Reconciliation of Engine Oil Performance Characteristics Around the World

Currently there are several different governing bodies which promulgate lubricant performance requirements for their respective engines and geographical areas. While these diverse specifications are effective in the development of satisfactory lubricants, the different test procedures overlap with respect to the measurement of a fundamental property of the lubricant. The net effect is a multitude of engine tests required for the development of lubricants to satisfy the various engine requirements throughout the world. The authors review this lubricant development process and offer suggestions to stimulate current efforts to reconcile these various engine test requirements.