LOUISVILLE – Chevron says its latest engine oil can save up to 3% in fuel economy in Class 6 trucks compared to SAE 15W-40 oils.

Delo 400 XLE Synblend SAE 10W-30 is formulated for use in modern on-highway, low-emissions engines as well as older diesel engines.  

The new oil shows up to 3.6% fuel economy improvement in short-haul, Class 6 vehicles and up to 1% improvement in long-haul, Class 8 trucks compared to SAE 15W-40 oil in SAE J1321 Fuel Consumption Tests. 

Chevron announced the new oil during the Mid-America Trucking Show in Louisville, Ky., where promotional materials asked show-goers, "What would you do with $900?" The number is the amount a truck owner could save using the oil vs. a 15W-40 in a Clas 8 truck traveling 130,000 miles a year averaging 6.1 mpg with diesel at $4.14 per gallon.

Although Chevron has offered a 10W-30 oil since 2008, with increased interest among fleets and OEs in the fuel-saving potential of lower viscosity oils, the company decided to see if they could improve the formulation, explained Jim Gambill, North America Commercial and Industrial brand manager. And indeed, he says, the new and better formulation offers better wear control than its predecessor.

Gambill also said Delo 400 XLE can be used to extend oil drain intervals. Tests run in a Volvo 13-liter engine showed drain intervals could be extended by more than 40% over the regular Volvo recommended drain interval.

The premium synthetic blend is recommended for naturally aspirated and turbocharged four-stroke diesel engines and four-stroke gasoline engines in which the API CJ-4 or SM service category and SAE 10W-30 viscosity grade are recommended.

Yesterday, Kenworth announced it selected Delo 400 XLE Synblend SAE 10W-30 as standard factory fill for new Kenworth Class 8 diesel trucks.

The product is formulated for 2010-compliant low emission diesel engines with selective catalytic reduction, diesel particulate filter and exhaust gas recirculation and is also compatible with previous engine models and previous API oil service categories.

When switching to a lower-viscosity oil, Chevron recommends conducting oil analysis to check for any problems such as fuel dilution and talking to your engine maker.

Delo 400 XLE Synblend SAE 10W-30 joins Delo 400 LE Synthetic SAE 5W-40, Delo 400 LE Synthetic SAE 5W-30 and Delo® 400 NG SAE 15W-40 to expand Chevron’s line of heavy-duty motor oils focused on delivering fuel economy without sacrificing engine durability.

In addition to better fuel economy, Delo 400 XLE's low viscosity base stocks promote consistent engine starting for vehicles operating in sub-zero temperatures. 

Delo® 400 XLE Synblend SAE 10W-30 is approved for API Service Categories CJ-4, CI-4 PLUS, CI-4, CH-4 and SM. It also meets the requirements of  Caterpillar ECF-3, ECF-2, Cummins CES 20081, DDC 93K218, Mack EO-O Premium Plus, Renault VI RLD-3 and Volvo VDS-4.

Delo 400 XLE Synblend SAE 10W-30 is now available in drums across North America and will be available in bulk in April. Jugs will be available by June.