The transportation industry relies heavily on the efficiency and safety of commercial Fleets ferrying thousands of passengers daily. However, among the most important aspects of fleet maintenance is proper oil management. Oil fulfils an important task of lubricating, reducing friction between moving parts, cleaning and cooling the engine components. Neglecting oil maintenance can result in severe consequences, including engine damage, reduced performance, increased fuel consumption and higher repair costs.
Conferring to Mrs. Ilona WILMS, the Managing Director and Founder of Duran Lubricants & Chemicals GmbH – producer of the brand FOSSER Motor Oil from Germany, “For a fleet company, proper maintenance and monitoring of oil levels in commercial buses is essential to ensure vehicle longevity and avoid costly breakdowns.“
These repercussions can lead to unscheduled downtime, negatively impacting service delivery and customer satisfaction.
Steps for Monitoring Oil Levels
A well maintained commercial bus fleet ensures safety and efficiency thus enriching profitability. Monitoring oil levels in commercial buses involves an organized approach that ensures the right amount of oil is maintained for optimal engine performance.
“Effective fleet management begins with diligent oil level monitoring and maintenance. First, it’s crucial to establish a systematic schedule for oil checks, adhering strictly to the manufacturer’s guidelines for the type of oil and recommended change intervals,” asserts Julien FAKHREDDINE, Regional Sales Manager of Middle East and Africa at Wolfoil Corporation.
As a bussiness to help your fleet maintain and monitor oil levels effectively, here are some key reasons why proper oil maintenance and monitoring is essential:
Regular Inspections: Establish a routine for checking oil levels in your commercial fleet. This should include looking for leaks and assessing oil condition, which can indicate the need for a change. “Carry out a visual check of the oil level at least once a week. This can be done by using the dipstick. For vehicles that are frequently used or driven in difficult conditions, the checks should be carried out even more frequently,” comments Mrs. Wilms.
Check Oil Quality: Not only should oil levels be monitored, but the quality of the oil is equally vital. Use oil analysis kits to examine viscosity, acidity and the presence of contaminants. “Check the oil quality regularly,” says Mrs. Wilms.
“In addition to visual inspections, it is important to carry out a comprehensive analysis of the oil. This analysis makes it possible to detect possible contaminants or degradation products that could indicate damage to the engine or the need for an oil change,” she adds.
Mrs. Wilms further elaborated on using engine oils that utilize a specially developed additive system to ensure excellent oxidation and high temperature stability. “These properties not only contribute to the longevity of the engine oil, but also ensure excellent dispersing properties. This optimizes piston cleanliness, which has a positive effect on engine performance and efficiency. By regularly checking the oil quality and using FOSSER engine oils, you can ensure that your engine is optimally protected and works reliably in the long term,” She emphasized.
Additionally, Fakhreddine highlights that, “Oil analysis plays a pivotal role in proactive maintenance. By analyzing used oil, fleet managers can identify potential issues like contamination, engine wear, or excessive oil consumption, which may signal mechanical problems. This data allows for optimized maintenance schedules, based on the actual condition of the engine, minimizing unnecessary downtime and costs.”
Schedule maintenance protocols: “Create a detailed maintenance schedule that specifies regular oil changes and checks. A recommended interval for oil changes should be adhered to, based on manufacturer specifications and specific operating conditions,“ upholds Mrs. Wilms. “By using these advanced FOSSER products, you can not only increase the efficiency and longevity of your vehicles, but also significantly reduce the total cost of ownership. Be sure to consider the specific requirements of your vehicles and adjust the maintenance schedule accordingly to maximise the benefits,“ she enhances.
You can as well implement fleet management software to automate scheduling and send reminders to staff. This will ensure that no maintenance task is overlooked. Always adhere to the manufacturer’s recommendations regarding oil type and change intervals.
Use Quality Oil: Always choose high-quality oil that meets or exceeds the manufacturer’s specifications. Synthetic oils may provide better protection and longer intervals between changes compared to conventional oils. Fakhreddine amplifies on the use of quality oil stating that, “Utilizing high-quality oils that meet OEM standards is vital for ensuring engine durability and performance.”
High-Quality Filters: In addition to oil quality, use high-quality filters and replace them during oil changes to ensure optimal performance. Oil filter are important in maintaining engine health.
Check for Leaks: Regularly inspect the engine and oil reservoir for leaks. Addressing leaks promptly can prevent oil loss and ensure that the engine remains adequately lubricated.
Organize Employee Workshops: Host periodic workshops for drivers and maintenance staff about the importance of oil levels and overall vehicle care. Drivers are often the first line of defense when it comes to noticing changes in engine performance or oil levels. Sensitizing on staff training, Fakhreddine affirms that, “Drivers should be well-versed in performing basic oil checks, and maintenance teams should be trained to interpret oil analysis reports.”
“Train your drivers in handling the vehicles and the importance of correct oil levels. They should be able to recognize deviations at an early stage and report them to the fleet management,” heightens Mrs. Wilms.
Keep Detailed Records: Preserve comprehensive records of oil changes, inspections and any issues that arise. Stressing on the importance of record keeping Mrs. Wilms urges, “Carefully document all maintenance and inspection work. These logs are important for tracking vehicle history and can also be useful for warranty claims.” These records will also assist in identifying patterns that may require further investigation.
Compliance with Regulations: Commercial bus operators must adhere to various local and national regulations regarding vehicle safety and emissions. A thorough maintenance plan ensures compliance, helping with unnecessary fines and enhancing reputation.
Innovative Monitoring Technologies
Consider utilizing fleet management software or telemetry systems that provide synchronic data on vehicle performance. These technologies can alert you to mechanical issues or even predict failures before they occur, helping you stay ahead of maintenance needs. As Mrs. Wilms endorses, “Use modern technology and sensors to monitor oil levels and oil temperature. These can provide you with real-time data and help to identify problems at an early stage before they lead to major damage.”
Below are the several innovative solutions that can help fleet operators maintain optimal oil levels and performance.
Smart Sensors: Advanced sensors can be installed in the engine to continuously monitor oil levels, temperature and quality. These sensors can send concurrent alerts to fleet managers or drivers when oil levels drop below safe thresholds.
Telematics Systems: Many commercial buses are now equipped with telematics systems that provide comprehensive data on vehicle health, including oil status. These systems offer remote monitoring and can help identify potential issues before they escalate.
Predictive Maintenance Tools: Using data analytics and machine learning, predictive maintenance tools can forecast when oil changes or additional maintenance will be required. This proactive approach can reduce the risk of sudden breakdowns.
Mobile Applications: Some fleet management platforms offer mobile applications that allow drivers and managers to check oil levels, schedule maintenance, and access performance reports from their smartphones or tablets.
The Key to Operational Excellence
Proper maintenance and monitoring of oil levels in commercial buses are non-negotiable for ensuring efficient, safe and reliable operations. “By adopting these practices, fleet operators can ensure more efficient operations and significantly reduce the risk of unexpected breakdowns,” acclaims Fakhreddine. Make sure to prioritize this crucial aspect of bus maintenance for operational excellence. “By implementing these measures, fleet companies can extend the life of their commercial buses and significantly reduce operating costs,” Clinches Mrs. Wilms. Preventive care is always more cost-effective than reactive repairs. Stay on top of your oil management today for a smooth business operation!
