EVENTS
VLS hosts press event to provide insight into the increasing complexities of engine oil
VLS welcomed a selection of journalists from across the aftermarket media to an exclusive press lunch at the Royal Automobile Club in London this May. Journalists met current VLS Chair Darren Frogson, who took over from Harald Oosting in 2025. Darren shared his objectives for his term as Chair: to maintain VLS’s track record in managing non-compliance and to support the industry through the transition to alternative fuels, the implementation of Euro 7 and future ACEA changes.
Alan Outhwaite, Head of the VLS Technical Review Panel, gave journalists an insight into the types of cases VLS has investigated over the past thirteen years and provided information on the recent Stellantis specification investigation. Lubrizol representatives shared further insight into how engine oils are formulated, developed and tested through a complex development cycle that can take up to 5 years. Lubrizol shared case studies demonstrating the dangers of unsupported claims, including damage to seals and pistons and increased sludge formation.
During an open Q&A forum, there was an interesting debate around the challenges workshops face, balancing oil choice while controlling costs, and the role of VLS to ensure that producers are held to account for the claims they make, so that end users can have confidence that products can deliver what they claim. The changing vehicle parc, the potential for hydrogen combustion engines, and the particular challenges for lubricants in hybrid engines were all key topics.
“It was a pleasure to welcome journalists to our event and give them insight into the complexities of engine oil,” Darren Frogson, Chairman of VLS, said. “The aftermarket media are an essential partner in our mission to protect and educate end users. Workshops are the front line and can play an important role in helping customers understand just how vital oil selection and oil servicing are.
“We know that UK households are feeling the impact of rising fuel costs. But postponing or skipping oil changes, ignoring the oil warning light or using an
58 LUBE MAGAZINE NO.193 JUNE 2026
“Saving a few pence in the short term could create much more expensive issues in the future. Poor quality or the wrong oil can damage emission control systems and accelerate wear to gears and bearings, leading to increased maintenance costs. Mechanics and motorists should always refer to the owner’s manual for details when selecting the correct oil for their vehicle and check with the vehicle manufacturer if needed.”
VLS is an independent organisation that provides a credible and trusted means to verify lubricant specifications, brings transparency to the lubricant marketplace, and protects and educates end users.
You can keep up to date with VLS investigations at their website.
If you have any concerns about a lubricant, you can report them to VLS by calling 01442 875922 or emailing
admin@ukla-vls.org.uk.
ukla-vls.org.uk
oil beyond its serviceable life is a risk we are asking motorists not to take.”
“Engine oil is an increasingly complex area, yet it’s more important than ever to select the right lubricant. Modern vehicle engines require sophisticated lubricants using advanced chemistry. Even the slightest change in the formulation can cause engine damage over time.
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