Cold Start Wear

A light commercial vehicle fleet operating mainly in urban areas began experiencing increased engine wear issues across several vans. The vehicles were used for short, frequent journeys with long periods of inactivity between runs.

Although servicing was carried out on schedule, oil condition and engine performance were becoming a concern.

The operating pattern

Most vehicles were used for short trips where engines rarely reached full operating temperature. This led to frequent cold starts and limited warm running time.

Over time, moisture and fuel dilution were affecting engine oil quality, increasing wear during start up.

Identifying the lubricant issue

The fleet was using an engine oil that met basic viscosity requirements but was not optimised for frequent cold starts and stop start driving.

While suitable on paper, the oil was not providing sufficient protection during the most critical phase of engine operation.

Lubricant adjustment

The engine oil specification was reviewed and changed to a formulation better suited to frequent cold starts. The selected oil offered improved cold flow performance while maintaining manufacturer approvals.

Service intervals were also adjusted slightly to account for operating conditions rather than mileage alone.

The outcome

Cold start noise was reduced, oil condition improved, and engine wear indicators stabilised over subsequent services.

Vehicles continued to meet manufacturer requirements while operating more reliably under real world driving conditions.

Key takeaway

Vehicle usage patterns matter as much as mileage. For fleets dominated by short journeys, engine oil selection should prioritise cold start protection to reduce long term wear and improve reliability.