Volvo VDS-3

Volvo VDS-3 is a lubricant specification designed for use in medium and heavy-duty diesel engines where advanced aftertreatment systems such as Diesel Particulate Filters (DPFs) are not fitted. The Volvo trucks, buses and construction equipment that require this type of lubricant would typically align with Euro IV or Stage IIIA emissions standard and prior.

Volvo VDS-3 oils are typically SAE 15W-40, 10W-40 or 10W-30 viscosity grades, based on API Group I or II base oils, with low levels of API Group III when required.

The main physical and chemical requirements for Volvo VDS-3 are shown below:

Requirement	Method	Unit	Limit
HTHS viscosity at 150°C	ASTM D4683 or CEC L-36-90	cP	Rate & report
HTHS after shear by ASTM D7109 (90 cycles)	ASTM D4683 or CEC-L-36-90	cP	3.4 – 3.9
Sulphated Ash	ASTM D874	%wt	Rate & report
Phosphorus	ASTM D5185	ppm	Rate & report
Sulfur	ASTM D4951	%wt	Rate & report
Evaporation loss (NOACK) at 250°C	CEC L-40-93	%	≤ 13
Total Base Number	ASTM D4739	mgKOH/100g	Rate & report

Volvo VDS-3 is usually grouped with a range of other approvals. The most frequently seen approvals claimed in conjunction with Volvo VDS-3 are ACEA E7, API CI-4, MB 228.3, MACK EO-N, Renault RLD-2, MTU Type 2, Deutz DQC III-18, Caterpillar ECF-2 and Cummins CES 20077/20078.

For more information on VDS-3 oils, contact your Lubrizol representative.