Improving the Fuel Saving Benefits of Synthetic Engine Oils

A comprehensive study was conducted to evaluate additives for their ability to reduce the coefficient of friction of synthetic engine oils using a laboratory bench test apparatus. A class of additives was identified that also proved effective in providing fuel economy benefits when tested in vehicle dynamometer evaluations. Additional investigations using the proposed ASTM Five Car Energy Conserving Engine Oil Test Procedure confirmed the fuel saving performance of this specific additive class. This paper also discusses overall engine performance of synthetic engine oils formulated using this unique type of friction reducing additive. A full series of API SF/CC/CD quality level sequence tests, including critical extended length evaluations, was performed and excellent performance was demonstrated.