Heavy-Duty Truck Oil Change: A Fleet Manager's Guide to Intervals, Standards, and Service
Fleets often overlook engine oil as part of their operations management, resulting in the poor control and excessive wear of their vehicles. However, inattention to oil changes can greatly impact a fleet’s bottom line. Every 12 months and per vehicle, the additional cost to a fleet for poor oil management can exceed $5,000 due to accelerated wear and premature failure of the vehicle. Oil changes are a means to an end; the end being risk management. Passenger vehicles and oil: A Misconception Truck and engine oil is not the same as passenger vehicle oil and managing the two the same way is a mistake. There are two key elements that differentiate managing oil for passenger and commercial vehicles. Engine design: The classification of diesel engine oil (B) is dependent on the design of the engine and the presence of after treatment systems. Using the wrong category of oil can result in reduced service life of the filter and catalyst. Service conditions: A passenger vehicle oil can be ex...