filters, poison catalysts, and shorten the life of exhaust after-treatment devices. It may even cause the vehicle to fail air quality or road-worthiness checks.” He added: “To make selecting the right oil for many of these makes and models easier for workshops, Castrol has been working to ensure its MAGNATEC oil range is compatible with engines from multiple VMs. 15.7 million cars on UK roads can be serviced using the Castrol MAGNATEC range, including Citroen, Fiat, Ford, Honda, Kia, Peugeot, Toyota and Vauxhall vehicles.” Particular issue It’s not always easy though, as Mike Schlup, MD of Kalimex, the UK Importers for JLM Lubricants, noted: “Selecting the correct specification oil is of course very important and can at times being slightly confusing. However, the fundamental function of oil remains the same, to lubricate the moving parts within the engine, and the associated issues with oils will always be present. Namely that, over time, oils will degrade and become increasingly contaminated. Contamination and degradation have a variety of causes but, in the case of diesel vehicles, particulates, i.e. soot, can be a particular issue, as is fuel contamination.” Mike continued: “Diesel engines are fitted with a variety of emissions control devices in order to meet ever more strict emissions regulations. One of the most important is the DPF. Unfortunately, particularly on low mileage or short journey vehicles, the regeneration process struggles to run its full cycle which can lead to excess fuel becoming deposited in the oil. This can affect the performance of the oil and will also artificially increase the oil level above the maximum level. In addition, overloaded DPFs can cause excessive soot contamination of the oil. This not only requires more frequent oil changes but JLM strongly recommends using an oil flush immediately prior to the oil change to help remove any deposits and fuel contamination. The JLM Engine Oil Flush takes just 15 minutes and will help to protect the engine and increase component life. Ultimately this helps to keep costs down for the motorist, particularly during the current cost of living crisis.” Mike added: “When considering cost saving for car owners, the use of oil additives including JLM’s Engine Oil Flush, Engine Oil Stop Leak, 34 AFTERMARKET JULY/AUGUST 2023 OIL AND LUBRICANTS www.aftermarketonline.net Engine Oil Stop Smoke and Bortec Oil Treatment can all help to keep a vehicle on the road for less money. “ For more information, visit: www.jlmlubricants.com Function As LKQ Euro Car Parts Workshop Solutions Director Bob Wiffen noted, correct oil and fluid levels are required for the correct functioning of many systems on the car: “For example, the function of certain ADAS, such as 'Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control' and 'Traffic Jam Assist,' depends on precise oil and fluid levels. Neglecting timely fluid changes, or failing to use the right products, can result in potentially dangerous malfunctions. We offer a range of ADAS courses through our LKQ Academy, to suit technicians of all levels. “It’s also important to note that the traditional practice of bulk-buying large oil drums is no longer fit for purpose. Instead, garages should be ordering smaller quantities of a broader selection of specialist products. This small change will allow technicians greater flexibility when servicing vehicles throughout the day at no extra cost, as garages will still hold the same overall volume of product. Bob added: “At LKQ Euro Car Parts, we provide an extensive range of oils and lubricants, including the OEMapproved MPM Gear and Engine Oil ranges, which cover 99% of automatic transmissions and manual gearboxes.” Variety Meanwhile, Exol Lubricants’ Optima C5 LSOV 0W-20 (M520) has been given approval from Mercedes Benz for its 229.72 specification. Paul Timmis, Group Technical Director at Exol Lubricants commented: “This is the latest in Exol’s vehicle manufacturer approvals, as the company continues to meet the needs of the market, offering OE-matching quality products. Exol’s Optima C5 LSOV 0W-20 is a new generation fully synthetic, low SAPS, fuel economy engine oil designed for use in a variety of modern petrol and diesel engine applications. It provides LSPI protection and delivers significant levels of fuel economy in the latest OEM tests, plus excellent engine protection and consistent lubricant performance over extended drain intervals.” Demand The rise of EVs and hybrids, and the need for lower viscosity grades has made look-up tools like the TPS oil finder more important than ever, as Dave Smith, Volkswagen Aftersales Manager for Products and Fluids, explained: “As we move to more modern and energyefficient vehicles, including hybrid models, lower viscosity grades are becoming ever more popular as the oil of choice – with the need for a thinner lubricant to add to the quality, helping to drive this demand. We are now seeing over 17% of the UK vehicle parc requiring a 0W-20. These are also more specifically formulated for the requirements of each manufacturer. “This is highlighted in particular by the need to have four 0W-20 grades in TPS’s Quantum range covering the requirements for 0W-20. In more traditional higher viscosity grades this can be achieved with just a single oil. To check for the right oil, enter the vehicle registration at: //tps.trade/oil-search Dave continued: “The choice of Quantum oils offered by TPS is one of the most comprehensive available, with 18 products in the full range. The Left: FormulaEFE-0W-20 from Gulf Lubricants
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