The right lubricant can help optimise performance
Guillaume Malandain, explains how advanced lubricants can help to optimise the performance of Euro VI trucks.
Euro VI diesel-engine emission legislation driven by the European Commission came into force on 1 January 2014.
It is the latest update to a standard introduced in 1993 to reduce exhaust emissions in commercial vehicles.
European engine makers have invested heavily in developing new technology to meet Euro VI emissions limits, and this has had implications on engine oil selection.
Here I will answer a quick Q&A on new legislation and its impact on engine oils:
Why do new Euro VI trucks need special lubricants?
Only low SAPs (sulphur, sulphated ash and phosphorous) oils are suitable for use in Euro VI trucks that incorporate exhaust after-treatment technologies including a diesel particulate filter (DPF).
The DPF reacts very sensitively to oil combustion residues. The residue of some additive lubricant components leaves a type of ash behind, which tends to harm the DPF’s structure and can damage it. The residues from lubricants’ additive elements are significantly lower in “low SAP” oils than in conventional oils.
Are low SAPs oils suitable for older engine designs?
Some low SAPs oils can be used in Euro IV and Euro V engines, operating on low sulphur fuels. This has the potential for commercial vehicle operators to reduce their lubricant inventory, helping to eliminate the risk of non-compatible engine oils being used in Euro VI trucks.
Do low SAPs oils also offer fuel economy potential?
Some low SAPs oils offer fuel economy potential alongside compatibility with Euro VI technologies. For example, ExxonMobil’s reformulated synthetic heavy-duty diesel engine oil, Mobil Delvac 1™ LE 5W-30, has achieved an average fuel economy gain of 1.8 percent during testing. They can deliver outstanding emission system protection for modern engines, including Euro VI.
What OEM approvals does Mobil Delvac 1 LE 5W-30 have?
The reformulated synthetic diesel engine oil meets the requirements of the majority of Euro VI engines developed by Mercedes-Benz, Volvo, Cummins and MAN.
In conclusion
The stringent requirements of Euro VI legislation have had an impact on engine and lubricant manufacturers as well as on truck operators. It is important to recognise that, with the help of high-performance lubricants, harmful CO2 emissions can be lowered without compromising on fuel efficiency.
Guillaume Malandain is the Commercial Vehicle Lubricants Product Offer Advisor – Europe, Africa & Middle East – for ExxonMobil
