May 2018

MAY 2018 AFTERMARKET 55 Requirement Of course, it’s not just a commercial opportunity. Additives in engine, brake, and transmission lubricants play an important role in keeping these working effectively and help protect vital moving parts of the vehicle. So, what are these additives and what do they do? Verification of Lubricant Specifications (VLS) is an independent organisation providing a means to verify lubricant specifications. David Wright, Secretary of VLS explains the kind of additives that are helping lubricants do their job: “Firstly, and one of the most important, is the viscosity modifier which helps the fluid to maintain its viscosity or resistance to flow across variation in temperature so as a car engine gets more hot, the lubricant retains its form and doesn’t break down. A dispersant is added to the final formulation which ensures that dirt and other deposits are carried in the fluid around the engine, so they don’t interfere with its operation. A detergent is included in the lubricant which help keeps the engine clean as it performs its function. “Corrosion or rust inhibitors are added to stop the oxidation of metal parts as the engine comes into contact with fuel, both burnt and unburnt, as well as the lubricant. This helps to reduce metal surfaces from flaking off and becoming debris in the lubricant. “The lubricant also includes anti-oxidant additives to stop it from boiling away as it comes into contact with high engine temperatures. These temperatures could bake the oil and turn it into black sludge in the engine if this additive was missing. “Additives to help with lubricity ensure that the lubricant keeps moving efficiently around the engine. Friction modifiers are also added which help the engine perform its vital functions. Anti-foam additives help to stop foam build up in the engine as too much foam could cause an increase in pressure on seals. Finally anti-wear additives help to reduce engine wear.” Vital role Commenting on the overall role of additives within lubricants, David says: “When it comes to lubricants, additives have a vital role to play to improve the technical performance of both the lubricant and the vehicle as a whole. Lubricant additives deliver a business benefit too as the right lubricant, delivered in the right way and at the right service interval can ensure downtime is minimised, expensive repairs are effectively managed and production efficiencies are secured. “There is no doubt that cheaper lubricants can always be obtained on the open market, but these lubricants might not be the right ones for the vehicle. Saving a few pence in the short-run compared with the expense of maintaining sophisticated engines means that false economies today can store up significant problems for tomorrow.“ For some it is only chemistry. For us, it is our lifeblood – made in Germany. One brand, everything from a single source. Motor oils, additives, care products, chemical solutions and service products for automotive, trucks, motorcycles, marine and industry. LIQUI MOLY GmbH Jerg-Wieland-Straße 4 89081 Ulm | GERMANY Phone: +49 731 1420-0 Fax: +49 731 1420-75 E-Mail: info@liqui-moly.de Technical Support: +49 731 1420-871 www.liqui-moly.com Visit us at Automechanika Birmingham Stand: K85