CLAIMS MADE ON THE PACKAGING SHOULD YOU BE CONCERNED?
▶ Especially since selecting the wrong oil can have severe consequences, they must conform to the blenders’ claims. This is why the Uk-based Verification of Lubricant Specifications (VLS) exists, to investigate complaints concerning incorrect performance claims, misleading technical specifications and lubrication products that do not meet stated carmaker, or industry standards.
The VLS confirms that using the wrong oil can cause accelerated wear, leading to increased maintenance costs and, if left unchecked, eventual mechanical failure. Yet, the industry body explains that the industry’s complex performance marketing claims can lack consistency. For instance, instead of saying that a product is approved by a manufacturer, some oil companies say, ‘meets the requirements of’, or ‘suitable for use in’, which is a subtle but different statement.
With no official carmaker approval, the lubricant blender makes a professional judgement about whether its formulation is suitable for particular applications. They may do this, instead of working with a car company, because:
1 Cost. Formal approval can be very expensive. Alternatively, a carmaker might not wish to work with anybody formally, aside from its contracted lubrication partner.
2 The formulation itself has been approved elsewhere already.
3 An approval is not possible, or there is no organisation to certify it.
4 The specification has become obsolete. Therefore, the decision is based on a technical judgement with previously tested formulations.
5 The lubricant marketer, or its additive supplier, has robust supporting data to support its claims.
Even so, you should be wary about trusting the wording used. Selecting a well-established brand is wise, because the VLS says that the lubricant marketer, or manufacturer, remains responsible for proving that its statements are true. Should you be unsure, the VLS advises that you consult the lubricant manufacturer’s online databases, or technical helplines. Alternatively, you can contact VLS for advice directly on 01442 875922.