Aftermarket July/August 2022 Issue

JULY/AUGUST 2022 AFTERMARKET 45 www.aftermarketonline.net even more. “For combustion engines, there has been a general trend towards lower viscosity fluids to help deliver increased fuel economy and performance. The use of SAE 5W-30 viscosities was well established, but now some manufacturers, depending on the model are recommending either SAE 0W-20, 0W-16 or 0W-8 grades. However, drivers are holding onto their vehicles for longer than ever. According to the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA)’s ‘Vehicles in Use 2022’ report, the average passenger vehicle in the UK is now 9.4 years old, up from 8.0 years in 2019. Over 14.9 million vehicles on UK roads are over 10 years old, representing almost half of all passenger vehicles. While oil companies may be keen to promote their latest ultralow viscosity formulations, older vehicles may require different engine oils.” Mike continued: “Workshops are the front line, making choices over engine oil and other lubricants every day. VLS recommends referring to the original vehicle owner’s handbook or the servicing and warranty handbook to identify the right product. For engine oil, looking beyond the viscosity to specific ACEA and OEM performance specifications is important. This ensures that the lubricant is fit for purpose in that specific vehicle. Online lubricant databases can also help mechanics confirm the right oil.” He added: “It is tempting for lubricant manufacturers to claim their products meet a wide range of OEM and ACEA specifications. In fact, every one of the cases investigated by VLS over the past three years has related to misleading marketing claims, with conflicting or unevidenced OEM approvals. If an engine oil sounds too good to be true or workshops have any concerns about it being mis-sold or mislabelled, it’s important to double-check with VLS. You can report a product you have concerns about, and we will independently investigate it to confirm if it really can deliver what it claims.” For more information, visit: www.ukla-vls.org.uk Road to race And finally, in a reversal of the usual Motul method of developing new lubricants utilising race track experience, the company’s 8100 range, designed for garages so they can cover a wide spectrum of cars with a minimum number of references, has been selected as the mandated engine oil for the ROKiT F4 British Championship certified by FIA. Motul 8100 X-Power 10w/60 will be used by all of the cars in the single seater championship, aimed at the racing stars of tomorrow, throughout its 2022 season. Commenting on the development, Motul’s Andy Wait said: “It is a little unusual to have a passenger car oil lubricating a race series engine, but it will demonstrate that if 8100 X-Power is capable of lubricating these race cars, with the extremes that motorsport use brings with it, then it is going to be a more-than-capable oil for everyday road use.” For more information, visit: www.motul.com