Synthetic engine and drivetrain lubricants reduce fuel consumption by an average of 4.7 percent

Palmer & Harvey, the UK’s largest delivered wholesaler, has reported an average fuel economy saving of 4.7 percent during a field trial using Mobil Delvac flagship synthetic engine and drivetrain lubricants, and Mobilube gear oils. The introduction of fully-synthetic, high performance lubricants, including Mobil Delvac 1 LE 5W-30 engine oil, has helped to improve the fuel economy of Mercedes-Benz, Iveco and DAF trucks.

The field trial was initiated as part of Palmer & Harvey’s ongoing commitment to improve its sustainability performance. At the company’s Dunfermline distribution centre, where approximately 50 HGVs travel an average of 65,000km per annum to service Palmer & Harvey’s customers throughout Scotland, four trucks were selected to test the performance of Mobil Delvac flagship lubricants.

Fully-synthetic lubricants replaced conventional mineral based products in the engine, transmission and rear axle of two Mercedes-Benz 1823 Atego trucks, one Iveco 180E23 and a DAF CF 85. Mobil Delvac 1 LE 5W-30 was used in the Mercedes-Benz and Iveco trucks, and Mobil Delvac 1 5W-40 in the DAF engine. Mobilube 1 SHC 75W-90 was used in the transmission and rear axle of all four vehicles.

Mobil Delvac 1 LE 5W-30 is a fully-synthetic high performance heavy-duty diesel engine oil that helps protect both the engine and emission system while providing long drain capability and fuel economy potential for modern diesel engines, including those fitted with Diesel Particulate Filters (DPF). Mobilube 1 SHC 75W-90 is a fully-synthetic, supreme performance commercial gear lubricant, suitable for total driveline application. Formulated using advanced base oils and an innovative additive system, Mobilube 1 SHC 75W-90 has been proven to deliver outstanding protection alongside fuel economy benefits.

Over a five month period, the fuel economy performance of the vehicles was monitored by Palmer & Harvey’s in-house transport maintenance team using an industry recognised Merridale fuel management system. Significant fuel economy benefits were achieved across all four vehicles, with the DAF, which travels over 100,000km per annum, demonstrating a 4.9 percent reduction in fuel consumption.

"As the UK’s largest delivered wholesaler, Palmer and Harvey constantly monitors and assesses our impact on the environment," said Rhys Thomas, National Transport Manager, Palmer & Harvey. "Over the past year we have continued to improve our sustainability performance, ensuring we are doing all we can to reduce our impact on the world, without compromising on customer services or increasing costs. One example of this is the Mobil Delvac oil trial we have conducted at our distribution centre in Dunfermline."

"The results reported by Palmer & Harvey demonstrate the significant benefits that could potentially be gained by using fully-synthetic, fuel-efficient lubricants in a vehicle’s engine and full drivetrain," said Steve Crawley, UK & Ireland Commercial Vehicle Lubricants Manager, ExxonMobil Lubricants & Petroleum Specialties. "Other operators can also look to reduce their fuel bills by switching from conventional mineral oils to Mobil Delvac synthetic lubricants."