Commenting on the current situation in the lubricants market, Mike Bewsey, Chairman of the Verification of Lubricant Specifications (VLS), said: "Since VLS was first formed in 2013, we have seen immense change in the lubricants industry, driven by the trend towards lower viscosity fluids, the introduction of E10 fuel, new ACEA standards, new Euro 7 regulations and issues such as low speed pre-ignition. Mike continued: “An acceleration of further change is coming due to the impending ban on new petrol and diesel car sales from 2030. We're already seeing the impact of electrification in the marketplace, but also the challenges in widening options for zero emission vehicles. “Hybrid vehicles are already impacting lubricants. Plug-in and hybrid electric vehicles could be travelling at speed and then the internal combustion engine needs to turn on. Such a high-powered cold start is a completely new challenge for an oil designed to start lubricating a cold engine from the start and if not managed correctly can increase wear. Alternately, if the vehicle is used on short trips the oil temperature may never reach optimum level, which can lead to a build-up of water which could cause corrosion. Battery electric vehicles generate more heat than conventional internal combustion engines, particularly during rapid charging. Specifically designed fluids must cater to the increase in oxidation and effectively disperse heat around the power units. The use of synthetic or efuels, which the EU Commission has agreed would be exempted from a European Internal Combustion Engine vehicle ban in 2035, could provide a net zero solution without changing the design of the entire vehicle parc. Similarly, green hydrogen which releases water vapour at the exhaust, could be another solution. This diverse, technologically advanced vehicle parc creates the need for a broader range of lubricants and a complexity that needs managing by an organisation like VLS to cut through the confusion and protect end users.” Mike added: “In 2023, VLS has already seen an influx of directly reported cases. As we celebrate our 10th anniversary this year, we believe that companies now realise that if they think a product is making false or inaccurate claims, they can report it to VLS, where it will be robustly investigated. Wherever the market goes, VLS' core purpose will remain the same as it has always been - to uphold standards in the lubricants marketplace and protect end users. VLS has made significant progress in raising industry standards over the past ten years. Our guidance will be more critical than ever as the lubricants market continues to develop in the years ahead." Changing demands Dave Woodman, General Manager of Rossmore Lubricants, the official UK distributor for Gulf Lubricants, said: “When it comes to the changing demands of the importance of 32 AFTERMARKET JULY/AUGUST 2023 OIL AND LUBRICANTS www.aftermarketonline.net lubricants in a vehicle’s development, the key thing is to communicate these changes to customers, and highlight that they are an integral part of helping to maintain the desired fuel economy, emission control and performance.” He continued: “With the continuous drive from OEMs for more efficient, economic and environmentally friendly vehicles, there has been a significant impact on lubricant manufacturers to help satisfy this demand, with higher performing, lower viscosity products being brought to market that have to adapt to the new rigours put on them. No one doubts that the motor industry will continue to innovate, and this requires, more than ever, that the automotive aftermarket helps to communicate these changes to the consumer. However, too often, we see examples of the industry commoditising this vital, precision element, which helps enable a vehicle’s performance.” Dave concluded: “How many garages still have a line on the invoice that says ‘engine oil – 5 litres’? How many factors or retailers will list, or treat, engine oil as a consumable? Therefore, how many customers are of the belief that the engine oil used hasn’t really changed much at all?” For more information, visit: www.gulf-lubricants.co.uk Viscosity Pawel Mastalerek, Castrol Technical Expert, commented: “Ensuring customers’ cars are properly lubricated is crucial, and so too is using the correct viscosity for the make/model in question. If an oil of the wrong viscosity is used in an engine that wasn’t designed for it, then the levels of engine wear can increase, potentially causing oil starvation issues that can rapidly lead to catastrophic engine failure. Thicker oils in newer engines will reduce the fuel efficiency of the engine and may also cause oil supply issues. Using older high sulphated ash, phosphorous and sulfur (SAPS) oils with higher levels of additives can block Above: The range of oil stabiliser products from Lucas Oil FLUID IDENTITY With cars changing, lubricants are changing too, but making sure your customers’ cars are properly cared is still crucial
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