2018 OIL STUDY
OIL BRANDS AND PURCHASING TRENDS
Current Oil Practices
Fleet oil management methods and brand preferences
When it comes to best practices for engine oil, fleets have
many decisions to make – from drain intervals to which products
they purchase. Because of the vital role engine oil plays in minimizing
metal-to-metal contact and reducing friction and wear,
those decisions don’t come lightly.
Ultimately, the biggest consideration when selecting an engine
oil is engine protection (72 percent), and previous experience with
the product (64 percent). These results mirror those of the 2017
Fleet Maintenance Oil Study, where respondents also indicated
these same two criteria as the most important for choosing a
particular brand of oil. This shows fleet managers, most of whom
have decision-making authority when it comes to lubricant selection,
value proven results and protection over factors like price
and additional services.
Of the oil brands on the market, Shell Rotella is the most recognized
among fleet managers, with 86 percent indicating they
are familiar with the brand, and the majority (34 percent) selecting
the brand as their preferred oil. About 75 percent of fleets are
also familiar with Valvoline, Exxon Mobil Delvac, Pennzoil and
Castrol. While there are different brand preferences for individual
fleets, most of them adhere to standard engine oil practices, such
as the manufacturer’s recommended draining interval, or draining
oil every 12,000 miles or less (40 percent).
In this section, the infographics highlight current oil
practices, as well as oil purchasing and brand preferences .
-Vesna Brajkovic
8 Fleet Maintenance | May 2018
Which of the following best
describes your role in the selection
and purchase of lubricants?
Do you use the same lubricants for
both your gas and diesel vehicles?
59%
27%
I am the primary decision maker
No, we use different lubricants
for different engine types
Yes
15%
85%
I participate by giving input or feedback
but have no decision-making authority
38 percent of fleets
indicate they would
be ‘somewhat likely’
to ‘extremely likely’ to
use a product that met
both gas and diesel
vehicle requirements
in a mixed fleet.
I share the decision-making
authority with someone
6%
8%
I do not participate in the selection
and purchase of lubricants
What are the normal
mileage intervals for
draining oil from your
fleet vehicles?
30%
40%
12%
9%
3%
3%
1%
3%
Manufacturers
recommended intervals
Less than 12,000 miles
12,000-14,999 miles
15,000-21,999 miles
22,000-29,999 miles
30,000-39,999 miles
40,000-49,999 miles
More than 50,000 miles