Why To Use Dedicated BSVI Engine Oils?

26 Jun 2024

Index:

• Introduction
• Compliance with BS-VI Standards
• Enhanced Engine Protection
• Improved Fuel Efficiency
• Compatibility with Advanced Engine Technologies
• Reduced Environmental Impact
• Warranty Compliance
• Extended Oil Change Intervals
• Variants
• Conclusion

In recent years, the automotive industry has undergone significant transformations to meet stringent environmental regulations and technological advancements. One crucial aspect of these changes is the introduction of Bharat Stage VI (BS-VI) emission norms in India, aimed at reducing vehicular pollution and improving air quality. Alongside these regulatory updates, there has been a corresponding evolution in the lubricants used in vehicles, specifically the introduction of dedicated BS-VI engine oils. These oils are designed to meet the unique requirements of BS-VI compliant engines, offering several distinct advantages over their predecessors. This blog explores the reasons why using dedicated BS-VI engine oils is crucial for modern vehicles.

Compliance with BS-VI Standards

BS-VI engines operate under stricter emission norms compared to their BS-IV counterparts. These engines are designed to reduce harmful pollutants such as nitrogen oxides (NOx), particulate matter (PM), and hydrocarbons. To achieve optimal performance and compliance with these standards, manufacturers recommend using BS-VI compliant engine oils. These oils are formulated with advanced additives and base oils that minimize friction, reduce emissions, and maintain engine cleanliness more effectively than previous formulations.

Enhanced Engine Protection

Modern engines, especially those complying with BS-VI norms, operate at higher temperatures and pressures to achieve better fuel efficiency and lower emissions. Dedicated BS-VI engine oils are engineered to withstand these harsher conditions while providing superior lubrication and wear protection. They contain additives that prevent sludge buildup, reduce oxidation, and maintain oil viscosity over extended service intervals. This results in enhanced engine durability and reliability, ultimately prolonging the engine's lifespan.

Improved Fuel Efficiency

BS-VI engine oils contribute to improved fuel efficiency by reducing internal friction within the engine. Lower friction translates to less energy loss during operation, allowing the engine to convert more of the fuel's energy into forward motion. As a result, vehicles equipped with BS-VI compliant engine oils may experience slightly better mileage compared to those using older oil formulations. This benefit not only saves fuel costs but also aligns with global efforts to reduce carbon emissions and conserve natural resources.

Compatibility with Advanced Engine Technologies

BS-VI engines often incorporate advanced technologies such as turbocharging, direct fuel injection, and variable valve timing systems. These technologies place specific demands on lubricants to ensure optimal performance and longevity. Dedicated BS-VI engine oils are formulated to be compatible with these advanced engine technologies, providing the necessary protection and performance characteristics required by modern engine designs. Using the right oil ensures that these technologies operate efficiently and reliably over the vehicle's lifespan.

Reduced Environmental Impact

By using BS-VI compliant engine oils, vehicle owners contribute to reducing their environmental footprint. These oils are designed to minimize emissions of pollutants such as sulfur compounds and ash, which can degrade air quality and harm human health. Furthermore, the improved fuel efficiency associated with BS-VI oils indirectly reduces carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, supporting efforts to combat climate change and promote sustainable transportation practices.

Warranty Compliance

Many vehicle manufacturers specify the use of BS-VI compliant engine oils to maintain warranty coverage. Using non-compliant oils may void the warranty, as these oils may not provide adequate protection or meet the specific requirements of BS-VI engines. Therefore, vehicle owners are encouraged to follow manufacturer recommendations and use dedicated BS-VI engine oils to ensure warranty compliance and protect their investment in the vehicle.

Extended Oil Change Intervals

BS-VI engine oils are formulated to maintain their performance properties over longer periods, allowing for extended oil change intervals compared to older oil formulations. This not only reduces maintenance costs and inconvenience for vehicle owners but also promotes sustainable consumption of resources. Extended oil change intervals contribute to less used oil waste and lower overall environmental impact associated with oil disposal and recycling.

Variants

Air pollution is now a global health risk specifically in and around the geographies with high concentration of particulates (PM2.5 or below) and other gaseous pollutants. As we inhale, these pollutants get into our lungs and blood stream and cause serious respiratory issues, heart disease, lung cancer, stroke and asthma. Some of us might be the sufferers too.

Particulates here we refer to are solid particles of size much smaller than a tiny sand grain. Dust from construction sites, smoke stacks, fires, combustion and other chemical reaction by products from power plants, manufacturing and processing units and automobiles are the sources.

Courtesy : US EPA

With Bharat Stage VI, India has levied stringent limit to further reduce these PM emission from automobiles.

The particle mass limits are now so low that measurement accuracy and sensitivity are an issue, which has prompted the introduction of limits on particle number, which is easier to measure. To meet these stringent limits Diesel Particulate Filters (DPF) / Gasoline Particulate filters (GPF; for Gasoline direct injection vehicles) have become inevitable in BS VI vehicles.

Coming to lubricants, conventional engine oil components can lead to premature blocking of these filter elements along with poisoning of other after treatment devices. This results in engine back pressure and reduced efficiency. Replacing these hardware elements involve a significant cost. Also, incorrect choice of lubricants can defy the BS VI emission targets and can prove ‘Penny wise pound foolish’ for end users.

Hence the need for dedicated BSVI engine oils.

Gulf range of BS VI engine oils are curated for Indian driving conditions and have undergone rigorous validation across various vehicle platforms ensuring the performance customers can rely upon.

https://india.gulfoilltd.com Please click here/ visit segment specific pages for product details.

Conclusion

The transition to BS-VI emission norms represents a significant advancement in environmental stewardship and vehicle technology. Central to this transition are dedicated BS-VI engine oils, which play a crucial role in ensuring the optimal performance, longevity, and environmental responsibility of modern vehicles. By using these oils, vehicle owners not only comply with regulatory requirements but also benefit from enhanced engine protection, improved fuel efficiency, and reduced environmental impact. As the automotive industry continues to evolve, embracing BS-VI engine oils is a proactive step towards achieving sustainable and efficient transportation solutions for the future.