API CK-4: Opportunity Knocks
Much has changed since API launched its API CK-4 heavy duty engine oil specification in 2016. In a recent article, Afton highlights four main drivers for taking a fresh look at your API CK-4 portfolio:
Emerging markets:China and India have tightened emission limits to improve air quality. In both regions, the need for API CK-4 lubricants looks set to grow significantly helped by government scrappage schemes designed to encourage sales of lower emission vehicles.
Launch of ACEA 2022:
The majority of heavy duty engine oil products carry both an API and ACEA claim. The changes coming into effect with the new ACEA E11 sequence make it very closely aligned with the requirements of API CK-4. Given the two-year window to update their labels with the new ACEA 2022 E11 claim, it’s an ideal time for marketers to review the lubricant technology they are using and their claims to ensure products are fully up-to-date before committing to new labelling.
Proof of performance in Off Road:
Since their launch, API CK-4 engine oils have had time to prove their real world performance for anything up to a million miles, confirming that their products are robust and reliable. The Off Road market has room for API CK-4 fluids which go beyond the specification, ensuring protection for expensive equipment.
Rising diesel costs:
With the current dramatic increases in fuel prices, commercial vehicle operators will no doubt be looking at ways to help reduce cost pressures. API CK-4 has always offered superior wear protection and better oxidation control to previous specifications, with both supporting the extension of an oil drain intervals. Savings like this are likely to be thought of even more favourably in the current environment by fleet owners.
Read the full article below:
API CK-4 is definitely an opportunity and there are good reasons to take another look at this specification and the technologies used to service it. For more information, contact your Afton Chemical representative or fill in for the form on our website.
The article appeared in the August 2022 edition of Lube Magazine.