Low Viscosity Diesel Engine Oils Provide Engine Protection and Potential Fuel Economy Benefits

Diesel engines are designed to work hard and provide years of reliable service for towing, hauling, outdoor adventures and more. Their primary benefit is the ability to produce plenty of power and torque and they require a high-quality engine oil that can meet rigorous demands.

Diesel engine designs have evolved substantially over the years which has been driven by emission legislation and requirements for efficiency and reliability. Some examples of changes to engine technology include high-pressure, common-rail injection systems which are used to improve combustion efficiency, advances in turbocharger technology have increased engine power, and exhaust gas recirculation and aftertreatment devices such as diesel particulate filters and selective catalytic reduction which have helped reduce harmful emissions of soot.

Oil technology and engine technology go hand in hand. As engine manufacturers began to create a new generation of more fuel-efficient diesel engines which place more stress on the oil to lubricate, cool, clean and protect, a new generation of higher-performing diesel engine oils was required to help to achieve an engine’s full potential for fuel economy without compromising engine protection and durability. This required the development of lower viscosity engine oils that would flow more easily than a 15W-40 oil which was the standard oil used in diesel engines for many years.

The most common lower viscosity diesel engine oil is 10W-30, which is suitable for many modern diesel pickup truck engines. It can provide the same level of protection as a 15W-40 with some important benefits. 10W-30 oil flows through the engine quicker on start-up causing less friction to be generated in the engine which will prevent engine wear when starting a cold engine.

Lower viscosity oils that are a synthetic blend or full synthetic provide excellent engine protection, longer oil drain intervals and more. Shell Rotella^® T5 10W-30 Synthetic Blend meets a wide range of specifications and approvals from many of the world’s leading engine makers. This makes it an excellent choice for pickup trucks engaged in fleet service, towing, construction, agriculture and for strenuous on- and off-highway leisure and adventure activities.

Lower viscosity oils can deliver a fuel economy benefit which also reduces CO2 emissions. Shell Rotella T5 10W-30 Synthetic Blend provides fuel economy savings up to 2%¹ compared to a conventional 15W-40, helping you save money on fuel and reduce carbon emissions.

Cold weather protection related to quicker flow through the engine at start-up is an additional benefit of lower viscosity oils. With better fluid properties at lower temperatures, these oils do a better job of coating critical engine parts faster, helping to increase engine durability in cold environments. Rotella T6 Full Synthetic 5W-40 and 0W-40 diesel engine oils are designed for cold weather start-up and are a perfect alternative for winter if you normally use a 15W-40 oil.

When selecting a low viscosity Shell Rotella synthetic blend or full synthetic diesel engine oil, be certain to follow the requirements of your vehicle manufacturer. All high-quality Shell Rotella heavy duty diesel engine oils have been tested over millions of miles and they meet all key American Petroleum Institute (API) and vehicle manufacturer specifications.

¹ https://rotella.shell.com/en_ca/products/full-synthetic-and-blend-oil/t5.html