Malmo-based Mertz, which operates a fleet of 115 trucks of various marques, performed the trial with two trucks using different synthetic engine oils between December 2013 and October 2014
Two new Mercedes Actros Euro 5 trucks were used: one with Mobil Delvac XHP LE 10W-40 engine oil; the other using lower viscosity Mobil Delvac 1 LE 5W-30. Both oils meet Mercedes-Benz’s required MB 228.51 lubricant specification for low-ash multigrade engine oils.
The trucks covered the same route with the same freight. Data was recorded using the Mercedes-Benz system MB FleetBoard and the vehicle using the lower viscosity engine oil, Mobil Delvac 1 LE 5W-30, registered a 2% gain in fuel economy.
Stig Mertz, managing director of Mertz Transport, called it a “decisive” improvement, adding: “We will consider switching our entire 115-truck fleet to this lower viscosity synthetic lubricant and hope to benefit both from improved fuel economy and streamlined logistics and purchase benefits.”
Separately, a French haulier is also reporting fuel savings of almost 2% by switching to the same oil.
Transports PFT, tested the product for seven months and has now converted its 18-strong fleet to Mobil Delvac 1 LE 5W-30.