Thin Oil Has Advantages

In this blog we are going to discuss the ins and outs of thinner oils and also the lubrication of heavy vehicles in general. We will delve into reduced wear, lower fuel consumption and a "heated garage in a can".

Its not Widley know that thinner oils also work great in heavy vehicles, so there is no rule to say you must use thick oils in a heavy fleet vehicle. On the contrary a 5W OR 10W oil provides better lubrication than a 15W oil. As the oil is thinner it can reach where its needed faster and more effectively thank thicker oils. A reduction in wear on initial start-up and cold conditions can then contribute to lower fuel consumption.

Oil is important to Emission Control Systems

Oil that has been adapted for environmental engines are designed to safeguard the life of the emissions control systems in most heavy vehicles and construction machinery. Using the correct oil will reduce the risk of getting a clogged Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF)

Viscosity Effects on cold Start-up

In a commercial or heavy-duty Diesel engine every degree in viscosity improves the cold start ability by 5 degrees. As an example, on a cold winter day a 5W Viscosity oil will improve cold start ability by 10 degrees in comparison to a 15W Viscosity oil.

Oil can be like a Heated Garage in a can, when using a thinner engine oil you can avoid having to leave the engine to Idle or ticking over on cold days before moving the vehicle. As a thinner oil helps to reduce wear and start ability resistance the affect is like a heated garage in a can and this all helps to decrease wear and tear of the engine and increase Miles Per Gallon (MPG).

The flow of oil in a large vehicle has to move quickly and a long way

The oil can cover a distance of 9.5m or more as it travels around all the nooks and crannies of the engine, it is crucial to the smooth operation of the vehicle that there is no soot or oxidation obstructing the flow of the oil. The constant flow of oil means each component inside the engine is lubricated by 135 Litres of oil per minute.

Engine oil requirements have been raised

In the past 30 years Emission requirements for heavy vehicles have increased dramatically particularly for Nitrogen Oxides up to 90%. This is due to the major changes in Engine constructions meaning tougher requirements on the engine oil. The oil has to be able to cope with increasingly tough environment and has to increase the longevity of the Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF).

Thinner oil isn't just for Engines

Thinner oil can make a difference in [Gearboxes]