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Navigating the Lubricant Labyrinth
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By Counterman
A significant shift in the evolution of engine lubricants is just a few months away. Scheduled to become the new standard on March 31, 2025,
link hidden, please login to viewrepresents the latest evolution in gasoline-fueled passenger car motor oil specifications. GF-7 stands for the seventh generation of motor oil specifications set by the International Lubricant Specification Advisory Committee (ILSAC). This committee is a collaboration of key automotive industry players, including Ford, General Motors, Stellantis, and the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association (JAMA).
“This standard specifies the minimum performance requirements and chemical and physical properties for engine oils used in spark-ignited internal combustion engines,” said Padu Sreenivas, product manager PCMO,
link hidden, please login to view. “GF-7 will help deliver fuel economy benefits to OEMs and consumers, improved low-speed pre-ignition (LSPI) protection with the addition of aged LSPI testing, and improved piston deposit cleanliness, along with other significant performance changes.” Sreenivas says the upgrade in performance is primarily focused on fuel economy. This change is in direct response to increasing pressure to meet stringent fuel economy regulations. As vehicles become more fuel-efficient, consumers will benefit from reduced fuel costs and a lower environmental impact. GF-7 aims to support the automotive industry’s push toward meeting Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards, which will become stricter for model year 2026 vehicles.
The inclusion of aged LSPI testing in GF-7 represents a crucial advancement. LSPI has become a significant concern with modern engines, particularly those with turbocharging and direct fuel injection. By offering better protection against LSPI, GF-7 helps safeguard engine performance and longevity.
The updated standards for piston cleanliness also lead to improved engine performance and longer engine life. This means better overall engine health, which translates into cost savings and convenience for vehicle owners.
The improved balance between enhanced fuel economy, piston deposit performance and LSPI protection supports consumers holding their cars longer, enhancing convenience, and reducing maintenance and operating costs.
GF-7 also includes a new sulfated ash requirement (limited to 0.90%) to facilitate the adoption of Gasoline Particulate Filters (GPFs), which are essential for meeting updated emission regulations.
“GF-7 is different from previous specifications not only from a performance standpoint, but also time. Previous ILSAC categories for gasoline-fueled passenger car motor oils have taken a significant number of years to develop and implement. To accelerate from the original proposal of 2028 first license to March 31, 2025, first license is an incredible feat that will enable OEMs to meet the changing requirements.”
The transition does pose some challenges. Implementing the new GF-7 specifications involves complex testing and adjustments to meet the updated performance criteria.
Suppliers and manufacturers must align their products with these new standards, which may require substantial investment and changes in production processes. Sreenivas says Lubrizol has invested considerable resources to ensure a smooth shift to the new standard by the March 31, 2025, licensing date.
As the transition approaches, stakeholders across the supply chain will need to navigate the challenges and opportunities presented by this new standard.
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By GreenGears Auto Limited
The automotive industry is undergoing a profound transformation, driven by the synergistic forces of connectivity and autonomous driving. These technological advancements are poised to reshape the transportation landscape, promising safer, more efficient, and more accessible mobility solutions for individuals and societies alike.
Connectivity, the ability of vehicles to communicate with each other and their surroundings, is laying the foundation for intelligent transportation systems that can revolutionize the way we navigate our roads. Autonomous driving, on the other hand, envisions a future where vehicles can operate without human intervention, offering the potential for unprecedented levels of safety and convenience.
This in-depth exploration delves into the complexities of connectivity and autonomous driving, examining their underlying technologies, current progress, challenges, and the transformative impact they are expected to have on our world.
The Evolution of Connectivity: From Isolated Vehicles to Interconnected Networks
Historically, vehicles have been isolated entities on the road, relying solely on the driver's perception and decision-making. However, the advent of connectivity has transformed cars into sophisticated communication hubs, capable of gathering and exchanging vast amounts of data in real-time.
This transformation has been made possible by a convergence of technological advancements, including:
Sensor Technology: Vehicles are now equipped with a wide range of sensors, including cameras, radars, lidars, and ultrasonic sensors, that enable them to perceive their surroundings in detail. These sensors collect data about the vehicle's position, speed, proximity to other objects, and road conditions. Wireless Communication: Technologies like Dedicated Short-Range Communications (DSRC) and Cellular Vehicle-to-Everything (C-V2X) allow vehicles to communicate wirelessly with each other and with infrastructure elements like traffic lights and road signs. Cloud Computing and Data Analytics: The vast amounts of data generated by connected vehicles are processed and analyzed in the cloud, enabling real-time decision-making and the development of intelligent transportation systems. Types of Connectivity:
Connectivity in the automotive realm manifests in various forms, each with its own distinct benefits:
Vehicle-to-Vehicle (V2V) Communication: Enables direct communication between vehicles, allowing them to share information about their speed, location, and intended maneuvers. This creates a virtual awareness network, enhancing safety by alerting drivers to potential hazards and enabling cooperative driving behaviors.
Vehicle-to-Infrastructure (V2I) Communication: Facilitates communication between vehicles and roadside infrastructure, such as traffic lights, road signs, and toll booths. This allows for optimized traffic flow, reduced congestion, and improved safety through real-time information sharing.
Vehicle-to-Network (V2N) Communication: Connects vehicles to cloud-based services and applications, providing access to real-time traffic updates, navigation assistance, and other infotainment features.
Vehicle-to-Pedestrian (V2P) Communication: Enables vehicles to communicate with pedestrians and cyclists, particularly in urban environments. This can enhance safety for vulnerable road users by alerting them to the presence of vehicles and potential dangers.
Benefits of Connectivity:
The widespread adoption of connectivity has the potential to unlock numerous benefits for individuals, society, and the environment:
Enhanced Safety: By facilitating real-time data exchange and situational awareness, connectivity can help prevent accidents and reduce fatalities on the roads. Features like collision avoidance systems, lane departure warnings, and blind spot monitoring leverage connectivity to provide drivers with timely alerts and assistance.
Improved Traffic Flow: Connectivity enables intelligent transportation systems to optimize traffic flow by adjusting signal timings, providing real-time traffic information, and recommending alternative routes. This can lead to reduced congestion, shorter travel times, and improved fuel efficiency.
Enhanced Convenience and Comfort: Connected vehicles offer a plethora of features that enhance the driving experience, including:
Remote vehicle access and control In-car entertainment and infotainment systems Personalized navigation and route optimization Real-time vehicle diagnostics and maintenance alerts Over-the-air software updates Environmental Sustainability: By optimizing traffic flow and promoting fuel-efficient driving behaviors, connectivity can contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving air quality.
The Path to Autonomous Driving: From Assisted to Fully Autonomous
Autonomous driving, often referred to as self-driving technology, aims to automate the driving experience entirely, freeing drivers from the need to control the vehicle. This technology is being developed in stages, with increasing levels of autonomy, as defined by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE):
Levels of Autonomous Driving
Level Description 0 No automation. The driver is fully in control of the vehicle at all times. 1 Driver assistance. The vehicle provides limited assistance with tasks such as steering or accelerating, but the driver remains primarily in control. 2 Partial automation. The vehicle can control both steering and acceleration/deceleration under certain conditions, but the driver must remain alert and ready to take control at any time. 3 Conditional automation. The vehicle can perform all driving tasks under specific conditions, but the driver may still need to intervene in certain situations. 4 High automation. The vehicle can perform all driving tasks under most conditions, and the driver may be able to disengage completely. 5 Full automation. The vehicle can perform all driving tasks under all conditions, and there is no need for a human driver. Key Technologies Enabling Autonomous Driving
The development of autonomous vehicles relies on a complex interplay of various technologies:
Sensor Fusion: Combines data from multiple sensors like cameras, radars, and lidars to create a comprehensive and accurate picture of the vehicle's surroundings. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning: Enables the vehicle to perceive, interpret, and respond to its environment in real-time, making decisions based on complex algorithms and learned patterns. High-Definition Mapping: Provides detailed maps of the environment, including road layouts, lane markings, traffic signs, and other relevant information. Vehicle Control Systems: Actuators and control systems enable the vehicle to execute commands from the autonomous driving system, such as steering, accelerating, braking, and changing lanes. Current State of Autonomous Driving
While fully autonomous vehicles (Level 5) remain a long-term goal, significant progress has been made in developing and deploying lower levels of autonomy.
Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS): Features like adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking 1 are becoming increasingly common in new vehicles, representing Level 1 and Level 2 autonomy. Robotaxis and Autonomous Shuttles: Several companies are testing and deploying autonomous vehicles in controlled environments, such as designated areas within cities or university campuses. These vehicles often operate at Level 4 autonomy, with limited human supervision. Commercial Applications: Autonomous trucks and delivery vehicles are being developed and tested for logistics and transportation applications, offering the potential for increased efficiency and reduced costs. Challenges and Concerns
Despite the significant progress, several challenges and concerns remain on the road to fully autonomous driving:
Technological Limitations: Current sensor technologies and AI algorithms still struggle to handle complex and unpredictable scenarios, such as adverse weather conditions, construction zones, or interactions with pedestrians and cyclists. Safety and Liability: Ensuring the safety of autonomous vehicles and determining liability in the event of accidents are critical concerns that need to be addressed through robust testing, validation, and regulatory frameworks. Public Acceptance: Gaining public trust and acceptance of autonomous vehicles will require addressing concerns about safety, job displacement, and the potential for misuse of the technology. Infrastructure: Widespread adoption of autonomous vehicles will necessitate significant investments in infrastructure, including intelligent transportation systems, high-definition maps, and communication networks. The Transformative Impact of Connectivity and Autonomous Driving
The convergence of connectivity and autonomous driving has the potential to revolutionize the transportation sector and society as a whole:
Improved Safety: By eliminating human error, which is a leading cause of accidents, autonomous vehicles have the potential to significantly reduce fatalities and injuries on the roads. Studies suggest that autonomous vehicles could reduce traffic fatalities by up to 90%.
Increased Efficiency: Connected and autonomous vehicles can optimize traffic flow, reduce congestion, and improve fuel efficiency. This can lead to significant time and cost savings for individuals and businesses, as well as a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.
Enhanced Accessibility: Autonomous vehicles can provide mobility solutions for individuals who are unable to drive, such as the elderly or those with disabilities, enhancing their independence and quality of life.
New Business Models: The advent of autonomous vehicles could give rise to new business models and services, such as ride-hailing, car-sharing, and delivery fleets. These models could transform the way we think about transportation, making it more accessible and affordable for everyone.
Urban Transformation: Autonomous vehicles could lead to a redesign of urban spaces, with less need for parking lots and potentially more space for green areas and pedestrian zones.
The Road Ahead: Navigating the Challenges and Opportunities
The path to a fully connected and autonomous transportation future is filled with both challenges and opportunities. As technology continues to advance and regulatory frameworks evolve, we can expect to see a gradual but steady shift towards a more automated and interconnected transportation landscape.
The automotive industry, along with governments, technology companies, and other stakeholders, will need to collaborate to address the challenges and ensure the safe and responsible deployment of these technologies. Public education and engagement will also be crucial in building trust.
www.GreenGearsAuto.com
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By Counterman
D-A Lubricant Co. announced a new look for its PennGrade passenger-car motor oil and PennGrade1 high-performance oil – a first since D-A acquired the PennGrade name and logo in 2015.
The PennGrade lineup of motor oil for passenger cars is now color-coded to demonstrate the distinct levels of viscosities between the synthetic, full synthetic and premium full synthetic motor oils.
“The refresh on the labeling with the new color system makes it easier for the consumer to identify and differentiate between our good, better and best selection of motor oils for passenger cars,” said D-A Lubricant owner and CEO Mike Protogere. “Depending on the consumer’s price point and what features they are looking for, they can choose the right D-A oil for their car.”
Operated in the United States for 100 years, D-A Lubricant is the first company ever to specialize exclusively in the manufacturing and distribution of heavy-duty lubricants designed especially for heavy-duty equipment, according to D-A.
“D-A is already well-known and highly regarded in the heavy-duty and construction industries, but we want our customers to understand the full breadth of our lubricants and related products, which also includes those for passenger cars,” Protogere said. “We take great pride in our robust product portfolio – from industrial and agriculture to mining, power generation, on-highway transportation and automotive – and want our customers to be more aware of all we offer to fill their lubrication needs.”
Also part of the branding refresh is an updated label for the iconic PennGrade 1 high-performance oil. The redesign helps differentiate PennGrade1 from the rest of the PennGrade family and includes a nod to the Brad Penn logo.
“We want our customers loyal to the Brad Penn brand to know PennGrade 1 – The Original Green Oil – as well as the entire PennGrade 1 product line is the same product today as it has been for decades,” Protogere said. “It continues to use the unique Pennsylvania Grade base oil cut and the specially selected high-zinc, high-phosphorus formulation that’s been known and trusted by high-performance engine builders and vehicle owners for decades.”
Family-owned and operated, D-A Lubricant is located in a state-of-the-art facility in Lebanon, Indiana. The 250,000-square-foot building includes space for offices, blending, processing, packaging, a technical lab, rail loading and offloading and 14 dock doors.
D-A produces engine oils, transmission lubricants, greases, gear lubricants, hydraulic oils, antifreezes, specialty products and industrial grade lubricants.
“D-A has a long history of quality, both in our products and our service,” Protogere said. “We believe this label refresh will create opportunities for a bigger on-shelf presence and awareness of the D-A brand to more customers across the country.”
For more information about D-A Lubricant, visit
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By OReilly Auto Parts
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