VLS Continued from page 49
Fiat 9.55535-GS1 and Fiat 9.55535-DS1 from the “Performance Profile” of the product.
The Named Party carried out further Noack testing on the retained batches of XF Premium C2 0W-30. The results were as follows.
Batch no. 331561 Noack = 12.2% Batch no. 331294 Noack = 12.1% Batch no. 338935 Noack = 11.8%
The Named Party’s findings indicated that the base oil and additive raw materials used for this product remained as per the original launch formulation and therefore they concluded that the discrepancies in results are attributable to recognised variances in base oil volatility dependent on individual batch tolerances that are reliant on the quality protocol of their suppliers and therefore beyond their reasonable control.
In conclusion, they acknowledged that whilst the latest results vary from the original tests obtained at the launch of the product when their performance claims were first defined, they continued to indicate that the batches meet the requirements for ACEA C2. (Noack limit ≤13%). They did however, recognise that the results obtained in these tests were currently too high to meet the FIAT 9.55535 GS1 and DS1 and subsequent Chrysler claims and agreed to remove claims against both Fiat and Chrysler OEM specifications for this particular product.
VLS was content that the steps taken by the Named Party had brought the product into compliance and closed the investigation subject to a six-month review. VLS conducted a six-month review of the case in line with its stated process. As part of this review VLS found that the information presented on the online shop has not been updated since the end of the investigation, and reference remained to the Fiat and Chrysler specifications which had been removed from the Millers Oils website. VLS has asked that the shop product description is updated to reflect that of the main Millers Oils website.
VLS also found further clarification on references to Asian manufacturers which it is satisfied with. Consequently, as the claims made against Chrysler and FIAT had been removed from the main Millers Oils website as well as the product’s Technical Data Sheet and packaging, VLS is content to close the investigation.
50 LUBE MAGAZINE NO.180 APRIL 2024
David Wright, Company Secretary of VLS said “We want to ensure we have the highest standards in Europe for lubricant manufacture, blending and marketing, and we want a ‘level playing field’ for all participants, so that we protect the interests of the consumer and other end users.
In the Verification of Lubricant Specifications (UK) Ltd, we have set our course for stronger industry self-regulation by working positively towards more open and transparent competition that benefits all lubricant organisations.”
Full information this case can be found on the VLS website.
VLS 010185 – Granville 75W-90 Fully Synthetic Manual Transmission Fluid
On 26/01/2023 the case was accepted by VLS
The complaint concerned the product’s compliance with SAE J306. The complainant stated that they procured and tested the product for SAE 75W compliance at -40°C as per ASTM D2983 – the Standard Test Method for Low Temperature Viscosity using a Rotational Viscometer (Brookfield). The complainant stated that it was not possible to obtain a result as the product set solid during the test. The complainant stated that the result shows the product is not SAE 75W compliant and will therefore not provide adequate circulation in gear systems. This can lead to accelerated wear when the equipment is started from cold and the product will not support any fuel efficiency expectations.
When tested against the SAE J306 Standard for Automotive Gear Oils, a result of 19.8 cSt at 100°C was obtained by the complainant. They state that this falls outside of the specified range of 13.5 cSt. to 18.5 cSt. and therefore does not comply with the SAE 90 limits. This may lead to cold baulking issues at low temperatures resulting in poor gear shift quality and the possibility of accelerated wear on synchroniser components, bearings and gears.
VLS independently procured a sample of the product within the UK, and tested it for low temperature properties against ASTM D2983 which indicated that the product was not compliant due to excessive
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