Engine oils for cars fitted with LPG systems

Today, engines operate at high temperatures and high operating pressures. This promotes oil oxidation and negatively affects the molecular structure, leading to increased resistance, contamination and deposits in the engine. Gas supply can intensify these phenomena, especially if the installed system is not of very good quality or has been poorly tuned.

One of the most important factors to consider in the context of a gas installation is the combustion temperature of the LPG. It is lower for petrol than for a gas-fuelled engine. A higher temperature in the combustion chamber (sustained over a longer period of time) leads to an increase in the temperature of the entire engine, which directly affects the durability of the cylinder-piston system. One of the main functions of oil is precisely to remove heat from these areas in the engine.

In the case of engines that have proven themselves as models that work well with gas, the stated deviations are within the limits of design reserves.

However, higher temperatures are not without effect on the engine oil - it accelerates oxidation. This phenomenon worsens the lubricating properties and pumpability of the oil. This process leads to an increase in the oil's viscosity, raising its acid number. This can generate sludge that settles on engine components. The latter phenomenon is also favoured by oil nitration. This is an undesirable condition that indicates oil saturation with nitrogen oxide compounds. Their reaction with hydrocarbons, which are contained in engine oil, results in the formation of organic nitrates. This can have a destructive effect on the performance of the additives in the oil, which are gradually being removed.

Another important factor in the effect of LPG fuel on engine oil is the sulphur contained in the fuel. And generally there is much more of it than in petrol. The gas burned in the combustion chamber is transferred as acidic compounds to the crankcase and thus to the oil. This causes acidification of the oil, which can result in corrosion of engine mechanical parts, mainly non-ferrous metal bushings, changes in viscosity and pumpability of the oil and the formation of deposits. This is one of the reasons why shorter change intervals are recommended when running on LPG.

So should we use special oils for engines equipped with LPG systems?

If you use semi-synthetic or synthetic oils of the highest quality, such as TotalEnergies, then don't, because they will still do the job perfectly. It is only important that they meet the quality and viscosity class recommended by the car manufacturer. However, due to oil acidification, we recommend shortening the interval between oil changes by approx. 30% to 50%.

Those using the cheapest mineral engine oils may want to consider replacing their existing oil with a higher quality product.

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.

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

Bartosz Cyran | bartosz.cyran@proautomotive.pl | +48 662 454 679

 This press release, from which no legal consequences may be drawn, is for information purposes only. The entities9 in which TotalEnergies SE directly or indirectly owns investments are separate legal entities. TotalEnergies SE has no liability for their acts or omissions. In this document, the terms “TotalEnergies”, “TotalEnergies “Company” and “Company” are sometimes used for convenience. Likewise, the words “we”, “us” and “our” may also be used to refer to subsidiaries in general or to those who work for them. This document may contain forward-looking information and statements that are based on a number of economic data and assumptions made in a given economic, competitive and regulatory environment. They may prove to be inaccurate in the future and are subject to a number of risk factors. Neither TotalEnergies SE nor any of its subsidiaries assumes any obligation to update publicly any forward-looking information or statement, objectives or trends contained in this document whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.