OEM collaboration

Citation

Margaroni, D. (1999), "OEM collaboration", Industrial Lubrication and Tribology, Vol. 51 No. 2. https://doi.org/10.1108/ilt.1999.01851baa.003

OEM collaboration

OEM collaboration

Keyword Lubricants

It is only in comparatively recent times that vehicle manufacturers have begun to call upon lubricant expertise during the design stages of their power units. For too long, the lubricant was regarded as an externally-sourced component which would fulfil certain fundamental requirements, i.e. the lubrication and reduction of friction of vehicle engines and transmissions, in addition to secondary properties, e.g. cooling. The engine designers would develop their units, then call upon the lubricant supplier to recommend a suitable grade. More recently, the situation began to change, as power trains became increasingly sophisticated, placing greater and greater stresses upon the lubricant. In addition, the introduction of exhaust emission regulations prompted even greater collaboration between the engine designer and the lubricant developer, since lubricants play a small but vital role in determining emission levels and composition, particularly of particulates. A further catalyst for increased involvement has been the current trend towards extended drain intervals. Vehicle manufacturers have appreciated the marketing advantages of prolonging service intervals, which are of particular appeal to the long-haul commercial operator. Private motorists, who resent being deprived of their means of transport for even the shortest time, also appreciate the fact that service intervals can now be extended to only one per year, which can also coincide with the MOT where this is a requirement. At least two services per year were the norm for the average-mileage motorist until comparatively recently. For even further extensions to the oil drain period, by-pass filtration systems can offer very substantial benefits. Although most such units can be retro-fitted, there is more merit in supplying by-pass filtration as an in-built installation. This again should serve to promote collaboration between the engine manufacturer and the lubricant formulator, since lubricants could be best optimised to operate most effectively over prolonged periods if the full requirements of the engine, including the filtration system, are incorporated into the lubricant design at the outset.