Because engine manufacturers are always working to improve the reliability, economy, and value of the products they build and sell, it makes sense that lubricants are continuously evolving, too. Lubricant development is, by design, largely tied to original equipment manufacturer (OEM) and industry performance categories. Right now, for example, initial work is being performed to develop a new API performance category (now called PC-12) that will replace CK-4 and FA-4 in the coming years. It’s expected that the technology required for new formulations will be even more advanced.

Testing protocols for new formulations get a lot of attention when a new engine oil performance category is introduced, and in a recent article for Lubes ‘n’ Greases, we explored the depth and rigor of the testing protocols that result in a modern, marketable lubricant. Every step of the process is essential to helping OEMs and end users understand why a particular product will meet their needs. In this article, we discuss:

• Experimental Development and Lab Testing, where our teams identify ideal ways to meet and exceed technical needs and specifications
• Field Trials, the next step after lab testing, when a product shows enough promise to be tested with an array of environmental variables
• Field Testing for Fuel Economy, which particularly important in the case of API FA-4, or any engine oil performance category that seeks to certify fuel efficiency as a performance benefit

Click here to read the complete article in Lubes ‘n’ Greases.

For more information on commercial vehicle engine oils, contact your Lubrizol representative.