DALLAS, Texas — Kenworth and Peterbilt have announced their customers will achieve a 1% improvement in fuel mileage once the truck makers make a new full-synthetic axle lube standard on all Class 5-8 models.

The truck manufacturers, both owned by Paccar, will make the new synthetic lube standard beginning this summer. Cognis EMGARD FE 75W-90 axle lubes will be used by both companies. They claim the axle lube will offer better operating performance, increased gear life, extended drain and all-season lubrication and reduced maintenance and downtime.

In addition, the manufacturers are claiming a 1% fuel mileage improvement will result.

“Fuel economy is extremely important to customers today and an estimated gain of up to 1% in fuel efficiency can help produce significant annual savings for a truck fleet or owner/operator,” said Gary Moore, Kenworth assistant general manager for marketing and sales.

Peterbilt says a 1% fuel mileage improvement will translate to yearly savings of about $900 per truck based on current fuel prices.

“The Cognis synthetic lube helps customers offset rising and unstable fuel costs by providing end-users significant and quantifiable fuel savings,” announced Larry Reding, assistant general manager of sales and marketing with Peterbilt.