LW-99-126 THE EFFECT OF HIGH QUALITY BASESTOCKS ON PCMO FUEL ECONOMY

Description:

In 1995 automakers requested higher quality engine oils to help meet stringent federally mandated passenger car fuel economy and emissions standards.[1] The International Lubricant Standardization and Approval Committee (ILSAC), working with API, ASTM, and SAE has proposed a GF-3 Minimum Performance Standards for Passenger Car Motor Oils (PCMO) with significantly improved fuel economy and volatility requirements compared to previous GF-1 and current GF-2 PCMO standards. During the last five years, the petroleum industry has invested to make the higher viscosity index (VI) basestocks necessary to help meet these new engine oil requirements. This paper describes how these new higher VI basestocks can be used to blend engine oils with improved volatility and fuel economy, while maintaining current engine durability/wear protection and providing improved low temperature performance.