Case bulletin
Verification of Lubricant Specifications Ltd (VLS (UK) Ltd) was set up in 2013 by the lubricants industry for the lubricants industry. A wholly owned subsidiary of UKLA Ltd, our mission statement is to provide an independent, credible and trusted means to verify lubricant specifications, thereby hoping to bring transparency to the UK lubricant marketplace and to protect and educate the end user.
VLS 010184 – Fanfaro 75W-90 Max 6 GL-5 On 22nd January 2023 the case was accepted by VLS.
VLS have received a complaint about the above product concerning its compliance with SAE J306 regarding low temperature properties. The complaint alleged that the product was tested for SAE 75W compliance at -40oC as per ASTM D2983 which is a Standard Test Method for Low Temperature Viscosity using a Rotational Viscometer (Brookfield).
The Complainant stated that that it was not possible to obtain a result for the product as it set solid during the test. The Complainant claimed that the results showed the product was not SAE 75W compliant and would therefore not provide adequate circulation in gear systems. This, they stated, can lead to accelerated wear when the equipment is started from cold and the product will not support any fuel efficiency expectations.
VLS independently procured a sample of the product within the UK, and tested it for low temperature properties against ASTM D2983. The test results indicated that the product was not compliant for low temperature properties against SAE J306 against test standard ASTM D2983.
The Named Party immediately quarantined the product and arranged for the disposal of all stock in their warehouse. They contacted their supplier which arranged a re-blend of the product and committed to sending VLS the new batch test result as soon as it had been received.
VLS believed the actions taken by the Named Party would bring the product into compliance and have closed the investigation subject to a six-month review in line with its stated process.
On 08/03/2024 VLS undertook a six-month review if the case in line with its stated process. VLS sourced, sampled and tested the product and found it to be non-compliant, however the date of the samples were 2018 which pre-dates the case. Consequently, VLS does not believe the product is being made available in its current form any longer to the market. However, samples are still available in the marketplace which are dated 2018, and we have asked the Named Party to write to their distributors who have taken receipt of the product and ask them to quarantine, withdraw stock and send it back to the Named Party for disposal due to its non-compliance and also the fact that the shelf life stated on the label is five years from 2018 which has now been superseded. VLS also asked for any communications with their distributors to be made available to VLS.
The test report undertaken on the newly receipted samples dated 2018, still shows that the product turns solid at low temperatures. The product is still available on sale in the UK from one of their distributors.
As there is non-compliant and expired stock still available in the UK marketplace, VLS has escalated the matter to its Primary Authority partner Bucks & Surrey Trading Standards as a consumer protection issue.
VLS 010190 – Mannol Central Hydraulic Fluid 8990
On 14th June 2023 the case was accepted by VLS.
VLS received a complaint about the above product which is detailed below;
To ensure safe operation of a brake systems at low temperatures, a kinematic viscosity value at - 40°C
Continued on page 64 LUBE MAGAZINE NO.186 APRIL 2025 63
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