Why modern engine oils are getting thinner while performing better than ever before
Engine oil technology is evolving to meet rigorous industry standards. This video explores the demanding testing protocols required for modern lubricants, focusing on how specific formulations maintain performance despite decreasing viscosity.
Modern engine oils are subject to strict industry certifications, including API SP, ILSAC GF-6, and Dexos Gen 3. Despite a trend toward lower viscosity grades, these oils must meet increasingly difficult performance benchmarks to handle challenges like high engine loads, extreme heat, poor fuel quality, and excessive blowby.
The testing process is extensive, featuring specialized evaluations such as the Sequence VH test for sludge and varnish, and the Sequence IIIH test for oxidation and deposits. The video highlights a 120,000-mile dynamometer test conducted on a vehicle, which concludes with a full engine teardown and evaluation to verify the oil's effectiveness.
