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the minimum performance requirements and specific compatibility of engine oils being used in their vehicles. Governing bodies such as the UKLA and VLS then work to ensure and enforce compliance with these specifications in addition to honest advertising of lubricant capabilities.
Much like comparing an ICE of today vs 20 years ago, changes to specifications are often difficult to see from their name, but their impact is significant.
Take BMW LL-04 as a prime example. This specification was introduced under Euro 5 back in the mid-2000s so it’s almost 20 years old now. During this time there have been numerous revisions where some of the key aspects include a notable change in the overall durability performance requirements. In 2006 the specification was introduced with the N52 engine (naturally aspirated, 6-cylinder), in 2013 it moved to the N20 Turbocharged Gasoline Direct Injection (TGDI), 4-cylinder) and in 2021 the B48 (TGDI, 4-cylinder) each subsequent change keeping up to date with their evolving hardware and the challenge therein. A further example is the 2018 introduction of a specific turbocharger coking test on the B47 engine (TGDI, 4-cylinder) to ensure modern turbocharger performance is not impacted by deposit build-up. Another significant change in 2021 was the introduction of their In Use Corrosion Test (IUCT) which assesses the build-up and control of fuel & water in the engine oil, often linked to hybrid engine operation concerns.
In a recent visit to Lubrizol’s Hazelwood facility, David Wright, Director-General of the United Kingdom Lubricants Association and Interim Chair of ATIEL’s Quality Management Committee, shared insights into the current evolution in the market’s approach to engine oil manufacture and retail. The lubricant market comprises a series of market standards from self certified ACEA claims, to formal OEM approvals. Resources such as the ATIEL code of practice and EELQMS are designed to aid oil marketers and educate the lubricant industry in meeting the requirements laid out in the ACEA Oil Sequences and validating that relevant testing and capabilities are ensured.
In recent years, as the specification and approvals required by the market have become more complex, there has been a rise in incompatible claims being made for lubricants. For example, one of the most common incompatible claims includes placing ACEA
A3/B4 and ACEA C3 on one lubricant, something which is not technically possible due to the levels of Sulphated Ash and the mixture of a High SAPS (Sulphated Ash, Phosphorous and Sulphur) and Lower SAPS claim on one formulation.
Geopolitical considerations are also driving change and creating challenges in the marketplace. World events and global demand and supply imbalances have led to an increase in the number of lubricants utilising alternative components in their finished products. Lack of reliable supply has led to instances of blenders switching additives, performance polymers or even base oils, creating fundamental changes to lubricant formulations and undoing the work taking place to ensure they are fit for purpose and capable of supporting the required claim sets.
With the support of bodies such as VLS and SAIL, ATIEL provides a method of continuous monitoring of product quality in the marketplace against the ACEA Oil Sequences, ensuring oil marketers can guarantee compliance and claim compatibility.
One of the common misconceptions faced by the industry is the use of outdated specification versions based on supporting ageing vehicles. An argument might be made that an old formulation is fine for a 15-year-old car, however, the question that should be asked is simply, how can we be sure it will be used in a 15 year old car and not a 4 year old car? The short answer is that it’s very hard to know for sure and to ensure that vehicles are protected the latest version should always be used since the design of the specifica- tion ensure backward compatibility, meaning both the 15-year-old car and 4 year old car are equally protected.
When considering the often hidden advancements in both engine hardware and specifications, alongside difficulties in the supply chain, it is both a challenging yet critical task for oil marketers and subsequently workshops to ensure vehicles are fitted with lubricants of the right performance. Oil marketers who promote portfolios which contain fully tested, high quality lubricants, ensure compatibility with not only the latest hardware but also the wider vehicle parc.
www.lubrizol.com
360.lubrizol.com
LUBE MAGAZINE NO.176 AUGUST 2023
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