It’s not easy running a freight company and everybody is looking for a way to cut costs. The new mantra is to do more with less, faster. Nowhere is this more prevalent than with preventive maintenance. At K.I.D. Truck and Trailer Service, we’re often confronted with customers where the equipment has broken down and they’re pushing to have the it back up and running. Too often the problem is that they pushed off the routine maintenance that was needed because they didn’t want to take the equipment “offline”.
One of the most important ways that you can improve fuel efficiency and ensure the smooth running of your equipment is to have your oil changed regularly. The function of engine oil is to protect your engine against wear by reducing the friction between moving parts and it’s pretty important in the overall operation of your vehicle’s engine. Other benefits include cooling lubricated surfaces, protecting against corrosion and rust, preventing the formation of deposits, removing contaminants and neutralizing acidic degradation. The higher quality of the oil and the more frequently it is changed the better.
When is the right time to change your oil?
Although oil analysis is an ideal method for determining the oil change interval, it’s not always practical. While most manufacturers suggest you change the oil every approximately 20,000 kilometres, there are factors that will affect this timing. These include driving conditions, extreme temperatures, extended idling, heavy loads or high altitudes.
It is a best practice, that drivers should regularly check their oil and especially before long hauls. If the oil appears dirty or the level is low enough for corrosion to begin, you should schedule maintenance for your truck immediately. Since there isn’t a way to check your engine oil in real-time, you should check the oil every few days depending on the travel schedule.
When estimating the optimal oil drain interval, fleet owners and owner-operators can use the driving data they have available. For fleet manager this can include route-based trend analysis, which has proven reliable and for owner-operators who drive the vehicle, they can make reasonable calculations based on an understanding of the vehicle’s history and operating behaviour. An ability to monitor the driving style, operating environment, selected engine oil and filter, engine efficiency can all help in determining suitable timing to change the oil.
Synthetic versus Conventional Motor Oil
Conventional motor oil is refined from crude oil, while synthetic motor oil is man-made using chemical compounds designed to enhance the best characteristics of crude oil. As a result, synthetic oil features fewer contaminants, which leads to a lower risk of engine soot and build-up. As a result of being cleaner and more refined, synthetic motor oils will flow regardless of the temperature of the engine. If low temperature starting protection and fuel economy are main considerations, then synthetic oil is worth considering.
The operating conditions in Canada are different than in other places and we are experiencing more fluctuations in temperature. We recommend that you use synthetic oil during the winter because its lighter film provides better lubrication during cold starts and will potentially deliver a longer engine life. Synthetic oil flows easily and is not recommended for use on high-mileage equipment or new engines during the break-in period. Because it is so slippery, it limits the wearing of new mating parts within the engine.
Synthetic oils do not break down nearly as fast as conventional motor oil. So while you may be used to changing your oil every 15,000 – 20,000 kilometres with conventional oil, you’ll likely only need to replace synthetic oil about every 30,000 kilometres or longer. Simply put synthetic oil is simply better for your vehicle and if you’re concerned about taking your equipment “offline”, you can go longer between oil changes.
Choosing the right service provider
As a Truck Pro banner member, at K.I.D. Truck and Trailer Service, our oil vendor is Shell. One of the benefits of this partnership is that we are confident in the quality of the products they supply. There is a significant difference in the price of oils, especially private label vs. name brand. Therefore you want to ensure that you’re dealing with a reputable service provider that has good quality management controls in place.
Shell has an advanced refining process which removes impurities, which gives the finished product an improved oxidation stability, better lower temperature fluidity and superior operating environment benefits. As a result, your equipment is protected longer, reducing downtime and maintenance costs. With oil, the old adage of you get out what you put in has never been more important.
Photo Credit: Shell Promotional Pictures