Oil specifications increase across the board

Lucas Oil has completed an additive package upgrade programme across its entire range.

The move guarantees that each specification meets or exceeds the specification requirements of every single major vehicle manufacturer:

‘The final piece of the programme was the inclusion of the additive package for all of the latest engine oil specifications from Ford,’ says Nigel Morris, sales director, UK and Europe for Lucas Oil Products (UK).

This covers the vehicle range covered by the fully synthetic 5W30 engine oils, but some 5W40, 10W30 and 10W40 oils are also among the latest to top the oil specification ladder.

‘It means that the motor factors themselves can be specific. They can supply any of the products from our Lucas Oil range with confidence that they will satisfy the toughest requirements and stand up to the demanding NOX and emission reduction standards.’

Engine Oil trends

Improved vehicle technology has driven big changes in oil specification in recent years. For instance, modern engines demand greater protection for components such as hydraulic tappets, while the demand for lower emissions means older mineral oils can only do the job for the older models they were designed for. They not compatible with catalytic converters or engines equipped with a Diesel Particulate Filter.

The individual engine manufacturers set the oil specifications for the engines, according to the performance levels established by the vehicle manufacturer and this increases the complexity of the oil technology itself. In addition, an engine used under different conditions is expected to perform to different sets of criteria. For example, the performance of an engine used on the road will be different to an engine used in a racing car on the track.
Modern synthetic oils are much thinner then the mineral oils of old. It means they are more able to reduce friction, which reduces wear, increases brake horsepower and – with the right additive package – allows long drain technology.

The quality of the additive package establishes the quality and performance of the engine oil under a wide range of conditions. It directly relates to the emission control and low friction characteristics, the level of protection provided and the durability/ longevity of the oil. An additional additive, one that’s already successful in its own right is also included as part of the standard Lucas Oil package.

The role of Lucas Oil Heavy Duty Engine Oil Stabilizer is to augment any engine lubricant and prolong protection for moving parts long after the main lubricant has drained into the sump. Dry starting damages engines – particularly in the first few seconds after start-up. This can be added to any engine oil to enhance protection, durability and increase the emission reduction properties.

The introduction of hybrid vehicles is changing the engine oil supply market and motor factors need to understand that while high performance VW, Mercedes and Audi vehicles, are happy with 5W30 and 5W40 oil specifications, the hybrids usually require oils from the 0-range. Generally speaking, these will be 0W20, 0W30 and 0W40.

Low SAPS

The increased use of Diesel Particulate Filters (DPFs) in modern engines means that low/ mid SAPS oils are a vital part of the protection of any engine subject to a long term maintenance/ long drain schedule.

It’s the additive package that delivers the extra protection and longer oil life required by modern engines equipped with turbo chargers. Ignoring the specification by using cheap oil that does not match the low/mid SAPS specification will increase the risk of carbon (soot) build up and increase the potential to block the flow of the Diesel Particulate Filter. This causes a loss of engine performance and leads to overheating.

A warning light or message will indicate that the DPF is full. This is only the start of the problems.

DPF maintenance

Removing and cleaning the DPF can cost from £300 upwards. In the event of a replacement, it could cost the motorist or fleet operator up to £2000 (depending upon the application).

Fuel additives are increasingly seen as the best way to manage DPF maintenance and from the end of next month, Lucas Oil will be able to supply a Diesel Deep Clean product that does just this job.

The company says just one treatment after each oil change releases a powerful cleaning agent into the diesel fuel system. Once dispersed, the additive package dissolves the deposits that clog the DPF and impairs the performances of injectors over time. A major benefit from using this fuel additive is said to be the restoration of lost power that can be achieved as a result of the rejuvenating effect upon the injectors.

Lucas Oil says that Diesel Deep Clean will also lubricate the fuel pump and help to generate a more complete combustion burn cycle.

It is this that improves fuel consumption and helps reduce NOX and smoke emissions.

Catalytic converter-friendly, Diesel Deep Clean is an additive package in itself and as it is as ideal for heavy-duty vehicles in large commercial vehicle fleets as it is for passenger cars, it’s perfect for the motor factor with workshops on the customer list that also service the HGV sector.