A Colorado-based distribution company, operating a high-mileage fleet logging over 1 million road-miles per quarter, faced an expensive dilemma. They saw unexpected spikes in oil and fuel filter replacements, and maintenance costs were climbing fast.
The suspected culprits? Contaminated engine oil or degraded underground diesel storage tanks.
Facing a potential $1 million tank replacement project, they called Fleet Core to investigate and evaluate a recommendation proposing complete tank storage replacement.
Step 1: Getting the Facts Straight
Fleet Core deployed a structured diagnostic approach:
Oil Analysis using test kits and independent lab validation cleared the engine oil of contamination.
Fuel-Health & Performance Program launched with monthly sampling and borescope inspections inside the underground tanks.
Lab Testing revealed the real issue: excess water and microbial growth (the infamous “diesel bugs”).
Root-Cause Investigation using closed-system pressure tests confirmed the tanks were intact, pinpointing water ingress to leaking spill buckets at the fill ports.
Step 2: Targeted Solutions Instead of Costly Replacement
Armed with clear data, Fleet Core implemented targeted, cost-effective solutions:
- Applied diesel biocide treatments to eliminate microbial contamination.
- Performed double fuel polishing with sub-micron particle filtration and coalescing water filters.
- Cleaned tanks using high-pressure jet scrubbing and detergent solutions before returning clean, polished fuel.
- Replaced spill buckets and upgraded dispensers and fuel management technology—at a fraction of the cost of replacing tanks.
- Launched Core Power™, Fleet Core’s premium fuel additive program, to enhance combustion efficiency and protect fuel quality long-term.
The Results: A Clear Win
Estimated 90-day savings based on initial services provided:
$1 million in avoided capex by proving tanks were sound.
Low six-figure savings after targeted hardware upgrades.
Normalized filter change frequency, reducing unplanned maintenance downtime.
Early data showing improved fuel economy thanks to Core Power Premium fuel additive.
Simplified, turnkey project management under Fleet Core’s “Fuel Health & Performance Services”.
The Bottom Line
This case shows the power of proactive diagnostics paired with targeted chemical, mechanical, and filtration treatments. Instead of an unnecessary $1M full tank replacement, the fleet achieved immediate savings and long-term performance gains—all while keeping their operations moving.
Is Your Fleet Facing a Similar Challenge?
Fleet Core’s Fuel Health & Performance Services can help you:
- Reduce unplanned maintenance
- Improve fuel economy
- Extend equipment life
- Avoid unnecessary capital expenditure
Let’s talk about how we can protect your fleet’s fuel health and performance while saving you money!