A report on how optimising lubrication can bring an overall efficiency in heavy-duty vehicles.  The lesser the friction, the running of any vehicle is smoother and efficient. This is where lubricants and lubrication comes into picture. The lubricants play a crucial role and hence their optimisation is expected to bring an overall efficiency in the vehicles. Here lubricants experts speak about the power of lubricants.Heavy Duty Vehicles are characterised by long working hours, rough terrains and varied operating conditions and loads. Thus, right lubricants coupled with correct maintenance practices help optimise the operating costs of heavy-duty vehicles. In an email interaction with Akhil Jha, Chief Technology Officer, Shell Lubricants India, he speaks about the optimisation of lubricants for overall efficiency in heavy duty vehicles. He says, “The key role of lubricants is to reduce the amount of friction and wear from the moving surfaces of vehicles or machinery. As we know that friction causes heat, lubricants also work towards reducing heat and cooling components, thereby prolonging life of the vehicle parts.” Jha also speaks about some of the challenges faced by OEMs. He says, “Further the need for fuel efficiency, abiding by emission control legislations and controlling operating costs are some of the challenges faced by OEMs and customers today.”In response to a question on the offerings of Shell, Jha says, “One of the key Shell offerings that work towards optimising lubrication for vehicles is our patented Gas-to-Liquids (GTL) Technology. It is an apt solution for the extreme operating conditions encountered by lubricants today. This technology makes it possible to use natural gas, rather than crude oil, as the raw material for a range of valuable liquid products.”As per the company claims, the GTL Base oils can be used to manufacture lubricants that are cleaner, more energy efficient and keep equipment operating smoothly and in a reliable manner. “Thus, with the Shell GTL technology, we have enhanced the way in which we make our lubricant products, to ensure maximum value to our customers,” adds Jha.Jha feels that using the right oil not only prolongs life of the engine and improves vehicles’ performance, but it can also help save on maintenance and fuel costs. It ensures efficiency in all aspects of operations.Shell Lubricants’ portfolio of heavy-duty engine oils includes products such as Shell Rimula T5E 10W30. The company claims that a fuel saving of up to 3 per cent is delivered in this product. Explaining more about the product, Jha says, “The product uses an advanced combination of GTL base oils along with high performance additives, which not only help deliver improved fuel economy but also prolonged protection at high operating pressures and temperatures.”Apart from the conventional lubricants, Jha suggests that greases are another category of lubricants that can help equipment perform to its optimal level of efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Further explaining this point, he says, “Heavy-duty vehicles need greases that stay in place, give continuous protection and lubrication. Shell Gadus greases can help maintain or even improve a system’s efficiency. Shell Gadus S3V 460 D2 is a high performance, high temperature, long life grease for heavy duty off-highway vehicles.”Jha believes that by sharing knowledge and working with the technical partners, one can find optimal lubricant solutions that can tackle these challenges. “Apart from lubricant products, technical services can play a key role in the overall optimisation of lubricant-related maintenance practices,” he says.Sharing about the offerings by Shell, “We offer technical services for the heavy-duty vehicles. Those include, Shell LubeAnalyst, which is a global oil and equipment condition monitoring service which includes a comprehensive range of tests. These are based on a simple-to-use pre-paid kit format for the most common high volume samples, and more advance less frequent post-paid specialist diagnosis services.”Shell LubeMatch, a 24/7 web-based product recommendation tool which provides simple lubrication recommendations for vehicles and equipment is another product of Shell. Shell LubeVideoCheck is a sophisticated fibre optic tool that allows customers or OEMs inspect the inside of their vehicles’ engine without dismantling it.While Jha feels that the role of lubricants is to reduce the amount of friction and suggests to use natural gas, rather than crude oil, as the raw material, Prasanna PJ, Country Head – Direct Business, Zoomol Lubricants, Raj Petro Specialities Pvt Ltd suggests that points like TCO (Total Cost of Ownership) and productivity are crucial factors.“TCO (Total Cost of Ownership) and productivity are the holistic wisdoms which encompasses all the areas of cost reduction in a heavy duty equipment,” says Prasanna. Adding further on this point, Prasanna says, “In Raj Petro, we advise our customers on the role of lubrication to reduce TCO through our Zoomol range of lubricants and services.”It is believed that only partnering can open-up the spaces that can help to closely monitor the various areas of cost. The total cost is the combination of labour, fuel and lubes, plant and machinery and spares and others.Prasanna believes that meeting the new emission standard by 2020 is a challenge for fuel and lube suppliers; OEMs and Consumers. “Every stakeholder has an important role to play. Being an Indian lube manufacturer, we can help our customers to supply high performance lubes at a much competitive price that can help them to meet the emission standards as well as the cost reduction,” he says.Raj Petro recommends the use of optimum lube drain interval that is specific to the age and condition of the individual equipments rather going by a prescribed schedule. “Thanks to our technical team and oil analysis partner who can support our customers with timely reports to enhance their equipment life. We believe in integrated lubrication offer for B2B customers and sensitize them on the necessary skills for their team which is the bottom of pyramid,” he said.According to Prasanna, only partnering can open-up the spaces that can help to closely monitor the various areas of cost. Total cost is the combination of labour, fuel and lubes, plant and machinery, spares etc.He adds, “High performance lubricants, strong infrastructure and value added services that are committed to the customers’ cost reduction are the USPs of ZOOMOL.”Thanks to the fast-evolving lubricants technology in line with the emission norms. “We are ready with the lubricants that can meet the emission standards of EURO VI,” Prasanna assures.ConclusionIn summary, lubricants are essential for the running of any heavy duty vehicle. Apart from using high end lubricants, simple factors like include driving patterns, oil analysis, algorithms, onboard sensors can be used to get the best out of these vehicles. Hence it is very important that we keep their needs in mind so that they can perform at their best and we can rely on them when we need them the most.