Lube-Tech PUBLISHED BY LUBE: THE EUROPEAN LUBRICANTS INDUSTRY MAGAZINE
The lubricant industries shared responsibility and the pathway forward in lubricant quality
The comparison between “Suitable for Use” and OEM approved engine oils ultimately highlights the importance of accountability and verification in lubricant quality. While an SFU oil and an approved oil might look identical on a shelf and even share similar labelled specifications, the difference lies in the evidence behind those claims. As we’ve seen, an OEM approved or officially compliant oil comes with the assurance that it has been through defined tests and checks, essentially a proven track record on a test bench, whereas an SFU oil asks the user for trust. In a critical machine like an engine, trust is good, but proof of performance is better.
Ensuring that every engine receives oil that truly meets its needs is a shared responsibility. OEMs must continue to define clear and relevant specifications, adapting them as technology evolves and make approval pathways accessible and transparent. Oil companies and additive manufacturers carry the responsibility to formulate correctly and validate their products rigorously and to honestly communicate what their oils can and cannot do. Industry organisations (ACEA, ATIEL, UKLA VLS, etc.) have the task of upholding the integrity of the market, through codes of practice, monitoring and if needed, calling out non-compliance. Regulators and legal bodies should support these efforts and be prepared to act against wilful violators, to create a deterrent for those who might cut corners. Finally, end-users (whether a professional mechanic or an everyday car owner) also play a role: by staying informed and choosing quality oils, they not only protect their own equipment but also send a market signal that there is no place for sub-standard products.
The good news is that the lubricant industry is largely on the right track. The fact that non-compliance is being detected and addressed is a positive sign;
40 LUBE MAGAZINE NO.187 JUNE 2025
www.lubrizol.com
No.158 page 6
it shows the system, imperfect as it is, has checks and balances. Moving forward, we can expect even more robust validation processes, possibly blending industry self-regulation with smarter oversight. Clearer communication will be key: terms like “suitable for use” should either be backed by data or phased out in favour of precise language about approvals and performance levels. A truly collaborative approach, where OEMs, lubricant companies and independent experts work together, will ensure that lubricant quality keeps pace with engine innovation and environmental demands and above all consumer expectations.
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