Product | 19 Dec 2024
Did you know that using the proper engine oil can help reduce your diesel truck's fuel consumption significantly?
While this might look like a small number to you, over time, it results in significant savings and reduced emissions. Knowing about the engine oils for diesel trucks can ensure your vehicle runs smoothly and with maximum efficiency. In this blog, we’ll understand the types, grades, and top choices of engine oils so you can make an informed decision while choosing the right engine oil for your trucks.
The Role of Engine Oil
Engine oil is the lifeblood of your truck, much like how blood functions in the human body. It lubricates internal combustion engines, reduces friction, cools engine components, and carries away wear materials and foreign debris to the filter, keeping the engine clean and efficient. In a nutshell, the right engine oil is crucial for maintaining peak engine performance and longevity of your vehicle.
Types of Engine Oils for Diesel Trucks
Diesel engine oils are classified into three main types based on their base oil: Mineral, Synthetic, and Semi-Synthetic Engine Oil. The choice of base oil and refining process significantly affects the cost and performance of the engine oil.
1. Mineral Diesel Engine Oil
Mineral oil, derived from crude oil, is the most basic type of diesel engine oil. It's cost-effective but requires more frequent oil changes and offers lower performance in extreme temperatures.
Pros:
- Mineral diesel engine oil is affordable, making it a cost-effective option for many users. Additionally, it is suitable for older engines, providing adequate lubrication and performance for these types of engines.
Cons:
- This type of oil needs to be changed frequently, which can be inconvenient and increase maintenance costs over time. Furthermore, it is less effective in extreme conditions, such as very high or very low temperatures, where it may not provide sufficient protection for the engine.
2. Synthetic Diesel Engine Oil
Synthetic oil is chemically engineered to provide superior performance and protection. It's ideal for modern diesel engines requiring high levels of lubrication and thermal stability.
Pros:
Synthetic diesel engine oil performs excellently in extreme temperatures, maintaining its viscosity and protective qualities in both hot and cold conditions. It also allows for longer intervals between oil changes, reducing maintenance frequency. Additionally, synthetic oil enhances engine cleanliness by reducing deposits and sludge build-up.
Cons:
The higher cost of synthetic oil can be a significant drawback for some users. Moreover, it is not necessary for all engines, particularly older or less demanding ones that do not require the advanced protection and performance characteristics of synthetic oil.
3. Semi-Synthetic Diesel Engine Oil
Semi-synthetic oil is a blend of mineral oil and synthetic oil. This combination offers improved performance over pure mineral oil while being more affordable than fully synthetic options.
Pros:
- Enhanced Performance: Semi-synthetic oil provides better protection and lubrication than mineral oil, especially in more demanding driving conditions.
- Extended Oil Change Intervals: The synthetic components allow for longer intervals between oil changes compared to traditional mineral oil.
Cons:
- Higher Cost Than Mineral Oil: Although semi-synthetic oil is more affordable than fully synthetic options, it still carries a higher price tag than mineral oil.
- Not Suitable for All Engines: Semi-synthetic oil might not be required for engines that are not subjected to harsh conditions or heavy-duty usage.
Understanding Oil Grades
Oil grades indicate the oil's viscosity, or how it flows at different temperatures, determined by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE). The grading system includes single-grade and multigrade oils.
Single-Grade Oils
Single-grade oils maintain stable viscosity at a specific temperature but are less versatile compared to multi-grade oils. Example: SAE 30 – Suitable for warm temperatures but not ideal for cold starts.
Multi-Grade Oils
Multi-grade oils, such as SAE 15W-40 and 20W-40, offer versatility across various temperatures. The "W" stands for winter, indicating the oil's performance in cold conditions, while the second number represents its viscosity at high temperatures. Example: SAE 15W-40 – Suitable for both cold starts and high-temperature operations, making it a popular choice for diesel engines.
Base Oil and Additives
Engine oils are composed of 85-90% base oil and 10-15% additives. The quality and performance of engine oil depend heavily on these two components. Let’s understand the different types of base oils and additives, and how they impact engine performance and protection.
Types of Base Oils:
- Group I: These base oils are least refined and cost-effective.
- Group II: These are more refined and provide better performance.
- Group III: They are highly refined and generally used in premium synthetic oils.
Types of Additives:
Additives enhance the positive characteristics of lubricants, meeting the lubrication requirements of modern engines.
- Anti-wear additives: Protect against metal-to-metal contact.
- Rust and corrosion inhibitors: Prevent engine rust.
- Detergents and dispersants: Keep engines clean by preventing sludge.
- Viscosity index improvers: Maintain oil viscosity across temperatures.
- Anti-foam additives: Prevent foam formation, maintaining heat transfer and lubrication.
- Anti-oxidation compounds: Prevent oil degradation.
Top Choices for Diesel Truck Engine Oils
Choosing the best engine oil for your diesel truck is essential to ensure optimal performance and longevity of your vehicles. Here are some top choices that stand out in the market:
- Filtrum Engine Oil
Filtrum Engine Oils are expertly formulated to deliver ultimate power, protection, and performance. They enhance engine efficiency, extend engine life, and improve fuel economy, all without compromising power.
Whether you're cruising highways or tackling off-road terrains, Filtrum Engine Oils ensure consistent, reliable performance. Backed by our expertise in filtration, they shield engines from harmful contaminants, promoting cleaner operation and sustained engine health. Our lubricants are engineered for both on-road and off-road use, supporting long-haul trucks, delivery fleets, construction equipment, and agricultural machinery.
Grades:
Commercial Vehicle
- API CH-4 SAE 15W-40 – 3, 5, 7.5 Pack Sizes
- API CH-4 SAE 15W-40 – 1, 3, 5, 7.5, 10, 15L Pack Sizes
- API CI-4 Plus SAE 15W-40 – 1, 3, 5, 7, 7.5, 10, 11, 15, 18 Pack Sizes
- API CK-4 SAE 15W-40 – 1, 3, 5, 7.5, 15, 18, 20 Pack Sizes
Tractor
- API CF-4 SAE 20W-40 – 1, 7.5, 10 Pack Sizes
- API CH-4 SAE 15W-40 – 7.5, 8.5 Pack Sizes
- API CI-4 Plus SAE 15W-40 – 1, 7.5, 8.5, 10 Pack Sizes
2. Mobil Delvac 1 ESP
Mobil Delvac 1 ESP is a fully synthetic diesel engine oil known for its extended oil drain intervals and superior performance in extreme temperatures.
Benefits:
- Excellent wear protection
- Enhanced fuel economy
- High thermal and oxidation stability
- Superior low-temperature performance
3. Shell Rotella T6
Shell Rotella T6 is another synthetic oil that offers excellent protection and performance, particularly in heavy-duty applications.
Benefits:
- Advanced multi-functional dispersant additives
- Improved fuel economy
- Excellent low-temperature flow
- Robust shear stability
4. Castrol Vecton Long Drain
Castrol Vecton Long Drain is designed for extended oil drain intervals, making it an ideal choice for long-haul truckers.
Benefits:
- Enhanced oil drain intervals
- Superior deposit control
- High thermal and oxidation stability
- Excellent wear protection
Conclusion
Selecting the best engine oil for your diesel truck involves considering various factors. A thumb rule is to always follow the manufacturer's guidelines regarding oil type and grade. The environment in which your truck operates, such as extreme temperatures or heavy loads is an important consideration as well while choosing the right engine oil for maximum efficiency.
By prioritizing the quality of your diesel engine oil and choosing the right type and grade, you can see significant reductions in engine wear, enhance fuel efficiency, and maintain the optimal performance of your diesel truck. High-performance engine oils, with their superior soot handling capability and advanced additive technology, provide excellent protection and reliability under all operating conditions.
When it comes to maintaining your diesel truck, pairing the right engine oil with high-quality Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) like Filtrum DEF can make a huge difference. Filtrum DEF ensures that your vehicle's Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) system operates efficiently, reducing harmful emissions and meeting stringent environmental standards.
By using Filtrum DEF along with top-quality engine oils, you can achieve optimal performance, extend the lifespan of your vehicle, and contribute to a cleaner, more sustainable environment.
Contact us today to learn more about our world class filtration solutions and get expert support on increasing the efficiency and durability of your vehicles.
Click to check out Filtrum DEF in detail: Filtrum DEF
