Insight 12 www.aftermarketonline.net FEBRUARY 2026 Cautionary tales of frozen engine oil VLS chairman Darren Frogson underlines the importance for workshops of low temperature properties of engine oil The Verification of Lubricant Specifications (VLS) is an independent organisation established to uphold standards within the lubricants industry and protect end users. A crucial aspect of our work is investigating product complaints. One of the first cases VLS ever investigated concerned the low temperature characteristics of an engine gear oil. Independent laboratory testing proved the product turned solid at -40⁰C. Whilst the temperature in some parts of the country rarely stays below freezing for a sustained period, in Scotland, extreme temperatures are not uncommon. To be within specification, lubricants must be able to perform even in these extreme conditions to avoid accelerated wear to gears and bearings during low temperature operation and start-up conditions. VLS worked with the supplier concerned for a product recall, remove the old stock from sale and reformulate the product to meet the specification. Trading Standards were involved to ensure the required action was taken. Lubricant blenders may be tempted to reduce the amount of additive treat in a blend as they don’t expect to reach ambient winter temperatures that low. However, products still need to meet specifications for the aftermarket to maintain continued confidence that the products they are using are fit for purpose. In a more recent case, VLS issued a vehicle safety warning after a central hydraulic fluid was found to be noncompliant. The product did not meet the kinematic viscosity (KV) -40°C limits stated in its performance claims against the VW specifications listed. Failure to comply with these specifications could impair performance at low temperatures and compromise vehicle safety. As a multifunctional product designed for use in selected power steering, transmission, suspension and other hydraulic systems, low temperatures could lead to power steering failure, increasing the risk of a collision. Regular oil changes are critical, too. Drivers may think they don’t need to change their oil as regularly as manufacturers recommend, especially if they are doing fewer miles and shorter journeys. However, the opposite is true. Shorter journeys lead to increased buildup of deposits in the oil. These deposits may increase wear and reduce fuel consumption. They also put the oil at higher risk of freezing solid. We have heard from workshops that were called out to deal with this very issue — oil that had frozen solid in low temperatures because it had not been changed in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations. Motorists are holding onto their vehicles for longer than ever before, driven by economic pressures and increased reliability. They rely on workshops and the lubricants provided to keep their vehicles working as expected. Our case investigations work to ensure you can have confidence that the products you select are suitable for purpose and can deliver what they claim, even in freezing winter temperatures. Visit https://ukla-vls.org.uk/ for details about VLS and report any concerns about a lubricant’s ability to deliver what it claims by email (admin@ ukla-vls.org.uk) or call 01442 875922. We’ve heard from workshops called out to deal with this very issue
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