Synthetic Oil - Tagged Posts - Automotive Fleet

PM Compliance Disrupted by Pandemic-Induced Shutdown

The trend has been to extend PM intervals due to the use of longer-lasting synthetic motor oils, but during the COVID lockdown many fleet vehicles were idled, decreasing miles driven, causing PM compliance to diminish.

Fleets Transition to Synthetic Motor Oil

For the past decade, more OEMs are recommending the use of more expensive synthetic motor oils, which is increasing the cost of each PM service. But the higher quality motor oil also allows the intervals between these services to lengthen, which is offsetting some of the additional per-transaction costs.

Passenger Vehicle Maintenance Spend Increased 4% in CY-2019

Average repair cost per unit increased in 2019, primarily due to higher labor rates. Also, PM costs were up as more units require more expensive synthetic oil. Tire price per unit, on average, increased 3% in the past 12 months.

Why the Industry Is Transitioning to Synthetic Motor Oils

There are three key reasons why the transition to synthetic oils is occurring. They are the proliferation of smaller displacement turbocharged engines, escalating CAFE fuel economy requirements, and government regulations to lower tailpipe emissions.

Maintenance Spend Increased 3-5% in 2018

Average repair spend per unit increased 3-5% in calendar-year 2018, primarily due to higher labor rates and part prices. Also, PM costs were up due to the shift to more expensive synthetic oil and higher replacement tire prices.

Synthetic Oils, Higher Labor Rates Increase Preventive Maintenance Costs

On average, PM costs have increased due to higher labor rates, expansion of models requiring synthetic motor oil, and more expensive cartridge oil filters. One offset is that longer lasting synthetics have extended oil-drain intervals.

Higher Motor Oil Prices Nudge Preventive Maintenance Costs Up

Citing the higher cost of crude oil, many major manufacturers of finished lubricant products increased prices from 5% to 8% in CY-2018. Plus, each model-year, more OEMs require the use of more expensive synthetic motor oils.

Upward Pressure on Fleet Costs Threatens to Increase TCO

Recently, I conducted a survey of several hundred fleet managers to identify emerging industry trends. One recurrent theme expressed by fleet managers was the concern that fleet costs are starting to experience upward pricing pressures. Here's what they told me.

Higher Labor, Parts Drive Up Fleet Maintenance Costs

Although repair incidents were flat, other fleet-related maintenance expenses were up in calendar-year 2017, primarily in labor rates and parts prices. PM costs were up around 3%, while replacement tire costs increased 5-10%.

Fleet Preventive Maintenance Costs Increase 3%

Extended oil-drain intervals have helped to offset increases in the cost of motor oil because of the expanded use of synthetic oils and cartridge oil filters. Higher labor rates in 2017 exerted upward pressure on preventive maintenance costs.

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