How using the right lubricants can help improve fuel economy
Combat high fuel costs with the right lubricant solution for your fleet
The right lubricants help keep your heavy equipment running smoothly and helps reduce the need for maintenance and downtime. But there’s another key benefit that often flies under the radar: improved fuel economy. When fuel costs are high, fleet managers look for new ways to save–and the right lubricants can pay off big time.
Where do lubricants come in?
It’s simple: lubricants reduce friction. Lower friction means higher efficiency, which translates to better fuel economy. Compared to a mineral lubricant, synthetic lubricants lower friction due to two key properties: a higher viscosity index and a lower traction coefficient.
A higher viscosity index means relatively less change in viscosity as temperature changes. Synthetic lubricants offer less resistance to flow at lower temperatures and increased film strength at higher temperatures, both of which help reduce friction and improve fuel economy.
Synthetics are often formulated from higher quality base stocks that have a lower traction co-efficient compared to a mineral lubricant. A lower traction co-efficient translates to lower friction, leading to better fuel economy.
As engine friction goes down, fuel efficiency goes up.
Which components should you target?
From engines to transmissions to hydraulics, the strategic use of lubricants can improve efficiency and reduce fuel consumption. In fact, our Mobil experts estimate that the right lubricants can lead to up to a 5% efficiency gain1, which for some fleets could translate into fuel savings of hundreds of thousands of dollars. By choosing a lower viscosity solution, your fleet will operate with improved economy.
1 The indicated savings numbers are approximate and based on past data. Actual savings will depend on operating conditions and other factors.
This example is based on the experience of a single customer. Actual results can vary depending upon the type of equipment used and its maintenance, operating conditions and environment, and any prior lubricant used.
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