Downsizing and the quality and frequency of engine oil changes

15 October 2021

Downsizing of engines is a trend that has been widely implemented by vehicle manufacturers for many years. This is related, on the one hand, to the optimization of fuel consumption and the space under the hood, and on the other hand, to the need to meet increasingly stringent exhaust cleanliness standards. However, the definition of this phenomenon is not uniform. In addition, it is worth considering whether downsized engines require different rules when it comes to the quality and frequency of engine oil replacement?

Contrary to appearances, the definition of downsizing is not to install "small engines in large cars". Downsizing is replacing a larger engine with a smaller, more strenuous and thus more efficient, with similar or better power and torque parameters. Such an engine simultaneously achieves better results in fuel consumption tests and exhaust gas purity tests. This does not automatically mean that it will be a small engine, because the small unit is certainly not the 1.6 or 1.8, which after downsizing get the power previously developed by engines with a capacity of three liters or more. Today, the aim is to ensure that engines are as economical as possible under low load, and that they still consume little fuel under medium load. Of course, downzising is to some extent also related to reducing the physical size of the engine - more things are simply "crammed" into less space, which is also evident in the placement of the gear. This allows to reduce the weight of the engine, which indirectly translates into lower fuel consumption. How does the issue of oil selection and change relate to this trend?

“Low Speed Pre-Ignition (L.S.P.I) (Low Speed Pre-Ignition), a pre-ignition at low engine speed, can occur in low-displacement engines equipped with turbochargers and direct injection (GTDi). This is so dangerous that the rings and pistons may be damaged. Extensive research in many research centers of automotive companies in cooperation with oil producers has proven that the use of oil of appropriate viscosity, quality, base composition and appropriate additives can reduce or even eliminate this phenomenon. Car manufacturers have announced new oil approvals for GTDi engines. The use of properly approved oils has become a key factor in the lifetime of this type of engines. The new engines have a "tighter" fit and are more thermally stressed. Therefore, it is necessary to use low viscosities of oil, e.g. 0W-30, 0W-20 or even 0W-16. In the Quartz range, TotalEnergies has products with the latest approvals for use in this type of engines” - explains Andrzej Husiatyński, Head of the Technical Department at TotalEnergies Marketing Polska.

In terms of accessories, a turbocharger is a commonly used addition to downsized engines. Driven by exhaust gases, it increases the amount of air delivered individually to the cylinders. Before that, the compressed air is additionally cooled by an intercooler. It is thanks to the turbocharger that it is possible to increase the power of the engine with a smaller displacement. An indirect effect of its use is a change in the characteristics of the drive unit, but also lower exhaust emissions, which is in line with the idea of downsizing. The turbocharger is lubricated with engine oil. The rotations of the rotor rotating in it reach even 200,000 revolutions / min. For this reason, it is particularly exposed to poor oil quality, contamination and overheating, usually the result of a lack of oil (e.g. oil leakage).

It is extremely important for these engines to be serviced regularly. As a rule, their service life is estimated at approx. 200-300 thousand. kilometers, which should additionally prompt you to perform regular service activities, including checking the condition and changing the oil. The manufacturer's instructions should be followed, however, taking into account the conditions in which the engine is operated.

“Modern oil allows you to travel more kilometers without having to change it, which is related to economy and ecology. However, each manufacturer indicates in the vehicle manual that this applies to normal operating conditions, e.g. steady driving on the motorway, without excessive load. We then have constant pressure and constant temperature. Severe working conditions require shortening this mileage. For example, the number of engine starts is important. If someone is a pizza delivery man or courier and starts the engine 30-40 times a day, then the oil is heavily loaded. Similarly, it is unfavorable to drive short distances or stand in traffic jams, which do not allow the oil to warm up properly, and thus activate additives and evaporate fuel”- explains Adam Klimek, Team TotalEnergies expert.

About TotalEnergies

TotalEnergies is a broad energy company that produces and markets energies on a global scale: oil and biofuels, natural gas and green gases, renewables and electricity. Our 105,000 employees are committed to energy that is ever more affordable, clean, reliable and accessible to as many people as possible. Active in more than 130 countries, TotalEnergies puts sustainable development in all its dimensions at the heart of its projects and operations to contribute to the well-being of people.

About TotalEnergies Marketing Polska

TotalEnergies Marketing Polska has operated in Poland since 1992 and has an established position in the engine oil market. It offers products of two recognised brands, TotalEnergies and Elf. The company has also been rapidly developing the sale of asphalts and has been present on the market of industrial special fluids since 2008. In 2010, TotalEnergies Marketing Polska started imports and wholesale of fuels. In December 2014, the company launched its first petrol stations in Poland, thus entering the retail market. www.totalenergies.pl

Contact details for media:
Bartosz Cyran | bartosz.cyran@proautomotive.pl | +48 662 454 679

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