Abstract
For more than 50 years, lubricant, additive, and equipment amufactures have been striving to improve automotive engine oil performance. Lubricants for spart-ignited engines are updated as the performance needs of new engines change and as new regulations, such as the 100,000-mile emissions durability requirement for passenger cars, are imposed. Lubricants must not only protect the engine, they must also be compatible with the exhaust oxygen sensor and catalyst. To help vehicle manufacturers meet corporate-avarage fuel economy standards, industry is developing advanced engine oils that improve fuel efficiency by reducing engine friction. Diesel engine designes are evolving to meet future emissions and fuel economy requirements. New diesel engines exhibit lower exhaust emissions and greater effeciencies as a result of improved combustion systems, design, and materials. These changes, however, challenge existing fuels, lubricants and the procedures used for qualification. Southwest Research Institute serves as a technical partner to help industry develop new test procedures that allow our clients to evaluate products for existing and future fuels and lubricant performance challenges.