Summer Truck Maintenance: Warmer Weather Tips for Fleets on the Road

A good place to start is by giving your fleet a complete wash, including the undercarriage, to remove dirt and road salt that can lead to corrosion. Pay special attention to lights—corroded contacts are common after winter exposure, so check that all lights function properly.
Don’t overlook windshield wiper blades, which can wear out quickly during winter. Replacing them with heavy-duty blades designed for trucks will help maintain visibility in summer storms. Also, inspect tires for proper inflation and tread wear. Well-maintained tires not only extend tire life but also contribute to fuel efficiency.

On the steer axle, check for even tire wear across the tread. Uneven wear could indicate an alignment issue or a problem with the suspension that should be addressed promptly.
A clean air filter is essential for optimal engine performance and fuel economy, so inspect and replace it if necessary. Additionally, check all fluid levels and ensure they are at the proper levels. Carrying a spare fuel filter is a smart precaution in case a replacement is needed on the road.

Regular oil changes are key to keeping your engine in peak condition. Shell Rotella^® offers a full range of synthetic and synthetic blend heavy-duty engine oils that protect both modern low-emission and older diesel engines. Shell ROTELLA^® T5 10W-30 Synthetic Blend helps improve fuel economy, while Shell Rotella^® T6 10W-30 offers superior extreme-temperature protection and enhanced warm and cold-start performance.

Remember to clean debris from the radiator and air intakes to prevent overheating. Check the cooling system to ensure the proper concentration of coolant; maintaining the correct freeze point is crucial year-round. Consider switching to an extended-life coolant like Shell Rotella ELC HD, which can help reduce maintenance needs and enhance cooling system performance.

Summer maintenance is essential for keeping fleets operating at its best. By taking the time to inspect and service key components, you’ll help ensure smooth, trouble-free driving.

The Science Behind PC-12: Advancing Engine Oil for Modern Diesel Engines

The trucking industry is preparing for the next evolution in diesel engine oil with the development of the PC-12 engine oil category. Designed to succeed the current API CK-4 specification, PC-12 oils are being engineered to enhance oxidation performance, wear protection, and aftertreatment compatibility to meet the demands of modern diesel engines and stricter emissions regulations. But what goes into creating these next-generation engine oils, and how are they tested to ensure performance?

Performance Benefits for Modern Trucking Applications

PC-12 oils are being developed to support the latest advancements in diesel engine technology, particularly those designed to comply with the updated 2027 EPA emission standards. These standards will require an 80% reduction in tailpipe nitrous oxide (Nox) emissions and a 50% reduction in particulate matter emissions. To meet these requirements, OEMs are designing more efficient engines that often operate under increased stress and at lower oil viscosities.

With the addition of lower-viscosity formulations such as 0W-20 and 5W-20 in the PC-12B subcategory, these oils are expected to contribute to improved fuel economy without sacrificing protection. However, this shift also demands extensive testing to ensure wear protection and oxidation stability remain uncompromised across the entire viscosity range, from 0W-20 to traditional 15W-40 oils.

Engine Durability and Protection Under Increased Demands

Modern diesel engines are evolving to be more efficient, run hotter, and operate at higher pressures, placing greater stress on engine oils. PC-12 oils are being developed with enhanced thermal and oxidative stability to withstand these extreme conditions, ensuring engine components remain protected over extended drain intervals.

Additionally, advanced anti-wear additives and friction modifiers are being formulated to minimize wear on critical engine parts, helping to extend the life of turbochargers, camshafts, and valve trains - components that experience increased loads due to higher engine efficiency and aftertreatment system integration.

Enhanced Compatibility with Aftertreatment Systems

As emission control technologies become more sophisticated, PC-12 oils will play a critical role in maintaining the efficiency and longevity of aftertreatment systems, such as diesel particulate filters (DPFs) and selective catalytic reduction (SCR) systems. These oils are being designed to reduce ash buildup and minimize deposits, helping prevent system clogging and maintaining compliance with stringent emissions regulations.

Delivering Real-World Performance for Fleets

For fleet operators and owner-operators, PC-12 engine oils are expected to offer increased reliability and efficiency. They will ensure that trucks can operate at peak performance while reducing downtime and maintenance costs. The improved oxidation stability and deposit control can help contribute to longer drain intervals and reduced oil consumption, potentially delivering improved total cost of ownership (TCO). while supporting sustainability goals.

As the industry moves toward adopting next-generation diesel engine oils, Shell Rotella is committed to leading the way in PC-12 innovation, developing proven solutions that help protect engines, improve efficiency, and support the evolving demands of modern trucking.