CONOMIC DIFFICULTIES AND HIGH FUEL COSTS have forced a significant number of trucking companies out of business over the past few years, while many others fi ght for survival by finding any and every way possible to minimize costs. More efficient operation can be achieved in a number of ways, including engine, truck and trailer design; drive line technology; tire design and fuel quality. Drivers can also play a critical role by reducing engine idle time and speed, while employing more efficient shifting patterns and driving techniques.

Although lubricants are often overlooked as a way to improve efficiency and minimize costs, use of AMSOIL 5W-40 Synthetic Premium Diesel Oil (DEO) over conventional 15W-40 oils presents fl eets with an effective way to reign in costs without sacrifi cing protection. In fact, industry tests demonstrate a 1 percent fuel economy improvement by switching to 5W-40 diesel oil, while the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Federal Test Procedure confirms that AMSOIL 5W-40 Synthetic Premium Diesel Oil provides up to 3 percent better fuel economy than conventional 15W-40 diesel oils (1.6 percent improvement at a mix of 55/45 city/highway driving).

For example, a single truck traveling an average of 120,000 miles per year and receiving an average of six miles per gallon consumes 20,000 gallons of fuel a year. At a price of $3 a gallon, annual fuel costs for this single truck are $60,000. By switching from a conventional 15W-40 diesel oil to AMSOIL 5W-40 Synthetic Premium Diesel Oil and achieving a 1.6 percent fuel economy improvement, the truck reduces its annual fuel usage by 320 gallons, saving $960. The savings mount when extended to larger vehicle fleets. A 50-vehicle fleet saves $48,000 in fuel costs, while a 100-vehicle fleet saves $96,000.

Further savings are realized through the extended drain capabilities of AMSOIL 5W-40 Synthetic Premium Diesel Oil. At a price of $13.55 a gallon, the conventional diesel oil for a single truck with a 32-quart (eightgallon) oil sump costs $108.40. With a recommended drain interval of 10,000 miles, the truck requires 12 oil changes over 120,000 miles, for a total cost of $1,300.80. Recommended for extended drain intervals of three times the OEM-recommended drain interval, AMSOIL 5W-40 Synthetic Diesel Oil must only be changed four times over 120,000 miles at a total cost of $838.40 ($26.20/gal. commercial price), presenting a savings of $462.40. The savings mount when extended to larger vehicle fleets. A 50-vehicle fleet saves $23,120, while a 100-vehicle fleet saves $46,240.

When combining both the fuel savings and oil change savings, AMSOIL presents fleets with a significant cost reduction. A single truck traveling 120,000 miles a year saves $462.40 per year in oil change costs and $960 in fuel costs, for a total annual savings of $1,422.40. The savings mount when extended to larger vehicle fleets. A 50-vehicle fl eet saves $71,120, while a 100-vehicle fleet saves $142,240.

These calculations do not include filter, labor or used oil disposal costs. Less labor hours spent changing oil and less used oil disposal make AMSOIL even more cost effective.

AMSOIL extended drain intervals and low volatility also provide significant environmental benefits, reducing used oil volume and emissions.

AMSOIL 5W-40 Synthetic Premium Diesel Oil
AMSOIL 5W-40 Synthetic Premium Diesel Oil is the premium choice for API CJ-4 emission-quality diesel oil required by model-year 2007 and newer diesel engines. Formulated with the latest additive and synthetic base oil technology, it exceeds the higher performance demands of modern engines and effectively withstands the stress of heat, soot and acids to help prevent deposits, wear and corrosion. AMSOIL Synthetic 5W-40 is wax-free with a broad viscosity range to provide exceptional cold-weather starting and high temperature protection.