In industries ranging from logistics to construction, maintaining your fleet is integral to the effective running of a business. Any time a vehicle spends idle, whether due to breakdown or routine maintenance, results in lost revenue and a decrease in operational efficiency- in 2019 alone, Northwich research showed UK businesses lost £2.4Bn through vans being off the road. Proper lubrication is one of the most impactful ways to safeguard against downtime, maximise performance, and extend the lifespan of equipment. Here is why it is important to lubricate the engines of the vehicles in your fleet with the right engine oil.

What Is Lubrication in Engines?

Lubrication in engines refers to engine oil, arguably the most important of car lubricants. It is responsible for reducing friction between moving parts of a combustion engine, and dissipating excess heat generated during operation. Proper lubrication prevents metal-on-metal contact between engine components, protecting against unnecessary wear and tear. By guarding against overheating and friction, the right engine oil will maximise the performance and fuel efficiency of a vehicle. 

Industrial fleet vehicles are often responsible for operating under demanding conditions that place engines under increased stress. This might mean travelling long distances, hauling heavy loads, frequent stop-starts, and operating in extreme weather conditions. The right lubrication is even more critical for engines to function optimally in such circumstances, and prevent avoidable damage being sustained. 
 

What Are the Benefits of Proper Lubrication?

1. Reduced Wear and Tear: The many moving metal parts within a vehicle’s combustion engine suffer wear as the result of friction. This steady component degradation will cause parts to fail resulting in expensive repairs or replacements. The vehicle then being out of action while repairs are undertaken results in even more financial loss for a company. Proper lubrication with high-quality engine oil prevents the moving metal surfaces within an engine from coming into contact with each other. The protective barrier provided by the right engine oil will remain in place in all operating temperatures, from cold starts to operating under full load. This film of lubrication will minimise contact between parts and so slow the degradation of critical engine components.
2. Extended Maintenance Intervals: By maximising the operational efficiency of a vehicle, the proper engine oil helps parts last longer and less frequent servicing will be required. Incorrect or insufficient lubrication of an engine, for example, will quickly lead to sludgy deposits building up requiring more frequent cleaning, and components wearing out faster. Guarding against this reduces downtime for unplanned repairs and maximises the operational time before routine maintenance needs to be undertaken.
3. Optimal Fuel Efficiency: The right engine oil will be just thick enough to properly coat engine parts from cold starts to maximum operating temperatures, without being so thick the engine must work harder to pump it throughout the system, so consuming extra fuel to do so. An oil whose viscosity is just right for the engine will strike the perfect balance between lubrication and ease of flow, helping the vehicle run more smoothly while consuming less fuel. Such optimised fuel efficiency can lead to significant cost savings over time, especially when scaled up across large fleets of vehicles.
4. Superior Reliability in Extreme Conditions: Vehicles operating in extreme temperatures, dusty environments, covering long distances, and transporting heavy loads are subject to high mechanical stress. Proper lubrication helps mitigate this, preventing damage to the engine. High-performance synthetic engine oils are formulated with additives like detergents, and have high thermal stability. This offers engines and other components superlative protection against damage caused by extreme temperatures, dirt, and moisture. 

What Type of Lubrication is Best For the Engine?

The best type of lubrication for an engine largely depends upon the type of engine and the conditions the vehicle is operating in. You should always be guided by the original manufacturer’s recommendations when choosing an engine oil. They will have tested the engine in a variety of conditions, and determined the right oil for it to operate most efficiently. What’s more, using an oil they do not recommend will likely void the vehicle’s warranty, as well as compromise performance. 

For vehicles that operate under heavy loads synthetic engine oils have several benefits to recommend them over mineral oils. High-performance synthetic oils typically offer superior protection and resistance to breakdown when compared with conventional mineral oils. They cost more than conventional oils but need changing less frequently and offer longer-lasting protection, justifying their cost by way of reduced downtime and repairs.

What Happens When Engine Oil Is Low? 

When engine oil levels get low, there will not be enough lubricant within the engine to sufficiently coat the engine’s moving parts. This increased friction and metal-on-metal contact will generate excess heat and friction, causing components to wear out faster. Oil helps carry heat from the engine to the radiator where it can dissipate into the air. Low oil levels will compromise this function, contributing to further heat build-up.

Loud knocking or rumbling noises coming from the engine, a burning oil smell, and the engine oil pressure warning light (which usually looks like a drip) coming on all indicate oil levels are hazardously low. You should immediately pull over and check your oil levels and the quality and clarity of the oil if you notice any of these. Your vehicle will likely need a full oil change and should be checked over by a qualified mechanic as soon as possible. A strict oil maintenance schedule can help avoid this situation occurring.

What is the Best Approach to Reduce Vehicle Downtime and Ensure Proper Lubrication?

• Enforce a Good Maintenance Schedule: Keeping to a strict and timely schedule for oil and lubricant changes and applications ensures lubricant levels are kept topped up and clean, maintaining function.
• Train Drivers: Drivers who know how to spot the signs of reduced engine lubrication as a result of low oil levels or dirty engine oil can help address problems before they develop. Unusual noises and temperature spikes are indicators of low oil levels or dirty engine oil. By familiarising drivers with these signs, lubrication can be quickly restored and unnecessary vehicle downtime and repairs avoided.
• Keep a Stock of Lubricants Handy: By having supplies of high-quality engine oils appropriate for your vehicles to hand, proper lubricant levels can be easily maintained, and delays during servicing avoided.

Proper engine lubrication is an easy way to ensure your fleet is operating at maximum efficiency and to reduce downtime of vehicles and costly repairs. Sticking to a timely maintenance schedule and using high-quality engine oils recommended for your vehicles’ engines will enhance reliability, reduce the cost of upkeep, and keep operational effectiveness high.

A trusted lubricant supplier like Gulf Oil can offer tailored recommendations for the best lubricants for your vehicles. Contact us today for advice on maximising the productivity and longevity of your fleet.