Keller-Heartt News Blog

What Do CK-4 Oils Mean for Your Fleet?

Written by Keller Heartt Collaborator | Sep 8, 2023 12:00:00 PM
In the dynamic world of trucking, where efficiency, reliability, and environmental considerations are paramount, the choice of motor oil plays a pivotal role. Since the introduction of CK-4 diesel motor oils in 2017, trucking fleet managers have been faced with a crucial decision that can significantly impact the performance, longevity, and economy of their vehicles. Here, we'll delve into the characteristics of CK-4 motor oils and discuss how they can benefit trucking fleets.

CK-4 Diesel Motor Oils: Striking the Balance

CK-4, the successor to the CJ-4 classification, represents a substantial leap forward in diesel engine oil technology. This classification is formulated to cater to a wide range of diesel engines, from older models to the latest powerhouses equipped with advanced emission control systems. Here's what trucking fleet managers need to know:

  • Enhanced protection: CK-4 oils offer improved protection against wear, deposits, and viscosity breakdown. This translates to increased engine life, reduced maintenance costs, and improved reliability for your fleet.
  • Compatibility: CK-4 oils are compatible with engines using low-sulfur diesel and biodiesel blends up to B20. This flexibility ensures that your fleet can transition smoothly to more environmentally friendly fuels without compromising performance. CK-4 oils also have full backwards compatibility with older engine models, and these oils are available in all current grades. Though Ford and Motorcraft do not recommend CK-4 oils for their F-series diesel trucks, CK-4 oils will benefit most engines.
  • Application versatility: Whether your trucks are deployed on highways or challenging off-road terrains, CK-4 oils are suitable for a wide array of applications. 

Making the Right Choice for Your Trucking Fleet 

Choosing a CK-4 motor oil depends on the composition of your trucking fleet and your operational priorities. If your fleet comprises a mix of older and newer engines, CK-4 oils may provide a balanced solution. The Shell Rotella® T4, T5, and T6  product lines all meet the strict CK-4 requirements, and oftentimes, deliver better than the maximum wear requirements making them great for on-highway fleets, general haul, construction, agriculture, public-transport operators and diesel pick-up trucks. 

Shell Rotella® T4 Triple Protection® Heavy Duty Engine Oil adapts to your driving conditions for protection and performance under the most severe engine conditions in modern, low-emission engines as well as in older equipment:

Shell Rotella® T5 Synthetic Blend Heavy Duty Engine Oil made from a 99.5% pure base oil with advanced additives to deliver excellent protection:

Shell Rotella® T6 Full Synthetic Heavy Duty Diesel Engine Oil for best-in-class cold-climate protection:

Read more: Synthetic vs. Conventional Oil 

How Will Consumers Save Money?

CK-4 oils promise greater fuel economy and a longer oil lifespan. Consumers will get longer drain intervals due to a more stable oil with strong, protective additives. 

  • CK-4 oils run hotter. Today’s engines run at higher temperatures, meaning vehicles need to have a higher HTHS (Higher Temperature High Shear) viscosity oil. CK-4 oils have improved shear stability to handle high stress conditions and maintain viscosity so that your oil, and your engine, won’t fail.
  • One of the greatest benefits of both oils is their strong resistance to oxidation. Oxidation increases oil viscosity by creating sludge, leading to premature oil changes and maintenance costs. These new oils, however, promote stability and cleanliness under heavy-duty conditions.
  • CK-4 oils have better aeration control than previous CJ-4 oils. High-speed engine operations cause air bubbles to become trapped in engine oil, but the new oil varieties are better able to release air bubbles so your oil won’t be compromised.

Another option for even more savings is buying Keller-Heartt’s own Truegard oils which provide the same level of protection as comparable blends and full synthetics:

Read more: The ROI of Synthetic Oil For Your Fleet

When you need the highest quality CK-4 oils at the best price for your fleet, Keller-Heartt has you covered! Shop our large inventory of heavy duty motor oils here.