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Truck and Track Winter 2018 34
OILS & LUBRICANTS
Total Lubricants has released guidance
for road haulage and logistics operators
about the importance of appropriate
engine oil and coolant selection as the
colder weather sets in.
HGVs always have to work hard carrying
heavy loads but even more so in winter, and
lubricants and coolants play a key role in
maintaining the reliability of vehicles, which
is a top priority for fleet managers.
Cold weather reduces the effectiveness of
oil and makes it thicker meaning it does
not circulate through the engine as easily
as thinner oil, which can lead to damage to
the engine components, and even failure to
start.
Using the right type of oil is therefore
essential to engine health and performance.
If it is too thick it may prevent the engine
from starting and if it is too thin, it won’t
provide adequate protection. The ‘W’ on
the code on the label stands for ‘winter’ and
indicates the oil’s cold weather ability. The
lower the number next to the ‘W’, the more
effectively it will perform in coldweather.
The TOTAL RUBIA Fuel Economy (FE) range
offers excellent engine protection, reduced
component wear, enhanced fuel economy
and improved performance. TOTAL RUBIA
TIR 9900 FE 5W-30 offers highly extended
oil drain intervals due to outstanding anti-
oxidant and corrosion properties, resulting
in improved added value through cost
savings in maintenance, plus first-rate
engine protection and piston cleanliness. Its
fully synthetic composition allows excellent
thermal stability and easier cold start
performance.
Aswell as oil, it is also important to check the
coolant level and concentration regularly
during the winter months to ensure
protection at sub-zero temperatures.
Coolants are a necessity all-year-round, but
thewinter brings significant challenges that
can affect the performance of the cooling
system, making it more difficult to start
vehicles on freezingmornings.
The cooling systemina commercial vehicle’s
engine helps prevent damage caused by
freezing, cavitation, corrosion, overheating
and the formation of deposits.
Should the cooling system not function
correctly, the engine will begin to fail, as
could the radiator, water pump, head gasket
or engine block. In the worst-case scenario
the engine could overheat and seize.
Total Lubricants offers a suite of premium
quality and officially approved OEM
(Original Equipment Manufacturer)
products for vans, trucks, HGVs and a
raft of other vehicles. The range, which
is formulated based on Organic Acid
Technology (OAT), includes ready-to-use
and concentrate types, and many products
that provide protection against freezing,
even as low as -37°C.
TOTAL GLACELF and COOLELF coolants
contain the additives required to protect
a full range of different types of vehicles,
while providing exceptional performance in
freezing temperatures.
The GLACELF SI-OAT is the concentrate
which is added to de-mineralised water at
different concentrations to give the desired
low temperature operation: Freezing point
-20°C at 33% and -37°C at 50%. This
product is a ‘very-long-life’ antifreeze made
of monoethylene glycol, whilst the COOLELF
SI-OAT -37°C is alreadymixed ready for use.
The advantages of OAT are:
1. Increases heat transfer efficiency.
2. Extends life of the coolant.
3. Has superior high temperature
aluminiumprotection.
4. Extends water pump life by up to 50%.
5. Offers excellent cavitation protection.
6. Offers high temperature oxidation
stability.
7. Reduces cooling system scaling and
deposits.
8. Requires less product disposal.
9. Offers environmentally friendly
inhibitors.
10. Decreasedmaintenance costs.
Bob Wood, technical engineer at Total
Lubricants, said: “Keeping vehicles on the
road and preventing downtime is essential
for logistics operators, so, when the
temperature starts to drop, using the right
lubricant and coolant can go a long way
towards keeping hard-working, heavy-duty
vehicles operating in peak condition.”
Total Lubricants also offers an oil analysis
service, ANAC (Analysis Compared), which
fleets can use to help identify and prevent
engine health issues before they become
serious problems.
To find out more about TOTAL COOLELF and
GLACELF, TOTAL RUBIA or ANAC, call 01977
636304, email
visit
Total releases cold weather guidance for road haulage operators