Synthetic Automotive Lubricants for Superior Low-Temperature Operation

By controlling their molecular structure, synthesized base fluids can be produced which provide optimal properties for formulating lubricants. One of these properties is outstanding low-temperature fluidity. This paper describes a range of fully synthetic automotive lubricants, including engine oil, gear oil and automatic transmission fluid, which through the use of selected synthetic hydrocarbon fluids have shown superior properties for low-temperature operation. The low-temperature benefits of these optimized synthetic formulations compared to mineral oils are demonstrated by physical property analysis, laboratory bench tests for flow, cranking and pumpability, and full-scale vehicle cold-starting tests. These results are confirmed in low-temperature operations in commercial applications.