FUCHS Lubricants adresses oil grade concerns

Andy Brown, FUCHS Lubricants’ UK Automotive Technical Manager, lifts the lid on his concerns regarding the oil grade picture in the UK aftermarket.

With the number of different engine oils on the market having soared over the last decade, Andy Brown, FUCHS Lubricants’ UK Automotive Technical Manager, warns that the headaches surrounding oil grades are set to increase for motor factors over the coming years.

Whereas most cars used to require a basic 15W-40 viscosity oil or a 10W-40, there is now a much wider range available depending on the OEM and the vehicle. FUCHS Lubricants wants to warn motor factors that 0W-12 and 0W-8 grades are just around the corner, adding further complications.

This increase in grades has caused problems for motor factors that simply do not have the space or resources to stock eight or nine barrels all the time.

FUCHS, for example, currently has around 30 core engine oils, and Ford alone has four main oil specifications.

“It’s horribly complicated,” said Andy. “Motor factors could need to stock in the region of 17 different grades to cover a wide selection of vehicles. For most businesses, that’s just not possible. Unfortunately, it’s only going to get worse, particularly with hybrids and EVs playing an ever-increasing role in the automotive market.

“Ultimately, it’s all about emissions and fuel economy. OEMs have been hit with stringent emission targets and the oil can play a significant role in helping them achieve that. At the most basic level, it’s about hydrodynamic lubrication. Thinner oils result in less friction and, therefore, less energy being used, and that’s why we’ve seen 0W-16 enter the market. 0W-12 and 0W-8 will come. I’d expect to see 0W-12 this year or next from one of the major OEMs.”

“Oil should be considered a critical component. You wouldn’t use the wrong tyres, and you shouldn’t use the wrong oil either.”

Andy stressed that the situation is further complicated by the fact that there is much more to an engine oil than its viscosity.

Two 5W-30 oils, for example, could be quite different in their make-up due to the additives added to them to deal with the specific needs of individual OEM’s components, particularly the piston rings and the upper cylinder areas.

Andy outlined the different lubrication considerations which are at play when it comes to hybrid and EV vehicles, adding: “EV vehicles are typically factory fill and sealed for life, so there is little or no aftermarket for those,” he said.

“Hybrids are slightly different because the engine isn’t always running. The engine will cool down when running on the battery, so the oil needs to be able to cope with those stresses.

“Some existing products are hybrid compatible, but others will need to be adapted to suit the unique demands of hybrid systems, and for some, there will be brand new technology.”

Furthermore, Andy said he expected new ACEA specifications to be announced this year, with A5, B5 and C5 specifications being axed and new ones brought in, mainly to address LSPI issues found in turbocharged gasoline engines. API and ILSAC are also expected to introduce API SP and ILSAC GF-6a and 6b to the market again to not only help to address LSPI, but also to aid wear protection, timing chain protection and to improve fuel economy.

All of this amounts to a severe headache for motor factors, as they seek to stock the products their customers want and need.

Andy said: “We appreciate that oil can be daunting these days – and the cost of getting it wrong can be severe, but there are a few simple things people can do to ensure that they use the right oil. Firstly, consult the handbook and check the requirements carefully. Secondly, use an online oil checker system to find the right products just from a number plate. Thirdly, speak to an expert. Our customer service team is happy to advise either on the telephone or by email. For the aftermarket, we run education courses to help people understand how to use oil properly.”

One trend FUCHS has seen is motor factors opting to buy engine oils in smaller packs rather than the traditional 205L barrels.

Many of FUCHS’ products are available in the company’s fully-recyclable 20L Lube Cube packs.

Andy concluded, “Not many motor factors need 205L barrels these days. The Lube Cubes are much more convenient, as they can be easily stacked on top of each other, saving space.

“They are also easier to use and disposal costs are significantly reduced.”

Some of FUCHS’ national motor factor customers are even buying two five-litre packs to complete an oil change on a specific engine rather than stocking multiple grades to service every vehicle.