The design and operating conditions of European gasoline engines, without being basically different from those of American engines, nonetheless have various original aspects. The special lubrication requirements resulting from this are reflected in both the composition of motor oils and in their bench testing methods.
This paper attempts to analyze the physico chemical properties and performances in gasoline engines of a few recent oils that are representative of the European market. The leading properties are: viscometric properties, ash content, elastomer compatibility, volatility, mechanical and thermal shear strength, corrosion resistance, sticking resistance, deposit formation resistance, preignition resistance, wear resistance, etc…
These experimental results are obvious scientific and technical justification for CEC test methods, including both operational ones and others being researched.