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Will low viscosity engine oils provide benefits for my engine and my bottom line? By Dan Arcy Shell Lubricants The reasons to switch to using lower viscosity, full synthetic or synthetic blend motor oils continue to build. The tried and true SAE 15W-40 conventional motor oils that many use has competition from lower viscosity grade oils that promote better fuel economy and other benefits. A number of diesel engine manufacturers recommend lower viscosity lubricants in their newest engines, and the move to lower viscosity lubricants is reinforced by the recent announcement that one of the focus areas for the next generation of heavy-duty diesel engine oils will be fuel economy savings, which lower viscosity oils have demonstrated the ability to provide. This is particularly important as the first-ever fuel economy regulations for heavy trucks will begin in 2014. Less energy is consumed when starting a cold engine when it is lubricated by a synthetic SAE 5W-40 than is consumed with a conventional SAE 15W-40. Lower viscosity oils also help reduce friction in an engine, which can result in fuel savings. Anti-idling laws mean the days of 40 percent idle time are over. Idle times of 10 percent or less are now common, meaning more start-ups. The better cold temperature flow of a lower viscosity oil such as SAE 5W-40 full synthetic or SAE 10W-30 synthetic blend versus SAE 15W-40 will provide easier starting and faster lubrication in colder weather. Full Synthetic SAE 5W-40 or Shell Rotella® Low viscosity oils, Shell Rotella® T5 Synthetic Blend SAE 10W-30 have been shown to deliver fuel-economy savings, extended- drain capability, enhanced engine cleanliness, and excellent wear protection. This monthly column is brought to you by Shell Lubricants. Got a question? Visit ROTELLA.com, call 1-800-231-6950 or write to The ANSWER COLUMN, 1001 Fannin, Ste. 500, Houston, TX 77002. The term "Shell Lubricants" refers to the various Shell Group companies engaged in the lubricants business. Circle 344 on Reader Service Card or visit truckersnews.hotims.com 28 | TRUCKERS NEWS | MARCH 2012 Untitled-38 1 2/2/12 9:03 AM T6 age. The test Cascadia also featured optional forward-mounted mirrors on the side of the hood, equally firmly mounted and showing an excellent view of the blind spots usually created with a full-width cab. The downward-looking mirror on the passenger door makes assurance doubly sure. The wood-grain dash features a full complement of gauges including the combination fuel and diesel-ex- haust-fluid gauge. It has green LEDs to indicate how much DEF is in the 23-gallon tank. And the fill for the tank is conveniently located behind a flip-open door in the top step on the driver's side. On the wing dash is a fuel econo- my gauge, a useful accessory for any driver. Over there, too, are additional HVAC vents to complement those directly ahead of the driver for good ventilation and cooling. Back in the sleeper, doors cover the storage closets for a clean look, with openings for the TV and the provision for a Sharp microwave and 120-volt outlets are on both sides in these spaces. They are hooked in to the shorepower recep- tacle, but likely an inverter could be specified. A Dometic refrigerator is mid-mounted on the passenger side. To the other side, there's a step to assist in getting in to the upper bunk that folds up flat to the back wall. The lower bunk lifts to reveal the central storage bay and two baggage compartments that are also acces- sible through outside baggage doors. The sleeper is set up with good ventilation. Even without the side windows, the top windows crank open and the side panels are equipped with screened vents. This Cascadia lacks the avail- able wood trim on the cabinets to complement the dash, but even without, the sleeper is a comfortable and practical living space. OPERATIONS The bumper is in three pieces — as is the hood — for quick and inexpensive repair. For the same reason, the huge windshield is a two- piece roped-in design, allowing for easy and inexpensive replacement. The aluminum cab is designed to withstand not just the ECE 29 crash test but also the far more rigorous Swedish cab test requirements. Quick-replace items include headlamp bulbs, low-maintenance heating and ventilation system and easy engine access through removable panels. SUMMARY The Cascadia is all about size. It is wide and tall inside and a comfort- able truck whether driving or rest- ing. The ride is excellent and the lack of noise, whether from the engine or from the road, is impressive. Despite its relatively recent introduction, the Cascadia has reached an unassailable popularity on America's highways. They're so familiar you hardly ever think of the innovation that was introduced back in 2007. But it's there, work- ing in the background to make the Cascadia a reliable, durable and economical truck.