Technical Backup Motor Factors Can Rely On
Navigating OEM approvals, low-SAPS formulations and ever-tightening viscosity requirements to avoid costly mis-supply are important when manufacturing engine oils. Adrian Hill, Technical Director at Morris Lubricants explains how the UK-based company solves these problems and consistently produces high-quality engine oils for the motor factor sector.
Keeping pace with changing OEM requirements
The world of engine oils continues to evolve as the Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) innovate and bring to market new engine platforms to accommodate the need to reduce emissions. New engine oils are developed by the industry Technology Providers in conjunction with the OEMs through a lengthy programme of liaison and testing, to ensure compliance and that engine oils perform as they should. The outcome is a validated engine oil formulation, using high-quality tailored additive chemistry and approved base oils, that has passed the rigors of bench testing, rig testing and arduous field trials.
As an industry-leading oil blender and manufacturer, Morris Lubricants has the responsibility to commercialise these oil formulations. This is done by manufacturing the engine oils using the correct high-quality base oils and additives to the precise chemical blend as set in the formulations. The resultant high-quality engine oil is then supplied to the aftermarket via motor factors who in turn supply the end user. Continued communication with the leading Technology Providers keeps Morris Lubricants’ engine oils relevant to the emerging OEM requirements. Essential documentation is available, if requested by the customer, supporting any industry claims or specifications made on the finished engine oil.
To keep up to date, Morris Lubricants are active members of industry bodies, committees and steering groups, enabling the company to stay informed when legislation changes or codes of conduct are updated. These factors can also result in different or additional engine oils being produced to meet these changing requirements. Involvement like this has increased in importance over recent years, as topics such as sustainability have become high up on the agenda and are becoming the driving force in modern businesses. At Morris Lubricants, the senior leadership members and cross functional teams refine business practices and implement operational improvements across all areas of the company.
Quality control from raw materials to finished product
Continuing to produce high-quality engine oils is therefore paramount for all at Morris Lubricants. The manufacturing process is strictly controlled to ensure the integrity of every litre of engine oil that leaves the company’s production facility.
Continued investment in Morris Lubricants’ infrastructure yields operational efficiencies, high-quality consistency and process accuracy. This is also backed by thorough product quality testing. Samples are taken and quality tested from the raw materials that arrive on site, through to engine oils blended in the factory and finally the filled products ready to be sent out to the motor factors across the UK.
Why precise oil selection matters
This drive for accuracy and precision at Morris Lubricants means that the correct products are manufactured. The new generation of engine oil formulations entering the market are tailored to meet specific demands with tighter and tighter limits, whether that’s innovative chemistry or more advanced physical properties. This is resulting in a new generation of OEM-specific engine oils that in many cases are not compatible with older engines. For example, the newer thinner oil grades with ultra-thin oil films, such as 0W-20s, 0W-16s and even 0W-8s are becoming commonplace, providing rapid circulation for hybrid engines and improved fuel economy (and therefore reduced emissions). A note of caution needs to be made here as these thinner oil grades with ultra-thin oil films will cause accelerated wear if used in older engine designs.
OEM and International specifications set limits that control the amount of sulphated ash formed (when oil is burned in the combustion chamber) and chemically restricts the levels of sulphur and phosphorous. This is generally referred to as low SAPS (Sulphated Ash, Phosphorous and Sulphur). This is important as it ensures, where fitted, particulate filters (diesel particulate filters and petrol particulate filters) don’t become prematurely blocked with ash and catalysts (three-way catalysts and AdBlue catalysts) do not become poisoned by sulphur and phosphorous reducing their service life. The engine oil is precisely formulated to comply with these low SAPS limits.
On top of these performance requirements, it is also essential that the engine oil performs to keep engine components clean and deposit free, limit wear, control corrosion and stop the effects of soot. The service life and efficiency of an engine can be badly affected by poor oil choice, resulting in reduced reliability, increased workshop time and more expense.
This may sound confusing, but not to worry as Morris Lubricants' dedicated technical support team are on hand to help Motor Factors select the correct oils and lubricants.
Multivis: a range of engine oils for different makes of passenger cars
Multivis from Morris Lubricants provides a wide range of high-quality engine oils that are formulated for use in many different brands of diesel, petrol or hybrid engines. The chemical profiles and precise oil formulations in the Morris Lubricants’ Multivis range of engine oils are tailored carefully to ensure maximum component protection and aftertreatment device compatibility.
The company also provides a range of antifreeze coolants as well as transmission and differential oils for a wide variety of brands of passenger cars.
Further information about Morris Lubricants’ range of passenger car oils and antifreeze coolants can be found here.