Reducing friction between surfaces that connect, automotive lubricants create an essential film that reduces wear. Constant contact between two moving surfaces can generate a huge amount of heat and causes abrasion that must be reduced for machinery to work properly. The job of lubricants is to keep engines running cool and running smoothly.New Blending TechnologyAutomotive lubricants are continually being analyzed and improved to find the most appropriate blends for specific tasks. Essentially, lubricants need to possess a high boiling point and low freezing point, as well as thermal and hydraulic stability. Also vital are a lubricant’s ability to release water, prevent corrosion of parts and resist oxidation. New blending technology is encouraging formulations to emerge that enhance machine lifetimes and reliability.The Viscosity IndexInformally, viscosity is the measure of ‘thickness’ of a liquid. Oil is thicker than water, and automotive lubricants are at their best when the film created by the lubricant provides a strong barrier to wear without losing fluid movement between parts. The most vital property of any lubricant is its viscosity. Gasoline engine oils for example, overcome the limits of other more general oils and are specifically designed to improve performance in passenger cars, minimizing sludge and preventing oxidation.Ignition PerformanceSpark ignition and compression ignition engines rely on automotive lubricants to function well. A careful balance of base oil and numerous additives blended together promise better ignition performance. Depending on the engine ignition requirements, these additives are a blend of a number of additive families. These include antioxidants, detergents, metal deactivators, friction modifiers, anti-foaming agents and other additives enhancing ignition performance.Reliable Automotive LubricantsThe challenge for lubricant manufacturers of this century is to understand an ever-increasing range of lubricant functions. Creating blends to match the most stringent requirements, the lubrication industry demands constant innovation. Companies with strong research and development units are the forerunners of new formulations of reliable automotive lubricants.Meeting Industry demandsThe automotive industry demands high value creation and cost-effectiveness. Formulating automotive lubricants using customer insights is becoming a crucial process. Manufacturers are provided with information critical to developing new formulations, and acknowledge the most important role in the value chain. Incorporating additives with really fine particles – Nano WS2 technology – ensures the industry demand for effective lubricants is being met with advanced research and development.Selecting LubricantsThe market for automotive lubricants is becoming more discerning. Access to an ever-expanding circle of knowledge and the ability to expose poorer quality products is driving the desire for perfection in lubricant production. There’s a focus on the role of antioxidants in reducing emissions, and extending the life of engines through extending lubricant life. New engine specifications are also influencing lubricant selection.