Overdrive

May 2017

Overdrive Magazine | Trucking Business News & Owner Operator Info

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16 | Overdrive | May 2017 LOGBOOK Why do I have to top-off oil in my engine? Most of you probably check your oil level each day or when you fill your fuel tank. Low oil level can lead to faster degradation (oxidation) of the oil, faster consumption of the oil additives and potentially shorter engine life. When discussing the issue of oil consumption, we must keep in mind that there are only two ways oil is consumed in a diesel engine: oil is either burned in the combustion chamber or it leaks through seals or gaskets. There are also a number of factors or conditions that can affect the amount of oil an engine consumes. Some of the factors that affect oil consumption include engine idle time, driving conditions, load, terrain, engine operating temperature, oil volatility, fuel dilution, and miles on the engine. Another important point to remember is that no two engines are alike. You may have noticed that engine oil consumption has been reduced with late model trucks. New oils help control piston deposits which results in better oil consumption control. Newer piston and piston ring designs, along with changes in engine operating conditions, are also factors. Oil formulation can help provide the best oil consumption control. Premium motor oils are formulated to exceed the most current requirements of all North American truck engine manufacturers, as well as those of the American Petroleum Institute. Shell Rotella ® engine oils are formulated with a careful balance of detergent, dispersant, anti-oxidant and anti-wear chemistry designed to maximize engine protection. Adding a gallon of oil every few thousand miles was once common. We now see late model engines that will go an entire drain interval without requiring that any additional oil be added. However, we still recommend you check your oil daily and top-off as required. To further help monitor conditions in your engine, we recommend having an oil analysis program. It is one of the most effective ways to monitor the condition of your engine. A regular oil analysis program helps you build a historic database and watch for trends in a variety of areas. Ideally, you want to analyze a sample of used engine oil after every oil change. 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. Court upholds Crete's apnea testing policy The U.S. Supreme Court last month ruled it will not hear a driv- er's lawsuit against Crete Carrier Corp., leaving in place a lower court ruling in favor of the fl eet and its policy of requiring testing for obstructive sleep apnea for certain truckers. Robert Parker sued the Lincoln, Nebraska-based carrier for wrong- ful termination in 2013, arguing its apnea-screening program violates drivers' rights within the American Disabilities Act. Parker sought back pay and reinstatement of employment when he was fi red for refusing an in-lab sleep study after Crete ordered him to be tested. Crete instituted the policy in 2010 that requires all driver applicants with a body mass index of 35 or greater to be screened for sleep apnea. The 8th Circuit Court of Appeals issued a decision in October upholding the legality of Crete's policy, calling it "nondis- criminatory." Given the 8th Circuit Court's ruling and the Supreme Court's April 3 decision to not hear the case, carriers nationwide possibly could institute similar sleep apnea screening policies and not be sub- ject to court-ordered payouts. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's Medical Review Board last year recom- mended that the agency adopt a rule requiring drivers with BMIs of 33 and higher, and who meet other criteria, to be fl agged for automatic apnea testing. FMCSA has not issued any rule on apnea screening. – James Jaillet CALIFORNIA last month passed a bill to increase the excise tax on diesel fuel by 20 cents per gallon to help fund a $52 billion infrastructure plan. The increase in the tax rate will bring the state's excise tax on diesel fuel from 16 cents to 36 cents per gallon over 10 years. It also increases the state sales tax on diesel from 9 percent to 13 percent. The state's gasoline tax also will increase from 28 cents to 40 cents per gallon during the same timeframe. NAVISTAR RECALLED about 2,700 International trucks because of a faulty air dryer mounting bracket that could fracture, causing the air brakes to lose pressure. Affected trucks include 2017 LoneStar models manufac- tured between June 7 and Dec. 20, 2016; 2016-17 ProStar models made between May 5, 2015, and Dec. 22, 2016; 2016-18 LT models built between June 1, 2015, and Jan. 12, 2017; and 2017-18 RH models manufactured between March 30, 2016, and Dec. 14, 2016. Crete Carrier Corp. requires all driver applicants with a body mass index of 35 or greater to be screened for sleep apnea.

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