Aftermarket July/August 2022 Issue

On the LKQ Euro Car Parts offering, Colin said: “At LKQ Euro Car Parts, we offer an extensive range of different oils and lubricants, including the OEM-approved MPM Gear and Engine Oil ranges, which cover more than 99% of automatic transmissions and manual gearboxes.” For more information, visit: https://omnipart.eurocarparts.com As we have seen, the electrification of the car parc is having an effect. Lucas Oils Director of Operations for Sales and Marketing Dan Morgan said that while the shift towards fully electric cars is happening, hybrid cars and internal combustion engine vehicles will still make up a significant part of the UK and European car parcs for quite some time: “Our focus right now is emission control and keeping the engines in those vehicles that have petrol or diesel as their driving force as clean as they can be. With that in mind, we’ve introduced products such as Lucas Low Viscosity Stabilizer. It’s a synthetic product, specifically designed for more compact engines including those in hybrid cars. its role is to improve and sustain protection against wear, reduce engine friction, discourage sludge production by enhancing oil dispersancy, while prolonging engine oil life by inhibiting oxidation. “It’s designed for compact engines with greater power outputs and more sensitive engine components. For example, it’s ideal for those equipped with performance enhancing technologies such as variable valve timing systems and cylinder deactivation.” Dan continued: “Lucas Complete Engine Treatment is an ethanol treatment that protects engine lubricants from the harmful effects of alcohol combustion. When added to petrol or diesel fuel systems, it cleans and lubricates every component from the fuel tank to the engine cylinders. Tars, varnishes and other unwanted deposits on valves and cylinder heads are removed. Upper cylinder walls, compression rings and oil rings are lubricated. Meanwhile, fuel burns more efficiently, so engine emissions are consequently reduced Average MPG is also raised. When added to any engine oil, gums and varnishes are reduced, cold temperature fluidity is improved, oil is fortified, protection from friction and wear is increased.Lastly, the operational lifetime of the oil is extended.” Dan added: “Like our Low Viscosity Stabilizer, it also targets the latest generation of compact engines.” Continuous drive As the car parc electrifies, garages need to keep up with the change. Rossmore Lubricants, the official UK distributor for Gulf Lubricants. Dave Woodman, General Manager at Rossmore Lubricants commented: “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. “For instance, Gulf recently added to its large array of high performing, low viscosity Gulf Formula products with the introduction of the Gulf eFluid range, specifically designed for the unique demands of hybrid and electric vehicles whether it be coolant, brake fluids or driveline products.” Dave continued: “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. “As an example of this, Gulf Formula EFE 0w20 is approved to the Volvo Car Company RBS0-2AE specification. This means it has gone through specific Volvo testing to prove its capabilities in the vehicle manufacturer’s unique requirement for engine protection, fuel economy and lower emissions. One crucial point is for garages to communicate this to their customers. This will help to support the price point for the product, as no doubt it should be more expensive than older oil requirements, which is why it is essential that the quality and benefits that these newer products bring are fully recognised.” “Also, for example, if the customer requires a top-up and realise it is such a specific and beneficial product that their vehicle requires, the garage stands more chance of selling this at point of service or when required. What’s more, it also provides the garage the opportunity to demonstrate that they are ‘on top of the game’ and using the best possible product available, strengthening their customer service.” According to Dave, communication is still required around this topic to assure industry-wide understanding. “For example,” he added, “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?” Mike Bewsey, Chairman of the Verification of Lubricant Specifications (VLS) said: “The vehicle parc is changing. Electric and hybrid vehicles are growing in market share and can require completely different fluids to maintain their performance. Hybrid electric vehicles operate at lower temperatures with higher stress during Stop/Start. Additional lubricant additives are needed to disperse increased sludge effectively. 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. “Even without the challenges of hybrid and electric vehicles, lubricants are becoming an increasingly complex area. Using the wrong engine oil has the potential to cause even more damage to highly sophisticated modern engines, so making the right choice of lubricant matters 44 AFTERMARKET JULY/AUGUST 2022 OIL AND LUBES Right: LIQUI MOLY has almost every possibility covered www.aftermarketonline.net