether. Moving to the burbs means more driving as well.

The author also points out that with people shopping less, there are more deliveries being made by Fedex, UPS and other providers. Those engines need to be taken care of as well.

_______

I began by mentioning that conversation with my friend in Texas. I'd been thinking a lot about the relationship between prices of crude and prices at the pump for diesel owners. As it turns out, there happens to be a Technical Bulletin at the Champion tech bulletins page titled Why Lubricant Prices Don't Mirror Crude Prices. In this case it's information from the Independent Lubricant Manufacturers Association (ILMA). 

The article begins, "Changes in the prices of lubricants, and the base oils that are their foundation, do not mirror either those of crude oil or gasoline. Supply and demand over time is the fundamental price-setting mechanism for lubricants and base oils." You can read the full story here.

You can find that and other useful information by clicking on the Diesel Technical Bulletins button in the right hand column above. And if you can't find what you're looking for you can always Ask Jake.

The rest of the information here is from an article titled How the pandemic is harming the oil and gas industry. 

Navajo Refinery photo by Robin Sommer on Unsplash