Essential tips for choosing the right lubricants for optimized fleet performance in cold weather

As the cold weather sets in, fleet managers are faced with the challenging task of preparing their vehicles for snow, ice, and everything in between. One of the most important aspects of preparing for winter is the selection of the right lubricants to suit your fleet’s needs.

The challenges of cold weather

Colder weather presents a unique set of challenges that you’ll need to address in your maintenance plan. For instance, engines are more prone to wear during cold starts, as lubricants are thick and may not circulate quickly. Cold temperatures can increase friction in engine components, which can also lead to wear and reduced efficiency.  

The role of engine oil

An unsung hero, engine oil is vital for keeping your vehicles running smoothly and protecting your engines during winter. Choosing the right engine oil can make a significant difference:

• Viscosity grades: As temperatures drop, engine oil thickens and may not flow properly, causing dry starts. To mitigate thickening and ensure reliable flow during cold starts, select an oil with appropriate cold-weather viscosity ratings that enable quick circulation through filters and oil passages. 
• Lower viscosity oils for cold start protection: The lower viscosity at low temperatures ensures the engine is well-lubricated during cold starts, reducing wear and ensuring smooth operation. 
• PC-12: The upcoming launch of API PC-12 heavy-duty engine category (target licensing date: January 1, 2027) will have significant implications for viscosity grades in heavy-duty engine oils. Key changes under PC-12 include:
  • Two subcategories: API CL-4 and API FB-4
    • API CL-4 will replace the current API CK-4 category and is backward compatible with most existing CK-4 approved engines. It offers enhanced oxidation stability, wear protection, and shear resistance for durability across both legacy and new diesel platforms.
    • API FB-4, the successor to API FA-4, is designed for next-generation engines optimized for lower emissions and improved fuel efficiency. Featuring lower High-Temperature High-Shear (HTHS) viscosity limits that enable the use of lower viscosity grades such as SAE XW-20. FB-4 oils are not backward compatible and are recommended only for engines specifically designed for their use. 

Fleet operators managing mixed-age equipment should consult OEM recommendations to determine whether CL-4 or FB-4 formulations best align with their operating environments and maintenance goals. 

• Thermal stability: Heavy-duty engine oils must maintain stability across a wide temperature range. This thermal stability ensures that the oil remains effective in protecting engine components, even when the temperatures rise again.
• Synthetic vs. conventional formulations: Consider synthetic lubricants, as they offer an array of operational advantages that are impossible to ignore, including:
  • Enhanced stability at extreme temperatures
  • Extended maintenance intervals
  • Superior oxidation resistance
  • Engine cleanliness and fuel efficiency

While synthetics offer extended relubrication intervals and superior performance, their higher upfront cost may pose a barrier for some operators. In this case, consider synthetic blends as they offer a more cost-effective alternative to full synthetics. 

Citgo Lubricants offers a comprehensive portfolio of synthetic and synthetic blend heavy-duty engine oils engineered for the varied demands of on and off-road applications. For instance, its Citgo Citgard 1000 full synthetic heavy-duty engine oils deliver excellent cold start protection, thermal stability, and oxidation resistance, helping fleets maintain uptime and efficiency when temperatures drop. For operators seeking a balanced solution, Citgard synthetic blends combine the advantages of synthetic performance with the value of conventional oils, offering dependable protection and extended drain capabilities across diverse fleet applications. 

Grease is the word

While engine oil is the lifeblood of your engines, grease also plays a vital role in the performance and longevity of any fleet. When choosing a grease in colder weather, consider the following important factors:   

• Machinery temperature and environment
• Its ability to handle extreme pressures
• Its overall mobility and pumpability for the protection of your components at colder temperatures
• Its ability to resist corrosion
• Its water washout resistance, for cooler weather and environmental conditions and truck washdowns

A quality synthetic grease, like Mystik JT-6 heavy-duty SynBlend 460 #2, can make a strong impact on the overall health and lifespan of your fleet. Its premium lithium complex formulation provides outstanding mechanical stability, corrosion protection, and water washout protection, while its synthetic blend base oil enhances mobility and pumpability even as a #2 grade grease, ensuring consistent delivery through centralized lubrication systems and fittings during low-temperature operation.

Best practices for lubrication in cold weather

1. Check your owner’s manual. Look for the recommended oil and regreasing intervals, and the recommended lubricants or required specifications.
2. Perform regular maintenance checks. It’s important to conduct regular maintenance checks to ensure all vehicles are equipped with the appropriate lubricants. Check oil levels, inspect grease points, and replace any fluids that may be suboptimal for cold weather conditions.
3. Use oil analysis. Using oil analysis may help you extend oil drains and protect your engine in cold temperatures. 
4. Consult your suppliers. Work closely with your lubricant supplier about choosing the right combination of heavy-duty engine oils and greases that will work together in colder months, such as the premium line of Citgo Citgard HDEOs and Mystik  Heavy-Duty Greases, for your fleet’s optimized performance. 
5. Plan for emergency scenarios. Cold weather can be unpredictable. Keep emergency lubricant supplies on hand to deal with unexpected situations. This includes extra engine oil and grease to handle any unplanned maintenance needs during harsh weather.

Preparing your fleet for cold weather involves more than just checking routine tire and battery checks; it requires a strategic approach to lubrication. By selecting the right lubricants, such as the high-performing Citgo Citgard HDEOs and Mystik Heavy Duty Greases, you can enhance the performance, safety, and lifespan of your vehicles. Investing time and resources into proper lubrication will pay off in the form of reduced downtime, lower maintenance costs, and safer operations when harsh winter weather strikes.