Page 65 - Energize October 2022

TECHNICAL

Conclusion: Measure to manage Checking engine lubricant consumption is monitoring engine
The priority is to establish an oil consumption database that life – it starts at the dipstick. It is time for executives to leave
tracks top-up lube used against individual vehicles – this will their computers for a moment and walk around during ‘top-
also provide a running cumulative fleet total. up time’. You might get a nasty surprise. What appears to be
a simple, menial task is important, requires both training and
Here is an outline for a plan to become operationally understanding, and must be executed in absolute cleanliness.
competent: Everyday millions of vehicles undergo a check for engine
• Draft or update a lubrication policy in which top-up lubricant levels. There is much wastage out there, magnified by
features, with its own standard operating procedures (SOPs) ignorance, fraud and with a negative environmental impact.
• Arrive at individual and total fleet ratios of top-up to fuel
consumed About the author
• Establish benchmark averages and trends – start with a Dave Scott is an award-winning journalist and author, with a
ratio of 0,6% and manage by exception. An average that career spanning over 50 years in the transport industry. He is a
exceeds 1% needs serious investigation member of the SA Institute of Tribology (SAIT) and editor of their
• Write dipstick management into a job description – who will newsletter, taking a keen interest in the application of lubricants
champion this cause? to road transport maintenance and the cost of ownership.
• Clean up all lube equipment – go on a contamination hunt He also serves as the technical correspondent for FleetWatch
and implement correct storage of cleaning material magazine and the truck correspondent for AutoForum magazine
• Make everyone aware of the environmental impact of and has done for many years.
dipstick and top-up control
• Get lubrication reports into the monthly management Contact WearCheck, Phone 031 700-5460,
operation accounts. support@wearcheck.co.za, www.wearcheck.co.za

WCk Advert 148mmx210mm (PRINT).pdf 1 2022/03/10 3:52 PM

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Branches
K Botswana +267 311 6829
DRC + 260 977 622 287
Ghana +233 54 431 6512
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South Africa (Head Office)
+ 27 31 700 5460 support@wearcheck.co.za www.wearcheck.co.za
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