New and improved engine technologies, advanced power systems and the latest technological advancements are all being deployed in the challenge of reduced emissions in the automotive sector. There are different pieces to the complex ‘emissions’ jigsaw and each must be in place, for the true overall benefits to be realised. So, whether it is a diesel, petrol or hybrid engine, the engine oil has an important part to play in this jigsaw and in the mission to reduce emissions.
Over the years, a variety of emission reduction technologies have been introduced to control the levels of NOx gases, carbon dioxide and particulate matter (harmful solid debris). This includes aftertreatment devices such as EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation), SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction), DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter) and GPF (Gasoline Particulate Filter). Each has different ways to reduce any harmful emissions, but they all do require the correct oil use to perform. Using the wrong grade or poor-quality engine oil can block or poison these aftertreatment devices, reducing their effectiveness and prompting the engine management systems to put the vehicle into reduced power mode (or limp mode) until the situation has been remedied. Once blocked or poisoned these aftertreatment devices need to be replaced, which can be timely and expensive.
The introduction of EGR also brings the undesirable side effect of increased soot levels due to incomplete combustion. Soot finds its way into the sump of the engine and, if left uncontrolled, can cause several issues. Soot is abrasive and so boosted anti-wear protection in the engine oil is required. Soot can thicken the engine oil impairing its ability to flow and cool. Therefore, engine oil needs formulating with good levels of dispersancy to stop the soot particles sticking together which could also potentially block oilways and oil feeds, causing oil starvation and failure.
Engine oils must be correctly produced to ensure the additive chemistry and formulation provides suitable levels of protection against wear, corrosion and contaminants while ensuring the maximum service life from the various aftertreatment devices.
Another strategy employed to reduce emissions is to improve fuel efficiency. If less fuel is used, then emissions are also reduced. This sounds simple but the implications can be massive for the engine oil. The engine will require oils that produce thinner oil films in the bearings and along the cylinder liners. These thinner oil films result in less drag and therefore offer more useable energy that can be directed to the wheels.
In hybrid engine cars, thinner oils are also needed to provide rapid circulation from cold, as power demand can be instantaneous. Intermittent engine use can also result in fuel and water contamination that will have an impact on oil pump life if left unchecked. This is another job for the appropriately formulated engine oil.
To ensure that component integrity is not compromised, these thinner engine oils are fortified with polymer chemistry to ensure there is no metal-to-metal contact. New low viscosity engine oils, such as 0W-8, 0W-16, 5W-20 and 0W-20s, contribute to significant improvements in fuel efficiency.
Morris Lubricants’ Multivis is a range of superior quality automotive engine oils that use the latest synthetic technology materials and oil formulations required in the operation of these low-emission engine designs and to cover new and existing specification requirements. The chemical profiles in the Multivis range are carefully tailored to ensure maximum aftertreatment device compatibility found with petrol, diesel & hybrid engines.
Engine oil choice should not be taken lightly, and the original equipment manufacturer's guide should always be followed. The mixing of different types of oil must always be approached with caution, as using an inferior oil will result in a sump full of inferior oil. As always, seek professional advice if there is any doubt.
If you are unsure which oil will suit your needs, call the Morris Lubricants Technical Helpline on 01743 237541, or use the company’s online lookup tool, WhatOil.