Overdrive Magazine | Trucking Business News & Owner Operator Info
Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/709236
28 | Overdrive | August 2016 Logbook Shell explains next-gen oils • Go online to www.iowa80.com and request your FREE CATALOG of the finest selection in Chrome and Professional Trucking Accessories! • Or Call Toll Free – 866-4-IOWA80 (866-446-9280) • Shop online today! www.iowa80.com Truck Accessories For The Professional Driver GET YOUR FREE CATALOG! OD 2016 IA80com OD 070716.qxp_Layout 1 7/8/16 3:57 PM Page 1 Untitled-23 1 7/11/16 3:33 PM (Continued on Page 77) Shell Lubricants last month an- nounced the next generation of its Rotella heavy-duty diesel engine oils: the CK-4 Rotella product line and the low-viscosity FA-4 Rotella line. Shell said the new lubricants, part of a new oil category in development since 2011, come in response to tighten- ing emissions standards, demand for greater fuel efficiency and evolving engine technology. The new Rotella products will come to market in December, when American Petroleum Institute licensing for the CK-4 and FA-4 categories is scheduled to begin. The CK-4 Rotella products will replace the current CJ-4 Rotella oils used today and work with engines of all ages. The FA-4 products are de- signed for model-year 2017 and later engines and will have lim- ited backwards compatibility. FA-4 was developed as part of the industrywide push to meet the next round of fuel economy and greenhouse gas emissions regulations that go into effect for model-year 2017 engines. The lower-viscosity FA-4 oils are thinner than CK-4 oils and could improve fuel economy by about 2 percent when com- pared to current CJ-4 oils, said Dan Arcy, Shell's global OEM technical manager. Moreover, there's no tradeoff in durability of the oil or its ability to protect engines, he said. For operators of engines that are 2016 model year or earlier, Shell recommends sticking with CK-4 oil. For those running 2017 model-year engines, CK-4 can be used, but FA-4 oil is recommended due to its fuel efficiency. Engine manufacturers will be making formal recommen- dations regarding CK-4 vs. FA-4 use this year, and some even may approve FA-4 use in engines older than 2017. Arcy said Shell will defer to manufac- turers for recommendations on which oil to use. Shell unveiled a section of its Rotella.com website that will offer a chart to help customers determine the most appropriate oil by application. – James Jaillet