Getting the most out of lubricants for mixed fleets
If you’re running a mixed fleet, the first step towards peak performance is quite simple: talk to the experts. Your OEM and lubricant suppliers have seen every combination of engine and lubricant available, and it’s their job to understand what happens beneath the bonnet.
With so many options on the market, you first need to consider the following:
- Business goals for your fleet
- The age and makeup of vehicles
- Current mode of operation e.g. long haul, regional, long idling times
- Fuel economy performance targets
- Oil drain interval targets (and comparison to OEM-recommendations)
While looking for the right oil for the fleet, should you consider extending oil-drain intervals or rationalising your lubricant range to help reduce costs and the risk of mis-application? It’s not an easy task when dealing with multiple engine makes, models and ages
Typically, an initial fleet audit with your lubricant supplier will highlight opportunities to reduce costs while optimising oil drain intervals, based on current fuel economy performance and age of engines. The audit will also highlight any potential to improve oil handling and maintenance practises to ensure that you are gaining the maximum benefit from your lubricants. Having a robust oil analysis program in place is key to ensuring that the savings achieved from extending oil drain intervals do not compromise engine protection or engine performance, and do not risk unplanned downtime or additional maintenance costs.
Your supplier should be able to offer advice to help optimise your business, if not we offer a free fleet audit service to help guide you through the process. Once the optimum lubricants have been selected and the fleet management and used oil analysis programs developed, good ongoing communication with your supplier will go a long way to help achieve the performance results identified in the original fleet assessment.
