Summer is in full swing, and so is working in the heat. We hope that you and your crew are staying safe during this hot weather. It is easy to overheat, and that can lead to sunstroke and illness. Take proper precautions, drink plenty of water and try to find some shade when you have a break.

Your crew isn’t the only thing you have to worry about breaking down in the summer heat. Your vehicle fleet is also susceptible to mechanical failures and overheating. That’s why it’s so important to make sure you are using a suitable coolant to keep your vehicles and equipment in good order. Make sure to choose the right coolant for your engine type, especially if your equipment has a CAB brazed aluminum radiator.

CAB brazed aluminum is a relatively common component of vehicle and equipment manufacturing today. More and more vehicles are being built using aluminum because it’s lighter, which can help improve mileage. The problem is that aluminum is a weaker metal, so joints are often weak. CAB brazing was introduced to help counteract this problem. Brazing is a type of welding. The process of CAB brazing uses a chemical agent or a flux to clean the metal before the brazing occurs. This process helps provide superior joint strength even with weaker metals like aluminum.

The problem many fleet managers face is that radiators in their vehicles produce using CAB brazing and are often susceptible to a few issues. The chemical agent used during the brazing process interacts with the coolant. This chemical reaction only occurs on the inside of the radiator as the external components exposed to air naturally become oxidized and form a protective coating. This process can lead to a few issues, including:

  • Incompatibility with coolants: Coolants that are introduced with the radiator will react with the unoxidized aluminum, especially if they contain nitrates. This reaction can cause a breakdown of the coolant, and it will not perform as needed.
  • pH changes: Another issue that can occur is a lower or higher pH level in the coolant. pH changes in your coolant can cause corrosion and equipment damage.
  • Formation of deposits: The interaction between the coolant and the aluminum can also cause the formation of deposits. These deposits, especially in tight areas like the radiator, can clog the system and cause equipment failure.
  • Formation of ammonia:The chemical reaction between the coolant and the aluminum can also create ammonia. It will cause a sour smell in the engine and lead to damage.

These are just a few of the issues that can occur in an engine with a CAB brazed aluminum radiator. Luckily, we know how you can prevent these issues from occurring in your fleet. We recommend Chevron’s Delo® ELC Advanced Coolants.

Chevron Delo® ELC Advanced coolants are designed to address the issues that come with CAB brazed aluminum and coolant use. It offers superior aluminum protection even during high temperatures, better pH stability and helps prevent gel or deposit formation so that you can get optimal cooling system performance. This coolant is approved for use in a variety of fleet equipment.

High temperatures can wreak havoc on an engine. Many fleet managers have attempted to solve the problem of overheating in their equipment with CAB brazed aluminum radiators using a variety of methods such as replacing the radiator with something more compatible or treating the equipment with a conditioner to protect the aluminum. Chevron solved this problem by creating a coolant that works with aluminum and protects against damage. Try the Delo® Advanced ELC coolant in your equipment this summer. It will keep your engine cool and protected in the seasonal heat.

Summer heat isn’t the only reason you may experience equipment breakdowns. We’ve worked with many different fleets over the years, supplying them with the fluids and fuel they need to perform. We know what works best for a variety of conditions and types of equipment. If your fleet is facing a particular problem, let our order team know. We will help you find the appropriate fluids to help fix the problem. Don’t waste time on equipment breakdowns and maintenance during the busy summer season. Let us help you keep your fleet moving!