As winter sets in, fleet managers are faced with the daunting task of preparing their vehicles to handle the challenges posed by freezing temperatures and icy conditions. One of the most critical aspects of winter fleet maintenance is the proper use and application of oils and greases. Unfortunately, many managers make common mistakes when selecting and applying lubricants, which can lead to unnecessary breakdowns, increased downtime, and costly repairs. In this guide, we’ll discuss these common mistakes and provide practical solutions to help you avoid them.
Mistake #1: Using the wrong engine oil
As the lifeblood of a vehicle's engine, engine oil ensures its smooth operation, longevity and protection against wear and tear. Using an oil that is not formulated for cold weather can lead to several challenges:
- Difficulty starting: Thicker oils can make it harder for the engine to turn over in cold weather, leading to prolonged cranking times and potential strain on the battery and starter motor.
- Poor lubrication: This can cause dry starts since the oil is too thick to be pumped through the filter or the oil gallery.
- Reduced fuel efficiency: Thick oils can create more resistance within the engine, requiring more energy to overcome, and ultimately resulting in decreased fuel efficiency.
- Increased wear and tear: When the engine is not adequately lubricated, the increased friction can lead to accelerated wear and tear on critical components like bearings, pistons and cylinders.
How to avoid this mistake:
Choose an engine oil for cold temperature performance and engine protection. When selecting your oil, consider these key factors:
- Viscosity Index: A high-quality oil will have a high viscosity index. This ensures proper lubrication at both cold startup and normal operating temperatures. Thanks to advancements in technology and additives, low-viscosity engine oils are also suitable for heavy-duty diesel engines and even boast improved fuel efficiency.
- Low-temperature pumpability: Pumpability refers to the ability of an engine oil to flow and circulate effectively throughout the engine's components, even in extremely cold temperatures.
- Additive package: Additives can improve an oil’s cold flow properties and offer enhanced protection against wear, corrosion, and oxidation.
- Synthetic formulation: Synthetic oils are known for their superior cold temperature performance. They tend to flow better in cold weather, provide better engine protection, and resist the formation of sludge.
Mistake #2: Using the wrong grease type for low temperatures
Another common mistake fleet managers make in winter maintenance is using the wrong type of grease in freezing conditions. Many conventional greases that work well in warm weather may not be suited for cold conditions. In low temperatures, grease becomes thicker and can lose its ability to flow properly, which can cause critical parts to freeze up or wear prematurely. Greases that are not designed for cold weather may harden and lose their lubricating properties, leading to increased friction, wear, and potentially serious damage to important components.
How to avoid this mistake:
A high-quality grease, like those in the Mystik Lubricants line of greases, is designed to handle extreme temperatures. These greases will maintain their consistency and provide effective lubrication at low temperatures, reducing friction and wear on critical parts like wheel bearings, suspension components, and steering systems.
Don’t forget the bearings and joints! These components are critical and particularly vulnerable to damage from salt and moisture, so using high-performance greases designed to withstand these conditions is key.
Mistake #3: Over or under-greasing parts
Over- or under-greasing parts can have negative consequences on your fleet’s performance and longevity. Applying too much grease can lead to excessive buildup, which can attract dirt and debris. This can result in wear and tear and potential blockages in grease channels, preventing lubrication of vital components.
On the flip side, applying too little grease can lead to insufficient lubrication, causing increased friction between moving parts. This lack of lubrication can accelerate wear and increase risk of failure, leading to costly repair and downtime down the road.
How to avoid this mistake:
Check your manufacturer’s manual and recommendations for the proper amount of grease to be applied to each component. Also, consider the frequency of greasing. Cold temperatures often cause grease to lose its ability to flow quickly, meaning that joints and bearings might need to be lubricated more frequently.
Mistake #4: Improper storage for oils and greases
Many fleet managers focus on the application of lubricants but forget that the way they store these products can have an impact on their performance and longevity.
Improper storage of oils and greases can result in contamination, decreased effectiveness, or even spoilage of the lubricants. In cold temperatures, oils can thicken and grease can become too viscous to flow properly. Exposure to freezing temperatures or improperly sealed containers can cause additives to separate or solidify, which reduces the performance of the lubricants when they are applied.
How to avoid this mistake:
Store your oils and greases in a dry and cool place. This helps preserve the quality and integrity of your lubricants. Ideally, they should be kept in a climate-controlled environment, such as a heated warehouse or garage, to prevent them from thickening or solidifying. If that is not possible, ensure containers are sealed tightly and stored off the ground to prevent exposure to moisture and extreme cold.
Always properly seal containers after each use and check expiration dates.
Bottom line
Winter maintenance is a crucial part of keeping your fleet running smoothly and minimizing downtime during colder months and beyond. By avoiding common maintenance mistakes, you can ensure that your vehicles are well-prepared to handle the challenges of winter. Regularly consulting your vehicle's owner's manual and seeking the guidance of automotive experts about choosing the right heavy-duty engine oils and greases for winter, such as the premium line of CITGO CITGARD HDEOs and Mystik Lubricants, can help you make the right choice and keep your engine running smoothly all year round.
