Engine Oils

The proliferation of increasingly stringent emissions limitations for motor vehicles has and will continue to require modifications to the engines in order to meet these strict parameters. Advancements in after-treatment technologies, including low-tolerance catalytic converters and in the case of diesel, low-NOx absorbers and particulate matter traps have a direct impact on fuel and lubricant compatibility. In order to attain and maintain these ultra-low emissions limits, these technologies require -- in the case of gasoline and diesel fuels -- significant reductions of sulfur and both sulfur and phosphorus in the lubricant or motor oils part of the equation.

While advances have been made, challenges remain in the formulation of the next generation of ultra low sulfur and phosphorus motor oils. These products must be formulated to afford traditional protection on engine wear not only on new engines, but on older models as well. At the same time, engine oil producers must virtually eliminate sulfur and phosphorus compounds-valuable components in retarding ware-from the mix.