Dealing with Addressing LSPI in mixed fleets

Many fleet operators are interested in minimizing the number of engine oils they need to carry for their fleets, ideally seeking one solution that works across a mix of heavy, medium and light-duty vehicle types.

Lately, however, operators have had to rethink their approach in light of the phenomenon called Low-Speed Pre-Ignition, or LSPI, which could affect the lighter, gasoline-powered vehicles in their fleets.

A little background is helpful in understanding this issue. 

Over the last decade, auto manufacturers have been under pressure to meet more stringent fuel economy and greenhouse gas emission standards. While these efforts have focused primarily on passenger cars, they also extend to light-duty trucks often used in fleet operations.

OEMs responded to this challenge by introducing a new generation of smaller gasoline direct injection (GDI) and turbocharged engines, which are designed to deliver greater fuel economy and emission control than conventional gas engines without compromising on power and performance. However, an unforeseen consequence of generating more power from downsized engines is an increase in instances of LSPI, which refers to premature engine combustion prior to spark ignition that occurs at low speeds under heavy loads. At a minimum, LSPI can cause severe knocking and, at worst, catastrophic damage to critical engine components.

The solution

In response, the American Petroleum Institute introduced a specification, API SN Plus, and called upon lubricant producers like Chevron to come up with solutions to this problem. This has been described as a “supplemental standard” to the existing API SN specification specifically addressing LSPI mitigation. May 1, 2018 was the first license date for the new spec.

On the automotive side of Chevron’s business, the Havoline® ProDS® Fully Synthetic ECO 5 0W-20 or Havoline® ProDS® Fully Synthetic ECO 5 5W-30) already address LSPI issues, far beyond the requirements specified for the API SN Plus. Also, we are in process of upgrading the line of Havoline passenger car motor oil (PCMO) to further protect engines against LSPI. Therefore, Havoline is definitely the way to go if you’re looking for a solution specifically for your fleet of gas-powered light-duty trucks.

However, if you are looking for a single oil for a mixed fleet of light-to-heavy duty vehicles, including diesel, we have a viable solution for you as well. Our Delo® 400 XLE SAE 10W-30, Delo® 400 XSP SAE 5W-40 and Delo® 400 XSP SAE 5W-30;are now recommended for use in API SN Plus applications. The Delo brand is well established for light-duty and mixed fleet applications. In fact, the Delo 400 product line is the only one in the industry that meets the existing API SN specification across the entire line. Building on that strength, we are pursuing a product strategy of delivering API SN Plus performance for syn-blend and synthetic products with viscosity grades of greatest interest to the light-duty market.

This is another instance when the choice of an oil can make a clear-cut difference in protecting engines against severe consequences, particularly in GDI engines. We are actively working to help our fleet customers take advantage of today’s fuel-efficient engine technologies while reducing the risk of engine damage from LSPI. As always, we welcome your questions.