The Effect of Engine Age, Engine Oil Age and Drain Interval on Vehicle Tailpipe Emissions and Fuel Efficiency

A field study was conducted to determine the impact of engine age, engine oil age, drain interval, and engine oil formulation on vehicle tailpipe emissions and fuel efficiency. FTP/HFET emissions and Fuel economy testing was conducted on Ford Vans powered by Ford V10 6.8 Litre gasoline engines at the start of the drain period, mid-way through the drain period and at the end of the drain period. This work was conducted with approximately 50,000 miles on the engine and then repeated at 100,000 miles. It was found that engine age, oil age and drain interval influenced emissions and fuel efficiency. These influences are discussed.