Shockingly, 35 percent of the engine oil in the surveyed Western European commercial vehicle fleet, and 37 percent in the Eastern European fleet, were non-ACEA or obsolete ACEA quality oils. High quality, low-SAPS ACEA E6 oils accounted for 26 percent of the oil in the Western European fleet and 18 percent in Eastern Europe. Other current ACEA E quality oils made up the rest.

Three of Europes largest vehicle manufacturers (Daimler, MAN and DAF), with a combined market share of 51 percent, recommend the use of 10W-40 ACEA E6 quality diesel engine oils, Peal noted. Renault/RVI and Volvo, with combined market share of 19 percent, recommend 10W-30 ACEA E9 quality oils.

Given the large volumes of questionable engine oil in use, its not surprising that a significant number of surveyed fleet managers reported lubricant-related concerns:

36 percent of the end users had issues with after-treatment devices, including faulty emissions and damage to systems;

37 percent had issues with turbo-charger deposits and failures;

37 percent were concerned about piston deposits and associated problems;

and 38 percent were concerned with soot build up.

Simply using the correct quality lubricant, together with a good lubrication program, can prevent major engine hardware and component issues, Peal concluded.

And service-fill specifications are continuing to evolve, to provide better protection, increase fuel economy and lower emissions. See our story Engine Oils Moving Forward on page 20 about new specs from Mercedes-Benz and Ford.