CCJ

September 2015

Fleet Management News & Business Info | Commercial Carrier Journal

Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/573961

Contents of this Issue

Navigation

Page 93 of 96

92 COMMERCIAL CARRIER JOURNAL | SEPTEMBER 2015 Will low viscosity engine oils provide benefits for my engine and my bottom line? 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. Low viscosity oils, Shell Rotella ® T6 Full Synthetic SAE 5W-40 or 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. By Dan Arcy Shell Lubricants The term "Shell Lubricants" refers to the various Shell Group companies engaged in the lubricants business. This monthly column is brought to you by Shell Lubricants. Got a question? Visit ROTELLA.com, call 1 - 800 - BEST-OIL or write to The ANSWER COLUMN, 1001 Fannin, Ste. 500, Houston, TX 77002. PREVENTABLE or NOT? Pizza truck delivers warning letter to Doe W ith a loaded-to-the-max trailer in tow, trucker John Doe was being especially careful. "No wild-turkey lane changes," he reminded himself. Thankfully, four-lane Interstate 7 was bone dry, lightly traveled that sunny afternoon and divided by a wide grassy median. As an aid to concentration, Doe popped an especially crunchy celery stick into his mouth and turned up the CB, listening to entertaining comments about the "seat covers" in a pink Corvette convertible, with its top down, westbound at mile marker 125. But as he was starting to relax, movement in the median caught his eye. Great hoppin' horny toads! There was an out-of-control Pop's Pizza truck heading his way from the opposing traffi c lanes! Immediately, Doe took evasive action, but … CRASH! Then there was nothing but silence – and a section of highway littered with pepperoni and cheese. Both drivers were OK, but both vehicles were crunched, and Doe's bag of celery sticks had fl own out the window. Miraculously, his trailer remained with its dirty side down. Doe contested the preventable-accident warning letter he received from his safety director and asked that the National Safety Council's Accident Review Committee decide the issue. NSC immediately ruled in Doe's favor, noting that he'd been instantly alert to the danger ahead and had immediately attempted – albeit without success – to steer clear of the attacking vehicle. John Doe tried to take evasive action when another truck crossed the median of the divided highway, but both vehicles were crunched. Was this a preventable accident?

Articles in this issue

Links on this page

Archives of this issue

view archives of CCJ - September 2015