In addition, oil change intervals have been extended from 8,000km to 24,000km, saving maintenance time.
Grayline’s 19-strong fleet comprises mixed marques and mixed ages, with each vehicle covering more than 24,000km a year. The operator had been using mineral-based oils, but wanted a lubricant that would improve performance of both old and new coaches, so it turned to Race Lubricants for advice.
Initial trials were done with gear oils in an Allison gearbox using fully synthetic Castrol Transmax Z, which is suitable for use in automatic and semi-automatic transmissions in buses and coaches. It offers extended drain facilities and optimised frictional characteristics for smoother gear changes and protectection against wear.
For the engines, Race recommended Vecton Long Drain 10W/40, a fully synthetic low SAPS engine oil featuring so-called System 5 Technology to adapt to engine conditions and maximise performance.
To complete the process, Grayline changed from EP 90 to fully synthetic Castrol Syntrax Longlife 75w/90 on the axles.