At Greg’s Petroleum Service, we continue to take proactive steps where possible to ensure our employees are safe and to ensure the continuity of business operations including no disruption in supply and deliveries of our products or quality of service and support to our customers.

As many of you know, Governor Gavin Newsom has declared a California statewide “Shelter-in-Place.” This will affect many companies and people across our state, however, Greg’s Petroleum Service is exempt from the “Shelter-in-Place” order because we are considered an “Essential Business.”

We have implemented several precautionary measures for both employees and visitors to reduce the risk of exposure to our workforce and the community.

Our office is in process of transitioning to service all customers primarily from remote, home offices with no in-person meetings. We will still be running business as usual, but we will be doing it from home with limited staff on-site. Please be prepared for more phone, email and video communication until further notice during these uncertain times. If you have any questions, please give us a call. If no one answers, follow the prompts and you will be directed to the person you need.

While we work on transitioning, we are practicing social distancing, consistent sanitization and minimal in-person contact in order to protect our staff, our customers and our families.

Please rest assured, we do not expect any disruption to our services. We remain committed to providing exceptional reliability and are taking several actions to help continue meeting your supply expectations.

Product Deliveries

• Delivery services will continue to operate as normal.
• Please contact your Sales representative or call our Warehouse to place orders.

Customer Pick-up Protocol

• We will be limiting in-office visits, please call ahead for pick-up orders.
• Dispatcher will issue pick-up time.
• Order will be staged and ready for pick-up.
• Customers should call us to notify when they arrive for the pick-up.
• Greg’s Petroleum Service employee will load the order.
• Customer will sign.
• Greg’s Petroleum Service employee to follow standard sanitary procedures after each transaction is complete.

CFN Cards

• For the time being, all CFN cards will be mailed directly to the customer.

We are part of an essential industry, and outside of health and safety, we take the servicing and support of our customers as our top priority. As always, please reach out to me directly or one of our team members if you have any questions or concerns.

As the COVID-19 outbreak continues, and there is increasing concern and questions, Greg’s Petroleum Service will continue to keep communication high where necessary to avoid any concern or questions related to our business as there is enough to worry about already.

Stay safe and please let us know anything we can do to assist during this challenging time.

Sincerely,

Ron Mariani
President
Greg's Petroleum Service

Keeping a vehicle in good condition is expensive. According to AAA, new vehicles cost roughly $1200 a year to maintain. Older vehicles can cost even more. That’s a lot of money. The cost only increases for businesses that have a fleet of vehicles. So, what can you do to cut back on vehicle maintenance costs? Learn to do some basic maintenance tasks yourself.

Maintaining a vehicle is a valuable skill. It used to be commonplace to do basic repairs on your own, but now most people prefer to have their vehicle serviced by a dealership or repair shop. The problem with this is that many owners are overcharged for minor maintenance tasks that they could do themselves. When you take your vehicle to a shop, you have to pay for labor, taxes, and other costs. If you do the task yourself, all you have to pay for is the materials to perform the job. You can save hundreds of dollars a year by learning some basic car maintenance. Here are three tasks you should try on your own:

• Changing your own air and engine filter: A basic cabin air filter can run between 15-50 dollars depending on the vehicle type. To get it done in a shop, you have to pay an hourly labor wage and shop costs of $100 or more. Regularly changing out your air filter is an important maintenance task. The air filter increases fuel efficiency, prolongs engine life, and helps reduce emissions. Follow your vehicle maintenance guide schedule to know when to change the filter. It’s usually every 12 months. All you need is a quality air filter. We recommend Valvoline air filters. They are incredibly durable and help to protect your engine.
• Changing the cabin air filter: This filter is usually located behind the glove box. You’ll have to remove the glove box pin to lower the glove box. The filter will be sitting behind it. Squeeze the outside tabs of the old filter to slide it out. Remember to go slowly as it will be full of dust and dirt! You may also want to do a quick vacuum of the area where the filter rests to remove any loose debris. Then all you have to do is slide the new filter in and lift the glove box back into position and replace the pin! It’s super easy.
• Changing the engine filter: Pop open your hood. Most engine air filters are located in a black box in the front of your engine. Consult your maintenance guide for the exact location and instructions. Usually, you’ll have to open the box or container by removing the screws or opening the clips. Once it’s open, you pull the filter out and insert the new one right side up. Engine air filters should be replaced every 15,000 to 30,000 miles. Check your guidebook for the exact specification.
• Changing the transmission fluid. Making sure your transmission fluid is up to the job will extend the life of your vehicle. Getting a flush and fluid top-up done in a shop may cost you up to 200 dollars. Doing it yourself will cost half that. You can tell if it’s time to change your fluid if it’s starting to look brown, new fluid is bright red. Follow your vehicle maintenance schedule to know when it’s time to change out your fluid. Here’s what you need:
• A Transmission fluid pump. Buying your own pump will save you hundreds of dollars in the long run because you’ll be able to do the job yourself. A simple hand pump is relatively cheap. You’ll use this pump to suck out the old fluid. Or you can empty the fluid under the vehicle into a drip pan. Once the old fluid is emptied, you’ll have to refill it. We recommend Havoline® Full Synthetic Multi-Vehicle ATF for personal/recreational vehicles. It’s great for 6+ speed automatic transmissions. Always check your owner’s guide for what type of transmission fluid is best for your vehicle.
• Changing the oil: This is the most routine maintenance task you will need to maintain your engine. The cost of regular oil changes can add up. Learning how to do this task yourself can save money, which you can put toward buying a high-quality oil to maintain your engine. Here’s a quick tutorial on how to change your oil since it’s a bit of a complicated process. Don’t be intimidated. You can do it, though we will warn you that it’s a little messy.

The hard part of changing your own oil is selecting the right oil for your vehicle. As a fuel and lubricant supplier, we know some of the best brands in the industry. We highly recommend anything from Chevron lubricant brands: Valvoline™ or Havoline®. They are all superior quality products that will help protect and extend your engine life. Some of our most popular oils are:

• Valvoline™ Daily Protection Motor Oil: This oil is great for added protection. It includes high-quality additives and is designed to improve fuel efficiency.
• Havoline® High mileage synthetic oil is great if your vehicle mileage is getting up there. It’s designed to reduce carbon deposits and features cleaning and seal conditioning agents to minimize oil leaks.

As a California fuel and lubricant supplier, we know that vehicle maintenance can be expensive. We’ve been delivering wholesale fuel in Bakersfield, CA, for a long time now, and we know which products are best for the conditions your vehicles are operating in. Ask us for recommendations next time you place an order. We have access to a variety of Chevron Lubricants and wholesale lubricants, and a wide variety of automotive supplies. We have nearly everything you’ll need to keep your vehicles in working order. Call us today.

We are excited to be a part of the Central Valley St. Jude Dream Home Giveaway this year! It is a great opportunity to help support the mission of St. Jude and their mission in finding cures and saving children, not only in our community but around the world. It is a time where we can all come together to raise money to help save lives and to join the fight to end childhood cancer.

We encourage the Central Valley community to join us in helping support St. Jude as each ticket purchased directly helps the kids and families of St. Jude. Since families never receive a bill for treatment, travel, food, or housing; it’s a time where your support can really make a difference.

Everyone who reserves a St. Jude Dream Home Giveaway ticket by Friday, October 23rd will also be entered into a special Early Bird Prize drawing to win our prize of free fuel for a year valued at $3,000.

A limited number of $100 tickets are available for the St. Jude Dream Home Giveaway house, built by De Young Properties and valued at an estimated $382,000. Winners of the house and other prizes will be announced Sunday, November 22 on KMPH FOX 26 News.

Tickets may be reserved, while they last by calling (800) 543-5887, or visiting the following Ticket Outlets: De Young Properties Corporate Office (Palm/Herndon), All Fresno Coin Galleries (including Visalia Jewelry & Loan on Mooney Blvd.) and Sceptre & Sash NE Fresno).

Sponsors for the 2020 campaign include De Young Properties, KMPH FOX 26, KJUG 106.7 FM, The Fresno Bee, Mor Furniture for Less, Business Street Online, Noble Credit Union, Greg’s Petroleum Service, Sceptre & Sash and All Fresno Fresno Coin Galley Locations including Visalia Jewelry & Loan, Michael & Jovette Mosing and national sponsors Brizo, Shaw Floors, Trane and Bosch.

On Wednesday, September 25th, California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed an executive order for one of the country’s most aggressive clean-car policies. The order bans the sale of new gasoline-powered cars, trucks, and SUVs by 2035. Gov. Newsom called the ban “the most impactful step our state can take to fight climate change.” He cited the ongoing wildfire crisis and rising temperatures as grave consequences of pollution from vehicles. California is the fifth-largest economy in the world, and half of its carbon emissions come from transportation.

As a longtime California fuel and lubricant supplier, we know that legislation like this can be confusing. Many of our clients are small business owners who rely on wholesale fuel companies like ours to fuel their business vehicles. They look to us for industry information and trend analysis. Here’s what we know so far about this ban and how it could potentially affect your business and the car you drive.

• When does this ban take effect? The ban is set to be put in place by 2035 for the sale of new gasoline-powered cars. This ban means that up until 2035, you can buy a gasoline-powered car. Once the ban is in place, you will only be able to go out of state to purchase a gas-powered vehicle. The ban also includes a goal for all heavy-duty trucks on the road to be emissions-free by 2045.
• What is the purpose of the ban? The purpose of the ban is to increase the development and purchase of electric vehicles. Gov. Newsom, in a press conference announcing the ban, said, “Our cars shouldn’t make wildfires worse – and create more days filled with smoky air. Cars shouldn’t melt glaciers or raise sea levels threatening our cherished beaches and coastlines.” While the ban may be unwelcome by some members of the auto and oil and gas industry, economic trends show that electric vehicles may be the way of the future. Tighter regulations in Europe and China are leading to growing electric vehicle development. Hakan Samuelsson, CEO of Volvo Cars, said of the ban, “California is not alone. We have to realistically believe that around 2035, there will be a serious discussion about banning the internal combustion engine and not just in California.”
• How will this ban affect me? Right now, the electric vehicle market is too expensive for many people and businesses. Most electric vehicles have a sticker price 30% higher than other cars, and the infrastructure for widespread charging and travel is minimal. Consulting firm McKinsey estimates that electric vehicles will reach price parity with gasoline-powered cars by 2025. Many analysts also predict that hundreds of models will be developed for consumers before the ban is in place. For now, many consumers looking to buy electric vehicles take advantage of government incentives to reduce the price of their vehicles. Manufacturers hope that this ban will incentivize automakers and consumers to turn to electric vehicles in the future.
• Will an electric vehicle meet my transportation needs? Right now, 6.2% of all new cars sold in California are electric. Most electric vehicles can go about 100 miles before needing to be recharged, depending on the make and model. Depending on the battery size, charging can take anywhere from 3 to 20 hours, but some vehicles have fast charging technology that allows for an 80% charge in 20 minutes. California has the most charging stations in the nation with 22,620, and 38,000 more charging stations will be added in the next four years as part of a $437 million electric vehicle infrastructure program approved by the California Public Utilities Commission.
• How will this ban affect my business? No one knows yet how quickly the industry will catch up to this proposed ban. The ban may still be challenged in court. Time will only tell what comes from this bombshell announcement. For business owners, this uncertainty can be concerning. Now is the time to start to prepare your business.

Here are a few ways to prepare your business for this proposed ban.

• Keep your vehicles in good running order. Replacing an entire business fleet is a considerable expense. For now, the best way you can save money is by keeping your gasoline-powered vehicles in top condition. Choose premium oils and lubricants to prevent carbon build-up and to keep your engines in top order. Ask our ordering team for recommendations for your fleet.
• Cut back on fuel costs. Fuel is expensive, and it may only get more costly before this ban takes effect. Do your best to cut back on fuel costs and save that money for switching to electric when the time comes. We can help you cut back on your businesses’ fuel costs with wholesale gasoline, wholesale diesel, and our fleet fueling program.
• Keep your fuel and lubricants in good working order. Fuel and lubricant contamination is a leading cause of engine failure. Properly storing your fuel and lubricants can help prevent contamination and unnecessary repair downtime for your vehicles and equipment. Make sure that your oil and lubricants are always in good working order by regularly testing your supplies. We offer an oil analysis program that can help you stay on top of lubricant and fuel needs and prevent contamination and machinery breakdowns.

No one knows how this announcement will affect the industry. There are hopes and predictions, but time will tell how it all plays out. The important thing to remember is that there is plenty of time to prepare your business for this eventual change.

By taking steps now to keep your gasoline-powered vehicles and machinery in good working order, you can extend the life of your machinery. Engine maintenance and care may be more important than ever for businesses who may not be able to switch over to electric engine vehicles completely. We have the supplies you’ll need to keep your vehicles in top condition.

As Gov. Newsom said in the press conference, “We’re not taking anything away. We’re providing an abundance of new choices and new technology.” The market may take time to catch up with this proposed legislation. Until it does, invest in quality lubricants and fuels to keep your fleet in good working order. We can help you do that.

Greg’s Petroleum Service started as a California Fuel and Lubricant supplier nearly fifty years ago. So we know how difficult it can be to grow a business. There are ebbs and flows, years of lean profit margins, and risky ventures followed by exponential growth.

Right now, many of our clients are facing a difficult time as they weather the COVID-19 pandemic. Many businesses, already facing thin profit margins, are now grappling with further economic uncertainty. That’s why it’s more important than ever to get the best return on investment for your business, especially for your bulk fuels and wholesale lubricants.

One way to get the best investment return on your wholesale lubricants is to implement a lubricant storage system. Lubricant contamination is all too common. Replacing contaminated lubricants costs time and money, and if the lubricants aren’t replaced, you could be facing equipment breakdowns and costly maintenance. That’s why the right system is so important to prevent contamination. We have a few tips to help.

First, let’s focus on oil storage. Storing oil the right way can save your business a great deal of money. We do our best to make sure that your delivery arrives with as little contamination possible, but storage is up to you. Here’s what you need to know about storing oil.

• Oil storage containers should be made out of stainless steel or polyethylene. Regular steel will rust and corrode, which can cause contamination. All containers must meet UL SU2258 standards for aboveground storage. They should be properly labeled and comply with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s Right to Know Federal Law. Traditional oil drum storage (i.e., kegs, jugs, or drums) is possible, but be aware that these containers are more susceptible to contamination, inaccurate inventory control, and residual waste.
• Portable oil storage containers are ideal for transporting oil to remote areas or for equipment use. Make sure they can be used with pumps and hose reels to prevent spillage and contain onboard filtration. Always follow safety standards and precautions when transporting oil to prevent spills.
• Invest in an oil dispensing system. There are a variety of oil dispensing systems you can use. Bulk oil and bulk fuel dispensing systems can be installed to prevent waste and increase safety.

A secure system should include:

• Color coding tanks and hoses to prevent cross-contamination
• Pressurized dispensing taps
• Spill containment equipment
• Pumps and filters for each tank
• Hosing that is rated MSHA CFR30 with auto-shutoff and tank isolation valves
• Proper storage tanks made from polyethylene or stainless steel
• Desiccant breathers
• Beta filters
• Multiple configurations that you are able to change to meet your bulk fuel or bulk oil needs

Storing your bulk fuel and oil with the right tools is just the first step. You also need to implement a system for keeping your supply fresh and free of contaminants. This starts with dedicated bulk fuel and bulk lubrication storage space. You can’t just store your materials in a shed.

Here are five practices you should put in place to start proper lubrication storage.

1. Create a dedicated lubrication/bulk fuel storage space. Bulk fuel and lubricants are hazardous materials, so you need to have the right safety procedures and equipment. It’s easier to inspect and refresh your inventory, clean up spills, and prevent cross-contamination if everything is in one place.
2. Install proper dispensing equipment. The number one cause of contamination occurs when dispensing lubricants and fuels. Make sure you have a proper dispensary system in place for refills. When you are out using the lubricant on equipment, make sure to follow the recommended amounts. Investing in a single point lubricator can save you time and money when lubricating your equipment. This is a great guide to help you find the right equipment for your needs.
3. Rotate your bulk fuel/lubrication storage. Regularly rotating your inventory can help you make sure you are using fresh supplies. The longer a fuel or lubricant sits in storage, the more likely it is to become contaminated or oxidized.
4. Follow proper labeling procedures. Damaged or missing labels can be a huge headache. Make sure to affix your labels with an anti-warping solution or label the shelf itself. Make sure to keep detailed records of your inventory for reference.
5. Regularly test your product. Contamination and oxidation can happen with even the best storage practices. Make sure to regularly test your supplies before you use them in your equipment to prevent damage. If you need help, we offer an oil analysis program to test your samples for you.

Properly storing your oil and lubricants is a great way to protect your equipment, but it’s not the only way. If you want to ensure that you are getting the best quality lubricants and fuel, you need to order the right supplies. This is where we can help. Our team is highly experienced in evaluating your lubrication needs and recommending the right products for your operation. We offer a wide variety of bulk fuels and wholesale lubricants for many types of equipment. Some of our top sellers come from trusted brands such as Chevron, Valvoline™, and Havoline®.

Here are a few you might want to try in your shop.

• DELO® 400 Heavy Duty Engine Oil: This line of heavy-duty oils from Chevron is built for machinery that works hard. It offers 35% better oxidation control, 68% better wear protection, 64% better piston deposit control, and 60% better component durability. This line of oil is designed for a variety of conditions to keep your engines running.
• Valvoline™ Daily Protection Motor Oils: This line of oil features high-quality additives to prevent wear and tear. Modern engines run hotter and faster, making it easier for deposits to form in the engine. These oils offer added protection, as well as increased fuel efficiency. Start using these oils in your business fleet, and you’ll see a difference.
• Havoline® High Mileage motor oils: This Chevron brand of oils is designed to keep your aging business fleet on the road. Don’t worry about replacing older vehicles. Start using these oils to extend your engines’ lives even while your mileage ticks higher. It protects against deposits and contains additives that have cleaning and sealing conditioning agents to cut back on oil leaks.

These are just a few of the top products customers are already ordering. We have a large inventory that can meet your lubrication and fuel needs. It isn’t cheap to keep your vehicles and equipment in proper working order but investing in quality oil and lubricant storage practices can make all the difference. Don’t flush your money down the drain. Get your money’s worth with these practices.