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Recognizing Diesel Vehicle
Opportunities
Quick Lubes Can Profit by Recognizing
Growing Diesel Popularity
There are over 1 million diesel powered trucks
on the road today, in addition to thousands of diesel powered automobiles, farm
tractors, buses, construction equipment, marine engines, and stationary engines.
Every one of them needs lubrication. More than 215 million gallons of diesel
engine oil are sold annually, not including the 13.8 million gallons of factory
fill.
Why do people buy diesels? Are diesels better?
Why do many people switch back to gasoline engines? And finally, what does any
of this have to do with changing oil?
WHY DIESELS ARE POPULAR
Diesels have been popular for a variety of reasons.
There was a time when diesel fuel was significantly cheaper than gasoline and
maybe some diesel owners hope it will be that way again some day.
The primary reason people prefer diesel
engines is their power delivery system. Gasoline engines deliver their power at
higher RPMs. Anyone who ever burned rubber in a muscle car knows that you rev it
up before you pop the clutch. Diesels deliver their power almost at idle. As a
result diesels operate at lower engine rpm and higher torque. Higher gear ratios
can thus be used, thereby improving power, efficiency and fuel economy. Because
diesels generate peak power at lower rpm (2000-2100 for diesel vs. 4000 rpm for
gas engines), they have a much longer service life.
The benefits of diesel engines have made them
the most common “workhorse” in trucking, shipping, construction, farming and
industry. Their adaptability to automobiles and small trucks has proven to be
successful and today more and more light-duty vehicles are being equipped with
diesel engines.
DIESEL DRAWBACKS
Unfortunately, diesel engines are plagued by a host of
disadvantages as well, some of which can be used to advantage by an astute quick
lube operator.
First, diesels are notoriously sensitive to
dirt and water contamination. Impurities in diesel fuel can seriously affect the
efficiency of combustion. As a result, exhaust emissions, especially smoke, are
greater.
Cold temperatures are also a problem for
diesels. Diesel fuel will thicken or gel to the point that it will not flow
through the fuel system. Reduced cranking speed at cold temperatures may produce
insufficient heat during compression to ignite the air fuel mixture.
Although diesels are built sturdier, when they
do require maintenance they can cost more to repair. Replacement parts are more
expensive, maintenance costs are higher and qualified mechanics are often hard
to find. This ties in with the broader frustrations associated with the most
basic services. Many places don’t carry diesel fuel. And many shops say, “No, we
don’t work on diesels.”
LUBE OPERATOR’S PERSPECTIVE
One thing you can do is recognize that diesels
represent a growing opportunity. Diesels have larger sump capacities and require
larger filters. You can make more profit from some diesel filters than on your
oil changes. To attract these profitable diesel customers put out a sign that
says, “We Service Diesels.” These people are already frustrated finding basic
services. Lure them in.
In addition to the usual need for filters and
wipers, diesel cars and trucks often require fuel additives for improving
operation. Become familiar with the various AMSOIL® products that address the
diesel problems cited above. AMSOIL® carries a number of products that clean the
fuel system, improve combustion, reduce emissions and black smoke, reduce
gelling and help keep fuel stable in storage. By becoming familiar with the
issues inherent in diesel engine operation you can meet a customer need and
profit from it by offering AMSOIL® products.
AMSOIL® synthetic diesel oils are another way
to improve diesel performance. It is a fact that diesel engines tend to be
dirtier. AMSOIL® synthetic diesel oils are formulated with a stronger detergent
dispersant additive package to help address the extra soot and by-products of
combustion. Premium synthetic oils keep engines cleaner.
In addition, because of their higher film
strength, AMSOIL® synthetic lubes are better at handling higher temperatures and
loads.
For cold climate diesel owners synthetic oils
are almost a must. In frigid northern tier states conventional lubes cause
engine drag that almost cripples the starting capabilities of a diesel. No one
appreciates the lower pour points of a synthetic oil more than diesel owners.
Diesel pickup owners tend to be performance
minded. Carrying added products such as AMSOIL® Cetane Boost and premium
synthetics will appeal to this consumer. These are the “muscle cars” of the new
millennium.
     
We at T's Advanced Synthetics can be your
servicing Dealer. If you have any questions about carrying
AMSOIL
products for your Quick-Lube business please contact us. We would be glad to
answer your questions or send you some information. Just e-mail us at:
greg@tsadvancedsynthetics.com
Become an AMSOIL
Commercial or Retail Account
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