Route to optimise fuel economy with right lubricant

February 17, 2014 6:23 am

 Over the past 30 years, lubricant scientists have been working to develop new oil formulas       that reduce engine friction while still protecting the engine, and the Shell scientists found have found the answer
 If someone owns one, five or a whole fleet of trucks, buses or construction equipment, he will be aware that fuel is a significant running cost, and in a challenging economic environment, reducing fuel consumption is a key concern for all vehicle owners. The prevalent environmental concerns and growth of exhaust emission regulations are the key factors why one should be making his equipment and fleet operation more efficient.
 OEMs have responded with new, more efficient engines, enhanced by the latest high-performance fuels. At the same time, trade and consumer groups have taken proactive steps to educate vehicle owners about how simple changes in driving habits can also have a significant impact.
Although not very well recognised, the latest heavy-duty diesel engine oils can play a key role in improving fuel economy, reducing exhaust emissions and helping fleet operators save costs and comply with environmental regulations.
Achieving fuel economyImprovements in fuel economy can be attained by reducing friction in an engine. A lubricant cuts down on engine friction by reducing the level of resistance to movement. An optimal viscosity of engine oil is vital to reduced energy usage, while providing the necessary level of wear protection.
Over the past 30 years, engineers and tribologists (lubricant scientists) have been working to develop new oil formulas that reduce engine friction while still protecting the engine. Improved fuel economy has traditionally meant lower viscosity (thinner) oils; lower viscosity helps reduce the energy necessary to pump the oil and therefore use less fuel. The perceived trade off with lower viscosity oils was the ability of the oil to protect the engine against wear.
The breakthrough moment came with the introduction of ‘synthetic’ technology to diesel engine lubricants. Traditional lubricant products are made largely from mineral oil, a product derived from crude oil. However, by chemically altering components of crude oil at a molecular level, scientists created synthetic base oils that show excellent low-temperature flow properties, high resistance to thermal degradation and low oil consumption.

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