The Verification of Lubricant Specifications (VLS), an independent and impartial body investigating lubricant product complaints, has provided an update on two major strands of its work: an investigation into engine oils claiming compliance with the Stellantis FPW 9.55535/03 specification, and the closure of investigations into Silverhook products following corrective action. In 2025, VLS launched a ...

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VLS closes investigations after Silverhook takes positive action to reformulate engine oils.  The Verification of Lubricant Specifications (UK) Ltd (VLS), an independent and impartial body which investigates lubricant product complaints, has closed investigations VLS 010226 and VLS 010227 after the company involved took corrective action. In April 2025, VLS received a complaint about Silverhook Ultra-V ...

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The Verification of Lubricant Specifications (VLS) has welcomed Darren Frogson to the position of chairman. Currently the CEO at Exol Lubricants, Darren succeeds Harald Oosting and brings a wealth of experience to the role – PMF puts the experience to the test in this Q&A. Q. Darren, congratulations on your appointment – what are your ...

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VLS celebrates a year of progress despite a challenging lubricants market.  This year proved to be another challenging one in the increasingly complex oils and lubricants market. Over the past twelve months, independent membership body VLS, the Verification of Lubricant Specifications, has opened 20 cases to investigate complaints about a range of passenger vehicle and ...

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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 ...

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Alan Outhwaite, head of the Verification of Lubricant Specifications (VLS) Technical Review Panel, spells out his view on what role hydrogen will have in the net zero transition. The race to net zero has been on for some time. EVs were seen as the answer, with OEMs developing hybrid and BEVs to meet emissions targets. ...

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Following on from part one, Harald Oosting, the chairman of the Verification of Lubricant Specifications (VLS), shares the implications of the UK Motor Vehicle Block Exemption Order (MVBEO). The rights of third parties to provide OEM quality parts to the automotive aftermarket are protected in UK law within the MVBEO. The MVBEO, which came into ...

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Harald Oosting, the chairman of the Verification of Lubricant Specifications (VLS), informs us about the latest lubricant investigations. In 2023, VLS marked 10 years of upholding standards in the lubricants industry. Fast forward 12 months, and whilst we have made good progress, there is still work to be done to uphold standards and protect end ...

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VLS has closed investigation VLS 010207 after the company involved — Certas Lubricant Solutions — took corrective action. In November 2024, VLS received a complaint about Kerax Hyperdrive KXR 5W30 ACEA A1/B1-12. The complaint alleged that the TBN when measured at 6.7 mg KOH/g was not compliant with ACEA A1/B1-12. The ACEA A1/B1 2012 limit ...

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We previously brought you an insightful interview with the Verification of Lubrication Specifications (VLS) Chairman, Harald Oosting. Intentionally, though, there was an answer left out – left out for this standalone article, which is on the importance of data in VLS’ processes and operations. Here’s Harald. Data is critical in our investigations. Specifications have limits ...

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