Engine Care: Preventing Wear and Tear
Even the most reliable heavy-duty engine shows signs of fatigue over time. Sluggish acceleration, odd vibrations or a “gut feeling” that something is off may signal the beginning of engine wear.
According to Dr. Jason R. Brown, global technology manager for heavy-duty diesel engine oils at Shell, there are four primary forms of engine wear: adhesive, abrasive, corrosive and fatigue.
- Adhesive wear: Happens when metal components come into direct contact without effective lubrication. Microscopic metal rough spots (called asperities) build up and can weld together under heat and pressure.
- Abrasive wear: Occurs when metal surfaces are scratched by deposits or particles, or when oil film is insufficient (such as with too thin a lubricant), allowing surfaces to rub.
- Corrosive wear: Fuel combustion creates water and acids which can enter the engine oil and begin to dissolve metal surfaces. Over time, the structural integrity of parts is compromised.
- Fatigue wear: Repeated heating and cooling cause metal components to expand and contract, eventually forming cracks where deposits enter and cause further damage.
Preventing Engine Wear and Tear
- Plan for long-term engine reliability, we recommend Shell Rotella heavy duty engine oils and other Shell lubricants that provide wear protection, acid control and film strength.
- Follow manufacturer recommended oil change intervals and specifications so oil degradation doesn’t accelerate wear.
- Check engine oil levels regularly and top off as needed.
- Monitor for early signs of trouble, such as power loss or reduced fuel efficiency. Catching wear early can prevent it from escalating.
- Maintaining coolant, air intake, fuel and air filtration is also important to keep trucks running smoothly.