Discussed this with my buddy Erman Erdemli, this weekend at the California Trucking Show check it out:
I get it.
Owner-operators, technicians, and shop leads stick to a favorite oil brand because it feels safe.
I did that for years. I’d recommend a “big name” because “everyone was doing it.” Truth is, I hadn’t done the homework.
The brand I used to push rhymes with… “Shev-Ron Day-Low.” (You know the one.)
Why We Buy Blindly
- Fear: “It works; why risk a change?” But is it really a risk if another product meets the same approvals, protects as well or better, and costs less?
- Ignorance: If we haven’t looked at the certifications, approvals, and test data, we’re not choosing. We’re guessing.
- Laziness / Irresponsibility: Priorities are real. But if you operate a fleet and have never researched what’s actually inside the oil you buy, that’s not just convenience. It’s a missed opportunity to save real money and extend your engine life.
The True Heavy-Duty Leaders
When you zoom in on the world of heavy-duty fleet lubricants <the oils used in trucks, 18-wheelers, and heavy equipment> the global leaders you’ll see again and again are:
- Shell
- ExxonMobil
- TotalEnergies
These three sit at the front of the pack worldwide for diesel engine oils, transmission fluids, and greases for fleets. Right behind them: BP/Castrol and Chevron.
The point isn’t to worship a logo, it’s to recognize that size, scale, and engineering validation matter more than brand familiarity.
If two different oils both meet API CK-4 or FA-4 and carry the OEM approvals your engines require (Cummins CES 20086, Detroit Diesel DFS 93K222/93K223, Volvo VDS-4.5/Mack EOS-4.5, etc.), then you’re buying performance, not a label.
Why Most Fleets Pay More Than They Should
Here’s the truth: when you buy certain “big name” oils in North America, part of what you’re paying for isn’t inside the drum: It’s inside the AD budget. Yup, the marketing.
Companies like “Shev-Ron Day-Low” and Valvoline spend millions every year on NASCAR sponsorships, TV ads, influencer campaigns, and truck stop promotions. That cost doesn’t disappear; it’s built into what you pay per gallon,
You’re not just buying oil. You’re subsidizing their marketing department.
Why TotalEnergies Costs Less — Without Cutting Corners
TotalEnergies takes a different path. Their focus is on engineering, R&D, and global scale, not splashy marketing.
Their RUBIA line of heavy-duty lubricants meets or exceeds API CK-4 / FA-4 and the same OEM approvals as those heavily advertised brands: BUT because they’re not spending tens of millions on sponsorships, the savings flow directly to you.
Debunking the Four Big Myths
Myth #1: “Never switch oils or brands.” If the oil meets your required spec, switching brands, or moving between conventional and synthetic, is perfectly fine. Modern oils are designed to be compatible. Upgrade the spec, not the logo.
Myth #2: “Use our brand or your warranty is toast.” Warranties hinge on specifications, not brand. If your manual calls for API CK-4 and a specific OEM approval, any oil with those certifications keeps you protected. Keep your receipts, not your fear.
Myth #3: “Off-brand means unsafe.” Many lesser-known oils are API-licensed and carry the same OEM approvals as big names. They pass the exact same tests. If the specs match, you’re paying for the same performance, without the marketing markup.
Myth #4: “Never mix brands.” Topping off with another CK-4 oil of the same viscosity is perfectly safe. Compatibility is part of the standard. Better to top off than run low, just match spec and viscosity.
What Actually Saves Fleets Money
- Spec First. Use API CK-4 for most modern diesels, FA-4 if your OEM allows. Match viscosity to your climate and engine design.
- OEM Approvals Matter. If it’s listed on the data sheet, it’s tested and approved.
- Use Oil Analysis. Extend drain intervals safely, detect problems early, cut downtime.
- Synthetics Pay Off. Slightly higher sticker price, but longer oil life, better protection, and fewer service stops.
Why TotalEnergies Is a Smarter Choice for Fleets
The Why TotalEnergies’ RUBIA heavy-duty engine oils are engineered for today’s emission systems and mixed-brand fleets. They carry all major API and OEM approvals across Cummins, Detroit, Volvo, Mack, Renault, CAT, MAN, and Mercedes-Benz. They’re built for high performance, not high marketing budgets.
The How
- Verified Protection: Excellent detergency and oxidation control for long oil life.
- Aftertreatment Friendly: Low-ash formulation supports DPF and SCR systems.
- One Supplier for the Whole Truck: Engine, transmission, axle, grease, and hydraulics—all from the same manufacturer.
The Value
- Approvals Without the Ad Tax: Certified protection without inflated branding costs.
- Lower Total Cost of Ownership: Fewer services, less downtime, cleaner components.
- Local Partnership: We’re based in San Diego. Energie Fuel Group helps you map your engines to the right approvals, set up oil sampling, and keep your operation running smoothly.
Bottom line: Spec-true, data-driven maintenance beats brand loyalty every time. If TotalEnergies RUBIA matches your engine’s approvals; and it most likely will, you’re buying results, not hype.
Ready for Numbers, Not Slogans?
Send us your engine list and current drain intervals. We’ll map your OEM approvals, verify viscosity by duty cycle, and quote a TotalEnergies package across engine, driveline, grease, and hydraulic fluids — complete with an optional oil analysis plan.
If we can’t show a clear total-cost advantage, you shouldn’t switch.
Energie Fuel Group,
San Diego Helping fleets buy performance, not just a brand.
Chris Hammer