Video: The Long and Winding Road to Developing a New Engine Oil

In this episode of The Dirt, we look at the process of developing new engine oils and lubricants and why these new blends matter.

Kevin Carabell, regional technical services specialist for Chevron Lubricants, walks viewers through the lengthy process of developing a new oil or lubricant and why it is necessary. With a variety of tests and variables to consider, the entire process can take several years for developing a new category of oil.

The discussion is a timely one as the oil industry is tasked with creating a new category of diesel engine oil, known now as Proposed Category 12. The new PC-12 oil category comes at the request of the Engine Manufacturers Association, which asked that the new diesel engine oil be created by January 1, 2027, in time for new on-highway diesel engine regulations required by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the California Air Resources Board. The development phase of the new oil category has begun.

It’s designed to improve engine performance to help reduce pollution. Results of the oil will also likely be fuel savings, improved aftertreatment and longer engine life.

To learn more about why we need new oil blends and how it happens, check out this week’s episode of The Dirt.

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