Lubricants News and Updates

Here at Dennis K. Burke Inc. we strive to only sell the best products to our customers. There has been a lot of confusion in the marketplace with RV Antifreeze and manufacturers have intentionally blurred the lines by labeling very different products all as “-50 RV Antifreeze”. This issue became much more prevalent around the beginning of the pandemic as propylene glycol became scarce and prices soared.

RV Antifreezes can typically be grouped into 1 of 3 categories:

The first category is alcohol based products (commonly referred to as ethanol based) which contain a variety of alcohols such as ethanol, isopropyl alcohol, methanol, glycerin, and methyl isobutyl ketone. While these products are common to see on store shelves everywhere, rarely will you see the ingredients prominently listed on the label. Not only are these products flammable due to the alcohol content, but they will also dry out the seals, hoses and gaskets. They can also corrode and leach chemicals from many types of piping. 

The second category is alcohol blended with propylene glycol. The ratio of alcohol to propylene glycol will vary product to product and can also vary batch to batch for the same product. Because there is no set standard for these products, they often cause the same issues as alcohol based products.

The third category is propylene glycol based products which are 25-30% propylene glycol and water to make -50 RV Antifreeze. Propylene glycol does not have the fire risk of alcohol containing products, nor will it damage the hoses, seals, gaskets and piping. In fact, propylene glycol acts as a lubricant that can extend the life of your seals. For these reasons, this is the only type of RV Antifreeze that Dennis K. Burke Inc. sells so you know your equipment will run Better with Burke. 

Alongside PEAK RV & Marine Antifreeze, stock up on other winter accessories with DKB! As the temperature drops, vehicles and machines require a little extra attention to ensure they run smoothly and reliably throughout the season. 

• Dyed Ultra Low Sulfur Kerosene: A winter-ready, high-performance energy solution. Available in 5 gallon pails and 55 gallon drums.
• Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF): DEF is an essential component for diesel-powered vehicles equipped with selective catalytic reduction (SCR) systems. During winter, it is crucial to have an ample supply of DEF, as its freezing point is around 12°F (-11°C). Available in 2.5 gallon cases, 5 gallon cases, and 55 gallon drums.
• Kendall Hyken Glacial Blu Hyd: Maintaining proper hydraulic system performance is vital, especially during winter. This fluid's low-temperature properties ensure smooth hydraulic operation, preventing any potential damage caused by freezing or thickening. It is a great solution for snow plow hydraulic systems. Available in 5 gallon pails and 55 gallon drums.
• Fleetline Washer Fluid Premix -25: Driving in winter means dealing with snow, ice, and dirty roads. Fleetline Washer Fluid is an excellent choice with its antifreeze properties, it prevents the fluid from freezing on the windshield while effectively removing dirt and grime. Available in 4 gallon cases and 55 gallon drums.
• PFC Undercoating Kit: Winter conditions often mean exposure to salt, slush, and other corrosive elements on the roads. The PFC Undercoating Kit provides a durable protective barrier, shielding your vehicle from the harsh winter elements and extending its lifespan. Available in 1 gallon cases.
• Power Service Diesel Fuel Supplement: A must-have during winter. This product prevents fuel gelling and lowers the cold filter plugging point (CFPP) to ensure reliable engine performance in colder temperatures. Available in 32 oz. cases and 55 gallon drums.
• Kost DefendAl Global Auto ELC RTU 50/50: Keeping your vehicle's coolant system in good condition is crucial, especially in winter. Kost DefendAl Global Auto ELC RTU 50/50 is a ready-to-use coolant that provides excellent freeze protection and corrosion prevention. Available in 3 gallon cases and 55 gallon drums.
• Power Service Diesel 911: This emergency anti-gel treatment quickly dissolves wax and ice crystals that form in the fuel line, preventing blockages and restoring fuel flow in no time. Available in 32 oz. cases.

Preparing for winter is a task that should not be overlooked. By stocking up on essential winter shop supplies with Dennis K. Burke Inc., you can ensure that your business runs smoothly and avoids potential winter-related issues. So, don't wait until the first snowfall! Get your winter supplies ready and enjoy a safe and trouble-free winter experience. Stay warm and stay safe! Contact us today: ContactUs@burkeoil.com.

As the leaves change colors and the cold winds blow in, it's time to gear up and prepare your heavy-duty fleet for the fall and winter seasons!

• Think Colder:
  • Preparing for cold weather operation is a combination of several facts.
    • Verifying coolants are in optimal condition.
    • Verifying the correct engine oil and viscosity for cold seasons according to OEM recommendations. Lighter viscosity engine oils allow for easier startups in cold weather.
  • Training equipment operators and drivers of proper cold weather start-up and warm-up procedures. Keep in mind excessive idle time is as detrimental to equipment and lubricates as no warm-up time.
  • Thickening fluid can create resistance to flow through a filter which could result in filter damage or bypass.
• Why Warm-up and Consider Using Lighter Viscosity Engine Oils:
  • Most of the wear in engines, up to 80% of wear, can be attributed to cold start-ups.
  • Using the proper or lighter viscosity grade of oil can significantly reduce wear because the lubricant can flow to moving parts of the engine much quicker.
  • Warm-up cycles for an engine should be long enough to bring the engine up to normal operating temperature which will minimize wear and improves the service life of parts, such as turbochargers, bearings, and piston rings. The need for DPF cleaning can be impacted positively by a warm-up procedure.    
• Things To Test Before The Colder Weather Is Here:
  • Block heaters, which keep the coolant at a warm temperature when the vehicle is parked.
  • Proper sizing of a heating element is very important for ultimate coolant temperature. Also, just because the engine temperature is warm at start-up does not mean all the other parts in the vehicle have been warmed as well. Letting all components warm-up to normal operating temperature before working at 100% is very important.
  • With Diesel engines, the DPF checked and/or cleaned as it can impact the warm-up procedure.  
  • Testing DEF heaters for cold operation should be part of the schedule maintenance as DEF can freeze and could cause engine shut down.

Hopefully these tips will help you prepare your heavy-duty fleet for the colder weather! As always, if you have any questions or would like to go more in depth, feel free to reach out to us.