Buses are the backbone of public transport systems, school trips and long-distance travel, making their upkeep critical to service consistency and passenger safety. Oil analysis, can make all the difference between a smoothly running fleet and one plagued by costly breakdowns and repairs. Responding to this concern, Roland NTABANOU FONJIE, MLA III – Africa Business Development Lead at Bureau Veritas Fuels Division, states that, “To ensure that freshly manufactured lubricants meet their intended level of performance, samples from the manufacturing process in lubricant blending plants or from the distribution chains and consumer points are analyzed in the laboratory. Laboratory analyses of oil samples would characterize the physical and chemical properties of the lubricant oil against OEM, oil formulator and/or industry specifications.”
With the increasing demands for reliability and the need for safety, fleet managers are continually seeking solutions to enhance operational efficiency. One critical tool in achieving these objectives is oil analysis.
Oil analysis is a diagnostic tool that evaluates the condition and performance of the lubricants within your vehicles. It involves taking samples of engine oil, transmission fluid or hydraulic fluid and subjecting them to various tests in a laboratory setting. The results provide valuable insights into the wear rate of components, the presence of contaminants and the overall health of the lubricant.
Speaking with Julien Fakhreddine, Regional Sales Manager of Middle East and Africa at Wolfoil Corporation, he advocates that, “Oil analysis is an essential component of modern fleet maintenance strategies, offering a window into the engine’s health. By routinely testing used oil, fleet operators can detect issues such as the presence of contaminants, wear particles, and oil degradation long before they escalate into major problems.”
Considering the evolving fleet management landscape, selecting the right sampling points is key to ensure accurate results and effectively monitor the health of the vehicle. But what exactly is analyzed during oil analysis for commercial bus fleets and how can it benefit your operation?
Key Parameters Analyzed in Oil Analysis
When conducting an oil analysis for commercial bus fleets, several key parameters are evaluated. Here’s a closer look at the most significant ones:
1. Viscosity
Viscosity is a measure of how easily the oil flows. It’s like measuring the thickness of the oil. Monitoring viscosity helps to ensure that the oil can properly lubricate the engine. If the viscosity is too high, the oil might not flow properly, leading to inadequate lubrication. Equally, low viscosity might suggest that the oil is breaking down or being contaminated. For commercial bus fleets, monitoring viscosity helps determine when to change the oil, ensuring that engines run smoothly and efficiently during operations.
2. Contaminants
The presence of contaminants such as dirt, soot, water, and fuel dilution can severely affect oil performance. Analyzing these contaminants helps to identify potential issues within the engine. For instance, excessive soot may suggest incomplete combustion, while high water content can indicate coolant leaks and fuel dilution may suggest combustion inefficiencies or injector issues. “Quantitative and qualitative identification of wear elements within the oil system as well as contaminants like dust, coolants, moisture, or fuel would also be detected,” says NTABANOU FONJIE. Identifying and addressing these contaminants promptly can help avert engine damage and optimize maintenance schedules.
3. Wear Metals
Wear metal analysis might sound like a heavy metal band, but it’s actually about checking for tiny metal particles like iron, copper, lead, and aluminum that can originate from the engine wear. Commenting on this issue, NTABANOU FONJIE affirms that, “Analyses of oils in service (used oils) that are sampled at regular intervals from the engine can provide information on the condition of the lubricant oil (fit for purpose), and information regarding the state of wear of the engine parts.”
Therefore, regular monitoring of these metals, can help fleet managers determine when a component may need replacement or repair before it leads to more significant issues or failures.
4. Additive Levels
Some lubricating oils contain additives designed to enhance performance, such as detergents, anti-wear agents, dispersants and antioxidants. Analyzing the levels of these additives helps to assess the oil’s effectiveness and determine whether it remains suitable for continued use.
It is important for commercial bus fleets to maintain the required additive levels which ensures that the oil can effectively neutralize harmful acids, control deposit formation, and protect engine components from wear.
5. Oxidation and Nitration
Oxidation and nitration levels measure oil degradation. Given that, oxidation can lead to the formation of sludge and varnish, while nitration is often associated with combustion byproducts that might interfere with oil properties.
Emphasizing on this parameter, NTABANOU FONJIE edifies that, “Regular oil condition monitoring through used engine oil analyses programs would normally test for oil degradation properties such as thermal oxidation and additive depletion.
Monitoring these parameter allows fleet managers to anticipate oil change intervals more accurately and prevent engine issues related to degraded oil.
6. TBN (Total Base Number) and TAN (Total Acid Number)
TBN and TAN are measures of the oil’s alkalinity and acidity, respectively. TBN indicates the oil’s ability to neutralize acids formed during combustion, while TAN measures acid build-up that can lead to corrosion within the engine. A declining TBN can signal the need for oil replacement, while an increasing TAN can indicate that the oil has become contaminated and corrosive.
7. Flash Point
The flash point of oil is an important safety parameter. It indicates the temperature at which oil vapors can ignite. A declining flash point may suggest oil contamination, particularly with fuel or solvents, which can pose safety risks and affect engine performance.
8. Foam and Air Release Properties
Foaming can rob lubricants of their effectiveness by reducing the oil’s ability to form a protective film between moving parts. Analyzing foam levels helps determine if there are issues within the oil or the engine. Additionally, examining air release properties can indicate the oil’s ability to release trapped air, which vital for maintaining consistent lubrication.
Benefits of Oil Analysis for Commercial Bus Fleets
Conducting regular oil analyses offers numerous benefits, including:
Identifying Underperforming, Harmful and Counterfeit Products: One of the most alarming trends in the lubricant industry is the presence of underperforming or counterfeit products. As NTABANOU FONJIE discloses, “Periodic laboratory analyses would also give an indication to the adequacy of the storage facilities of unused lubricant stocks or can be used to identify underperforming, harmful, and counterfeited products in the marketplace.”
In light of this, regular laboratory analyses help manufacturers and consumers identify low-quality products early on, enabling them to make informed decisions about lubricant selection. Verifying the authenticity and quality of lubricant oils through analytical methods, fleet companies can protect their investments and reputation.
Early Detection of Issues: Among the primary benefits of oil analysis is that it can detect potential engine problems before they escalate.
According to Fakhreddine, “This early detection allows for a predictive maintenance approach. Problems like coolant leaks or soot buildup can be identified early, enabling operators to adjust maintenance schedules accordingly. This not only ensures oil is replaced at the optimal time but also enhances engine performance, extends the lifespan of the vehicle, and reduces long-term maintenance costs.”
Early detection means that minor repairs can be made before they turn into costly failures. “The results of the analysis can provide early warnings about upcoming problems within the engine hence maintenance and reliability professionals can integrate oil analyses as one of the diagnostic tools to avoid catastrophic engine failures and unplanned downtime thus prolonging the life of the assets,” remarks NTABANOU FONJIE.
Enhancing Engine Performance: The engine is the heart of any bus and proper lubrication is vital for its health. Clean and effective oil minimizes friction and wear, which in turn prolongs engine life and enhances performance. Oil analysis helps identify potential problems before they escalate. For example, an increase in metallic wear particles can indicate that engine components are starting to wear down.
As NTABANOU FONJIE elaborates, “The Internal combustion engine is made up of hundreds of moving parts that frequently come in contact while the engine is in operation. The engine also experiences extreme conditions such as excessive heat, ingress of contaminants, build-up of acids, gases, moisture, and other biproducts from combustion process, as well as the accumulation of wear particles, debris and emulsions.”
Identifying such wear early allows for timely intervention, potentially saving thousands of cash in damage and downtime.
Reducing Downtime: Downtime can be costly for any commercial bus fleet. When a bus is out of service, it not only impacts revenue but also customer satisfaction relying on timely arrivals. With regular oil analysis, you can identify maintenance needs proactively. Addressing issues before they lead to breakdowns, keeping your fleet operational and your schedules on track, thereby maximizing productivity.
Extended Oil Life: Oil analysis helps determine the optimal oil change intervals. Not all operating conditions are the same, and certain buses may require a longer or shorter oil change schedule. Regular testing allows for adjustments based on actual oil condition rather than relying solely on mileage or time. This can lead to substantial savings in oil costs and reduce waste, aligning with sustainability goals.
Improved Reliability and Uptime: When bus engines are in peak condition, they are less likely to experience unexpected breakdowns. Reliable performance is essential for keeping schedules and maintaining passenger satisfaction. Oil analysis contributes to preventive maintenance strategies that enhance fleet reliability and operational uptime.
Streamlining Maintenance Costs: Pinpointing the exact state of engine components through oil analysis, fleet operators can implement more cost-effective maintenance strategies. Conferring to NTABANOU FONJIE, “Analyses programs could also provide information that would help optimize oil drain intervals and the replacement of filters could lead to important cost savings for the asset owners.”
Instead of following a one-size-fits-all maintenance schedule, informed decisions based on data can extend the life of assets, reduce downtime and minimize labor costs.
Sharing his opinion, Fakhreddine highlights that, “Oil analysis shifts maintenance from reactive to predictive, keeping buses on the road for longer periods and ensuring their efficiency.”
Data-Driven Decision Making: The insights provided by oil analysis can empower fleet managers with data that drives smart decision-making. Trends and patterns identified through regular testing can inform purchasing decisions, maintenance planning, and operational strategies. Whether determining which buses require replacement or identifying the most effective oil types for specific conditions, data from oil analysis fosters a more strategic approach to fleet management.
Safety and Reliability: The safety of passengers and drivers is a top priority for any commercial bus fleet business. Regular oil analysis helps to ensure that engines are operating safely and reliably while identifying any potential risks associated with lubricants or engine wear. Mitigating downtime and maintaining a consistent fleet performance, operators can significantly enhance the safety profile of their buses.
Environmental Benefits: Sustainability is a pressing concern for transport businesses today. Keeping a bus fleet in optimal working condition not only reduces emissions but also promotes sustainability initiatives. Oil analysis can contribute a role in reducing your fleet’s environmental footprint. When ensuring that your buses are running smoothly and efficiently, you lower the chances of leaks and emissions that can harm the environment.
As NTABANOU FONJIE describes, “Lubricant Oil is the lifeblood of engines, with the role of protecting the engine parts by reducing friction and wear, dissipating heat and debris, and in some cases enhancing sealing, improving energy efficiency, and environmental protection.”
Additionally, utilizing oil analysis, fleet operators can extend oil life and reduce waste. This aligns with the increasing focus on environmental responsible practices within the transportation sector.
Optimizing Maintenance Schedules: Another significant challenge in fleet management is establishing a maintenance schedule that minimizes costs while ensuring optimal performance. Oil analysis provides data-driven insights that allow you to tailor maintenance schedules based on the actual condition of the oil and engine components. Instead of relying solely on mileage or time-based intervals, you can perform maintenance when necessary.
Enhancing Fleet Performance Insights: Oil analysis doesn’t just provide information about individual bus engines; it can also offer insights across the entire fleet. Trends can be identified, such as which vehicles might be underperforming or which routes seem to put more strain on engines. This data allows fleet managers to make better decisions about routing, replacement schedules and new vehicle purchases, creating a more efficient and effective operation overall.
Decreasing Fuel Consumption: Fuel prices can fluctuate dramatically. Managing fuel consumption is vital for profitability. Clean oil reduces friction, allowing for smoother engine operation. Oil analysis can help you ensure that the oil remains effective, thus enhancing engine performance and optimizing fuel efficiency. Maintaining ideal combustion directly relates to driving costs down while enhancing the performance of your buses.
Compliance and Accountability: In an industry where safety and regulatory compliance are paramount, having a rigorous oil analysis program can assist fleets in meeting industry regulations. Detailed reports from oil analysis can serve as documentation proving that preventive maintenance measures are being taken seriously. This is particularly important in cases where compliance audits or safety inspections occur, as it showcases a fleet’s commitment to maintaining high operational standards.
Implementing Oil Analysis Program
To reap the full benefits of oil analysis, consider integrating it into your fleet maintenance program. Here’s how to get started:
Choose a Reliable Laboratory: Collaborate with labs that specialize in oil analysis and have a solid reputation. Look for capabilities that suit your specific needs and discuss which tests will provide the most relevant insights into your fleet’s performance.
Regular Sampling: Establish a regular oil sampling schedule that fits your fleet’s operational needs. Common intervals for sampling include every 5,000 to 10,000 km. This frequency may vary based on bus usage, engine types, operating conditions, and manufacturer recommendations.
Analyze Results: Review the results carefully with your maintenance team. Understand the implications of the data and create actionable plans for maintenance, based on the findings to make informed decisions about repairs or replacements.
Educate Your Team: Train your fleet maintenance personnel on the importance of oil analysis and how to interpret the results. Encourage them to report unusual engine performance or symptoms immediately, as these could show a need for oil analysis. Knowledgeable staff can enact timely and effective maintenance strategies based on data insights.
Continuous Improvement: Use the insights gained from oil analysis to continuously improve your maintenance program. Adapt your practices to the results and you can achieve optimal performance consistently.
Monitor Costs and Performance Metrics: Track the correlation between oil analysis implementation and improved performance metrics to evaluate return on investment.
Laying the foundation for future growth and sustainability
Operational cost of commercial fleets is always a key concern to fleet owners. Maintenance of these vehicles represents a significant portion of the business operating budget.
However, technology and data analytics such as oil analysis is becoming essential for effective fleet management. Laboratory analyses of lubricant oil are not just a prerequisite for compliance; they also represent a critical investment in the operational efficiency of fleets and overall business health.
Through a comprehensive oil analysis strategy, as a fleet manager, you can develop proactive maintenance schedules, avoid costly breakdowns, and extend the life of your fleet as well as reduce the overall operating costs and keep communities connected.
By Dorcas Kang'ereha
