Why oil still matters and why you should care

Motor factors are at the front line when it comes to oil selection – and the wrong choice can lead to big problems. That’s the message from the Verification of Lubricant Specifications (VLS), which has just updated its white paper to reflect an influx of new cases and some concerning trends.

Two years ago, VLS released a 10- year review of all the oil complaints it had investigated. Since then, case numbers have surged – and not just in the usual passenger car oils. There’s been a noticeable rise in complaints relating to CV oils, hydraulic fluids and brake fluids – so what’s happened? Products that don’t actually meet the specifications they claim to.

VLS Chairman, Harald Oosting, told PMF during Automechanika Birmingham: “We still get cases where an oil claims two specs that are chemically incompatible. It can’t be one or the other – it’s impossible. It’s either a mistake or someone doesn’t understand what they’re selling.”

Specifications exist for a reason; if an oil doesn’t meet the correct viscosity or performance standard, it can lead to premature engine wear or even serious damage, claimed VLS. The same goes for brake fluid; get that wrong, and stopping distances can increase significantly.

‘Price is still the clincher’

VLS recently partnered with Comma to run a workshop survey, and the results were intriguing: many workshops still choose oil based on price.

That’s a red flag, not just for workshops, but for those motor factors supplying them. There’s a clear link between price-led buying and poor understanding of oil specs, according to VLS.

Harald continued: “It’s not just about cheap oil; it’s about whether the product is suitable for that engine. Too often, people just don’t know – and that’s risky.”

What’s your role?

According to VLS, workshops are increasingly relying on you for oil recommendations, and, naturally, the pressure is on to provide good advice. That’s not easy in a world where ‘universal’ oil is in demand.

Harald said: “One oil doesn’t fit all – but customers don’t want a blank screen when you run a reg check either. That’s where things go wrong: when people stretch specs just to fill the gap.”

Cataloguing systems are better than ever, but they’re only as good as the data behind them. VLS reported it’s crucial for all motor factors to stick to verified spec matches and not be tempted to offer something “close enough”.

More complaints, more awareness.

The good news is that more workshops are reporting concerns. Most enquiries still come from companies in the trade, rather than the public – but the phone is ringing more often.

Harald revealed: “We had a workshop ring and say: ‘I’ve been offered two oils claiming the same thing – one’s 20% cheaper – which should I buy?’ That’s exactly the kind of conversation we want to be having.”

VLS’ process is completely anonymous and impartial, which is key in maintaining trust with suppliers and avoiding legal headaches. Some brands don’t like what they hear, acknowledged VLS, but it is unapologetic about its position and goal of improving industry standards.

VLS hopes factor membership grows

Currently, only a handful of “major” motor factors are VLS members. The organisation would love to see more get involved – but many are yet to see the tangible benefits, conceded the organisation.

Harald concluded: “Motor factors have thousands of products to manage. We get that. But if oil’s just an afterthought, the risk of getting it wrong goes up.”

VLS encourages all factors to consider membership, not just to stay informed, but to be part of the wider solution.