Please be advised that Chevron Lubricants and Valvoline have announced a price increase, of up to 12% on all lubricating oils and greases, due to increasing costs of raw materials and packaging impacting the manufacturing of their products. Specific products may vary in certain instances in amounts outside of this range.

This increase is primarily due to the global and regional imbalances in the supply and demand of raw materials the petroleum industry is experiencing. These imbalances have rapidly escalated base oil costs and additives, which historically is one of the main drivers responsible for rising prices of finished lubricants. In addition to raw material increases, we are also dealing with much longer lead times and difficulties securing haulers to transfer product as well as facing rising costs associated with both inbound and outbound freight.

These factors make managing costs and implementing price changes an exceedingly challenging task under current market conditions. With costs moving up at a record pace, price increases announced today can easily and repetitively be eclipsed by raw material, transportation and other costs increasing tomorrow.

This increase is consistent with moves by most other lubricant suppliers in the same period. Please see the link listing recent changes reported by JobbersWorld.

We regret having to pass this increase on to you, but rest assured, we are always working hard to control costs and deliver quality products and valuable service at competitive prices. You can count on us not just as a trusted partner but as an extension of your team, continuing to provide ways to help save on overall costs, so we can maximize your profits and efficiencies.

As always, we greatly appreciate your continued business and partnership. For questions on this price increase, please contact your Greg’s Petroleum Service sales rep today.

When you learned to drive a car, was it a stick shift or an automatic transmission? It used to be common for people to learn to drive by stalling out the clutch and wrenching back and forth between gears until you learned to transition smoothly while driving, but now that’s not the case. In fact, according to CarMax, 96% of Americans drive automatic vehicles today. In 2018, manual vehicles accounted for only 2% of all cars sold in the US!

As a fleet manager or business owner, you’re probably getting more vehicles in your fleet with automatic engines now than you used to. It might just be because most newer vehicles are automatic, or maybe it’s because most of your staff only know how to drive automatic vehicles. Whatever the reason, if you have more automatic vehicles in your fleet, it’s time to switch to products designed for these types of engines, especially for transmission fluid.

Introducing the new Havoline® Full Synthetic Multi-Vehicle ATF transmission fluid
If you’re looking for a quality transmission fluid compatible with several automatic engine models, the new Havoline® Full Synthetic Multi-Vehicle transmission fluid is a great find. Chevron designed this transmission fluid to combine the power of synthetic lubrication for a wider variety of vehicles. This product stands out compared to Chevron’s previous synthetic ATF fluid because it is licensed for both GM DEXRON®- VI and Ford MERCON® -LV specifications. Meeting the specifications for both these engine types allows this fluid to be used on a wide variety of vehicles here in North America. If you service multiple engine types or have different brands in your fleet, this one fluid will meet all your transmission needs.

Features of the Havoline® Full Synthetic Multi-Vehicle ATF
So what exactly is it that makes this transmission fluid stand out? For one, it’s a premium low viscosity, full synthetic formulation. It’s made with high purity synthetic base oils, which helps prevent foaming and will protect the transmission from wear, corrosion, and sludge formation. But it’s more than just superior protection for your transmission. It also:

• It exceeds the Japanese performance standards, JASO 1A-LV, which means that it’s suitable for use in Japanese and Korean model vehicles.
• It’s also backward compatible with General Motor DEXRON -III, DEXRON -II, and Dexron engine specifications, which means that it’s recommended for use in many leading car brands, including Toyota, Hyundai, and other import and domestic vehicles.
• It helps improve fuel economy by reducing transmission drag and increasing efficiency.
• It reduces maintenance costs by offering high-temperature protection and anti-oxidation properties.
• It reduces the need for additional additives or lubricant products.
• It helps maintain friction control, so the transmission shifts gears easier, even under extreme driving conditions.
• It retains fluid viscosity at high temperatures and under demanding operating conditions, so you can trust that it will last and continue working.

What are the downsides of the Havoline® Full Synthetic Multi-Vehicle ATF?
If there is one downside to this product, it’s that it’s designed for newer engines, so it’s only backward compatible for transmissions to a 2006 model year. In addition, the fluid is designed to work best with vehicles still under warranty to keep their transmissions in great shape. But for older vehicles, Chevron still has the answer, their Havoline® Global Multi-Vehicle ATF fluid. This synthetic transmission fluid offers many of the same benefits as the newer blend but works better with older engines with different engine technology and standards. Like the newer product line, this ATF fluid is recommended for use in import vehicle brands and can be used in various vehicle models.

Automatic engines are the future (at least in the US)
One of the most significant advantages of the Havoline® Full Synthetic Multi-Vehicle ATF transmission fluid is its compatibility with many vehicles. If you own a quick lube business, imagine how much easier it would make changing out transmission fluid for your customers? Instead of hunting all over the shop for a compatible fluid, you’d have one quality, synthetic fluid available for all your customer’s needs. That’d be pretty handy!

Here in the United States, automatic transmission are the leading engine type since 2012, according to data from the EPA. New engine improvements, including adding more gears to automatic transmissions, have made them more efficient. These engines respond much faster than they used to, so you can still get the same responsiveness you’re used to when driving a manual vehicle. These shifts have made it much more challenging to buy a new vehicle with a manual transmission in the United States compared to Europe, where manual transmissions are still standard for most vehicles. Ivan Drury, a senior analyst for Edmunds.com, predicts that most dealers will eventually completely phase out manual transmissions in the US. He says, “For automakers, it will be simpler when the manual dies. It’s kind of a hassle to them to offer both, same with dealer. Given market forces, it’s going to go away.”

The shift from manual to automatic transmissions and the engine changes that came with it pushed Chevron to create a powerful synthetic transmission fluid that works for many vehicles. The research team at Chevron is always looking for new and innovative ways to bring the best fuel and lubricant products to the market based on the latest technology. This transmission fluid is just another example of their ingenuity!

Order all your lubricant and shop fluids from Greg’s Petro!
Choosing the proper lubricant and automotive fluids supplies isn’t easy, but the right supplies can improve your engine performance and keep your vehicles in great shape for years to come. As a fuel and lubricant supplier, we offer a wide range of lubricants and automotive supplies for all your vehicle needs. We have nearly everything you’d need to keep your shop stocked for your fleet or your customer’s needs. So if you want to make ordering your automotive and lubricant supplies easier, contact your Greg’s Petroleum Service representative today. They can help you get started with your regular order and offer lubricant and fuel recommendations based on your needs.

If you’ve never started an oil analysis program before for your fleet, we can help. Our team will guide you through the process to get the best value for your investment. Oil analysis is a fantastic way to see exactly how clean your oil and lubricants are and how effective they are for your equipment. You’ll get a clear picture of your lubricant program’s effectiveness by regularly sampling your lubricant supplies and equipment. Then once the lab analyzes your samples, you’ll get specific maintenance and lubricant guidelines to help keep your supplies and machinery in good order.

Proper sampling is the key to an oil analysis program
A world-class oil analysis program is only as good as the samples taken. The key to effective oil analysis is a data-rich sample. You need to learn as much as possible about a full tank or engine from one tiny 2 oz bottle. That’s why you must start your oil analysis program by learning how to take data-rich samples and what different sampling methods are available.

How do you take an oil sample?
There are a lot of rules and standards for oil sampling that you can find. But the system you need to set up must work for your equipment and lubricant needs. So instead of giving you a list of dos and don’ts, here are some general guidelines you may use to craft your oil sampling program.

• Start with a baseline sample. Before you begin sampling your supplies and equipment, you need a baseline of where you are starting from. So, take samples of your lubricants out of the box, or sample your equipment before introducing new oils. Your baseline is the starting point for the lab to base their findings on, so it must be accurate.
• Create procedures for sampling. Did you know that you should always sample upstream of a filter? Unless, of course, you’re testing the effectiveness of the filter. Then you’ll want a sample downstream to measure how well the filter works. This paradox is a sample of how hard and fast sampling rules aren’t always applicable to your situation. When you sign up for our oil analysis program, we’ll teach you the most effective ways to get oil samples from your equipment and supplies based on your needs. Then, you’ll need to create standard procedures for your team to follow, so it’s the same every time.
• Always clean your sampling equipment. If your sampling equipment becomes contaminated, it will alter your expected results. Never reuse dirty sampling equipment, and always follow flushing procedures.
• Follow a set schedule. Taking your samples at regular intervals is one of the best ways to ensure accuracy. Once you take the samples, please send them to the lab within 24 hours.

You may need more specific sampling standards and guidelines for your oil analysis program. That’s okay. Remember, the whole point of the oil analysis is to determine your lubricant and equipment needs based on how you use your supplies and equipment. Our oil analysis team will help you choose the best practices for your sampling program to get the most accurate results.

Which sampling methods are best?
There are a lot of different sampling methods and tools you can use when starting an oil analysis program. Here’s a quick overview of the most basic tools.

• Minimess Sampling Valves or Sampling Valves: This is one of the most common sampling tools and methods. These sampling valves are easy to install in high viscosity areas and can also be used on low-pressure systems. They vent off a portion of the lubricant when you hook up your hose from your sample collection container to the valve. The most significant benefit of this method is it’s a permanent way to take samples from the same location each time. There are plenty of different Minimess sample valve tools and applications to choose from, including portable options.
• Vacuum Pumps: Vacuum pumps are a tool that extracts oil samples from systems. They may be used in conjunction with a sampling valve as well. Basically, the device creates a vacuum that sucks out a selection of the oil using flexible hosing. It’s a more portable method that also works well when there isn’t a sampling valve installed or it’s a low-pressure system.
• Ball Valves: A ball valve is a lot like turning the handle on the kitchen sink to get a drink of water. The valves are installed in the system, and when opened, they allow the lubricant to flow through, which you can then collect. But there are some significant limitations to collecting from a ball valve. For one, it’s not always easy to get the best data-rich samples. It depends on where the ball valve is installed to get the most accurate results. Taking samples from a ball valve requires extensive sampling knowledge and should be done by technicians familiar with the equipment needs.

These are just a few of the primary sampling methods, but there are plenty of different tools and techniques you can try. Finding the one that gives you the most data-rich samples should be the key to your oil analysis program. The more data you can get from your sampling, the more effective your oil analysis results and recommendations will be. If you have questions about our oil analysis program or want to sign up, give us a call!

Located at 31975 Famoso Rd in McFarland, Famoso Travel Center is now accepting CFN as an in-network station! This location includes a CFN B20 diesel Island with 4 full size truck lanes, DEF, and a convenience store.

They also have a full-size Chevron branded fuel station that provides safe, reliable fuel products including regular, plus and supreme gasoline at affordable costs.
The convenience store offers all the best convenient, grab-and-go items that will satisfy your cravings.

There is also a hotel conveniently located next door adding to this truck stop’s curb appeal. This location offers truckers a place to eat, rest and refuel on their way to delivering supplies and products to our nation.

If you’re near the intersection of Hwy 46 and 99, be sure to check out this newly added in-network location! For more information on fleet fueling, contact us today!

Gas prices are higher than ever, and there’s no telling when they will come back down. According to GasBuddy, in the first week of June this year, the national average gas price in the U.S. passed $5 per gallon for the first time ever. Analysts from JPMorgan expect the national average could surpass $6.20/gallon by August of this year.

We all know there are a lot of factors that go into the price of gas. Right now, record-high prices are driven by increased demand after COVID-19 production shutdowns, the war in Ukraine, and decreased production from OPEC producers. Oil and gasoline supply and demand needs are out of flux, and there is no short-term fix for the problem. Troy Vincent, a market analyst from DTN, says that “we’ve had a supply and demand imbalance for a while, and it will remain.” AAA also said, “This supply/demand dynamic, combined with volatile crude prices, will likely continue to keep upward pressure on pump prices.”

What is the state of prices in California?
Here in California, we’re already feeling the effect of record-high prices. The state’s average gasoline price has surged from $5 per gallon to $6.34 a gallon. In fact, in one state in Mendocino, the listed price was $9.60 per gallon. Yet, despite these record-high prices, demand continues to remain normal. Still, it’s only a matter of time before gas prices force motorists to park their cars and consider alternative forms of transportation.

Where does California go from here?
We know that prices will continue to rise, and right now, demand is still average. But that’s not the only change affecting California’s oil and gas industry. In 2020, Gov. Gavin Newsom gave an executive order to end the sale of gas-powered vehicles in California by 2035. This mandate, one of the first in the world, is expected to increase electric and other zero-emission vehicle says up to 35% by 2026. In May, regulators released a roadmap, the draft 2022 Climate Change Scoping Plan, detailing how these targets could be met by reducing reliance on oil, capturing carbon dioxide emissions, and increasing renewable power sources. The goal is to reduce 91% of the oil used in the state by 2045.

How will California’s plans affect the oil and gas industry?
No one yet knows if California’s plan will work or if it will even pass. But, recently, Catherine Reheis-Boyd, President of the Western States Petroleum Association, representing oil and gas industry participants in Arizona, California, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington, participated in a podcast interview with KQED’s Political Breakdown program. It’s a fascinating listen, and she gives great insight into the energy industry, the current energy policies, and how they affect California. Here are a few highlights:

• She mentions that California has the strictest environmental laws and standards in the world, which require everything we drill here to be refined and used in the state. Yet producers cannot get permits for new oil drilling projects, which leaves us dependent on foreign energy imports to places without the same environmental standards and increases emissions as the energy is transported here for use. California used to be energy independent, but the current government policies take us away from independence.
• She believes that the oil and gas industry is the best innovator in the world and that it is possible to produce energy supplies without emissions and for the industry to go carbon neutral. She highlights how many refineries and industrial equipment have switched to new energy sources like renewable diesel and biofuels. She believes there is more potential for future innovative projects if companies have support.
• Most importantly, the Western States Petroleum Association (WPSA) believes California’s draft plan is not feasible. Reheis-Boyd says the current plan relies on “bans, mandates and regulations that pick winners and losers. A new Scoping Plan needs to take into account how Californians live and not rely on theory and infrastructure that does not exist.” She also emphasized that any energy plan needs to consider a life cycle analysis of how the energy will be used from beginning to end.

What challenges will California’s ambitious plan face?
There are many challenges facing California’s ambitious plan. For one, there still isn’t enough infrastructure to support electric vehicles. It’s estimated that 1.2 million chargers would be needed for the 8 million zero-emission vehicles expected by 2030. Right now, there are only 70 000 though an additional 123,000 are in planning. Consumers may also be reluctant to embrace electric vehicles because of the initial high cost. California’s plan relies on prices coming down for consumers of electric vehicles over time because of reduced fuel bills and lower maintenance needs. California’s plan may face other challenges, including public consultation issues, government cooperation, and industry pushback.

How will my business be affected?
As a small business owner, your biggest concern is most likely the sky-high fuel prices here in California. We’ll still have to wait and see how the Scoping plan will affect individual industries and businesses as they make the proposed switches to meet targets in the future. For now, our concern is how we can best help you manage the rising fuel costs for your business. Here are a few things we can do to help:

• Join our Fleet Fueling program: Using this program, you can more accurately track your fuel usage, get access to lower prices at 24/7 cardlock fueling sites and get more accurate reports on your fuel usage. As a result, our customers who sign up for this program can better manage their fuel costs.
• Sign up for remote fuel tank monitoring: As prices increase, so will fuel theft. If you keep fuel tanks for your business, we offer remote tank monitoring systems to help you track consumption and watch out for fuel theft. Using these systems, you can also stay on top of your fuel needs and strategically buy bulk fuel when prices are lower.
• Oil analysis monitoring: Our oil analysis program is a great way to monitor the state of your lubricant supplies and stay on top of your equipment maintenance needs. Using the data compiled from your supplies and equipment samples, you can create a more robust maintenance program that will reduce expensive downtime and repairs. You can then apply our maintenance savings to offset your fuel costs.

We know that times are tough for business owners right now. Our team here at Greg’s Petroleum Service is committed to helping our customers weather these price increases the best we can. If you have questions about our programs that may help reduce fuel costs, call us!