Why switching to synthetic lubricants is the smart move for fleets

In today’s HD market, fleet operators face increasing operational and regulatory pressures. Stricter emissions standards are reshaping how engines are built and maintained, requiring more efficient performance and protection from engine oils and greases. Longer service intervals place more stress on lubricants to maintain their protective properties over extended periods and under harsher conditions. And increasing operational costs and longer uptime schedules leave no room for unplanned repairs and failures. In this demanding environment, choosing the right heavy-duty engine oil and grease is more than just routine maintenance—it’s a strategic decision. Synthetic lubricants have become a vital tool for fleets seeking to increase engine life, comply with environmental regulations, and protect their bottom line.

What makes synthetic oils & greases unique

Understanding the benefits of synthetic formulations is essential to choosing the right lubricant to optimize fleet operations.

Engine oils: Synthetic oils are engineered from chemically synthesized base oils and undergo specific manufacturing processes to achieve the desired performance characteristics. They are classified under Groups III–V for their unique manufacturing processes and chemical compositions. They offer superior viscosity control across extreme temperatures, maintaining fluidity in cold and strength in heat.
Greases: When speaking of synthetic in greases, “synthetic” pertains to the base oil component. They are designed to resist water washout, sustain high loads, and increase regreasing intervals.

The benefits of synthetics

Synthetic products offer an array of operational advantages that are impossible to ignore. Synthetics offer:

Enhanced stability at extreme temperatures: Synthetic oils provide superior thermal stability in extreme temperatures, particularly during cold-weather start-ups, ensuring quick flow and lubrication.
Extended maintenance intervals: Synthetic HDEOs increase intervals between oil changes and are backed by oil analysis for cost savings and operational efficiency.
Superior oxidation resistance: Synthetics exhibit superior oxidation resistance, maintaining oil integrity and performance over extended periods compared to conventional counterparts.
Engine cleanliness and fuel efficiency: Synthetic HDEOs promote engine cleanliness, improve fuel efficiency, and boast a lower coefficient of friction. They are engineered to meet or exceed stringent industry and OEM standards.

Choosing the right synthetic products for your fleet

While the list of benefits is compelling, it is important to consider the following factors when choosing the right synthetic lubricant for your fleet:

Engine and seal compatibility: Ensure engine compatibility with API and OEM requirements specific to your engine types. Make sure grease is compatible with seals to prevent damage.
Viscosity grade: Lower viscosity oils like 10W-30 offer better efficiency; higher grades are used to support extreme conditions.
Customer testimonials: Take into consideration peer feedback on performance and reliability.
Grease properties: Consider dropping point, thickener compatibility, water resistance, and temperature range.
Regreasing intervals: Synthetic greases resist oxidation, thermal breakdown, and shear far better than conventional formulations. This means longer regreasing intervals. Ensure that the formulation supports your exact duty cycle.

The cost is justified

The primary challenge in adopting synthetic products is the cost differential compared to conventional products. Though they carry a higher upfront cost, the total cost of ownership benefits is compelling:

Superior performance
Extended relubrication intervals = lower labor and downtime
Enhanced fuel economy
Reduced engine wear → fewer repairs

If cost efficiency is a priority, consider synthetic blends (synblends). A fraction of the cost of synthetics, synblends can balance cost and performance for mixed fleets, while delivering many of the benefits of synthetics.

The smart choice: Citgo Citgard and Mystik premium synthetic lubricants

Citgo Lubricants offers a wide range of synthetic and synthetic blend oils tailored to diverse commercial vehicle applications. In the synthetic blend category, Citgo Citgard 700 synthetic blend engine oils deliver the performance needed for newer engine designs while improving performance in older engines. These premium oils are engineered with a proprietary additive technology that protects engines running at higher operating temperatures and fuel injection pressures while meeting tighter wear limits and lower emission requirements. Their SAE 10W-30 viscosity grade helps increase fuel efficiency by up to 3% fuel economy advantage over conventional SAE 15W-40 oils, increasing cold start-up lubrication and providing superior engine durability.

Citgo Lubricants continues to refine grease formulations to meet evolving industry needs. Products like Mystik Lubricants | Mystik JT-6 Synthetic 460 #2 grease represent the latest in grease technology. These premium greases use an optimized blend of synthetic polyalphaolefins offering excellent wear protection when operating with higher loads, resulting in longer equipment component life, and exhibit superior performance properties over a wide operating temperature range (-5°F to 350°F).

Real-life benefits: Brundage-Bone

Brundage-Bone, the largest concrete pumping company in the United States, achieved up to 2.5% in annual fuel cost savings after switching to Citgo Citgard 700 10W-30. With fuel being its largest operational expense, Brundage Bone partnered with CITGO to evaluate their fleet performance and identify opportunities for efficiency. Through data analysis and support from Citgo technical experts, the company transitioned from a 15W-40 to a lower viscosity synthetic blend. Independent telematics confirmed significant fuel savings—as a result, Brundage-Bone names Citgo its preferred lubricant supplier—expanding its use of Citgo products across hydraulic systems, greases, gear oils, and more.

Switch today, profit tomorrow

As fleets continue to evolve—embracing stricter emissions, cost-efficiency, and changing engine designs—synthetic oils and greases are essential to enhance fleet reliability and lower operational costs. Making the switch today to future-proof your fleet is the smart move.

Contact your supplier today to discuss how switching to the premium line of synthetic and synthetic blend Citgo Citgard heavy-duty engine oils and Mystik heavy-duty greases for your fleet operation can help improve the life of your vehicles and reduce maintenance costs.