chemistries are reflected in specifications that must be addressed during regular servicing.” In this increasingly complex market, VLS’s work to uphold standards and protect and educate end users is more important than ever. When VLS was first formed in 2013, there was clearly a lack of understanding in some areas of the marketplace. Twelve years later, VLS is confident that the message around compliance is being heard. However, the rise in cases over the past 12 to 18 months demonstrates that there is still work to do to ensure that technicians can be confident that a product can deliver what it claims.
Alongside investigating product complaints, VLS is closely monitoring products from new companies entering the additives market. Additives play a vital part in lubricant performance, delivering a variety of characteristics to combat wear and corrosion, disperse soot and prevent the build-up of deposits whilst ensuring compatibility with emission control devices. Along with the proliferation of lubricant products in general, VLS is concerned about the integrity of products from new companies entering the additives market. Their additives may be cheaper, but they may also not be fully tested or approved as published industry and OEM specifications require.”
At the show, VLS launched its latest white paper with a comprehensive review of the 123 cases investigated so far and released new data from its UK Workshops Attitudes to Engine Oil Survey. The survey results suggest that many workshops are unclear about the meaning of oil specifications and marketing claims, as well as some workshops naming price as their key decision-making factor.
“Compared to standard formulations, cheaper products might contain reduced quality base oils, fewer additives or even untested additives. This can significantly affect the lubricant, resulting in poor or possibly even dangerous performance compared to genuine products,” added Harald.
You can find out more about VLS and keep up to date with the latest case investigations at the VLS website.
If you have any concerns about a lubricant’s ability to deliver what it claims, you can report your concerns to VLS by calling 01442 01442 875922 or emailing
admin@ukla-vls.org.uk.
ukla-vls.org.uk
Case bulletins
VLS 010205 – Aztec Oils Hydratec HVI 46 On 18th June 2024 the case was accepted by VLS.
The case complaint concerned the product’s compliance with a number of specifications including DIN 51524 Part III HVLP, Dension HF-0, HF-1, HF-2 and ISO 6743-4 Type HV regarding its demulsibility and foaming characteristics.
VLS sourced and tested a sample of the product and found that its foaming characteristics were in compliance with the specifications claimed, but its demulsibility characteristics were not in compliance.
VLS wrote to Aztec Oils who responded that they believed the product formulation, both base oils and additives were correct and the non-compliance
stemmed from a contamination issue.
In response Aztec Oils implemented a number of improvements planned as part of their continuous improvement plan to reduce the likelihood of cross contamination in future. They also checked their stock and distributors stock, and stated that if a customer wished to exchange their current product then they would be happy to do so, however no recall had been issued at that point.
VLS requested copies of documents sent to their distributors advising them of the non-compliance issue and their remedial action taken, and this was refused by Aztec Oils on confidentiality grounds.
A six-month review of the case will be undertaken by VLS in line with its stated process. On 30th May 2025
LUBE MAGAZINE NO.188 AUGUST 2025 55
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