What is the PC-12 engine oil category and how will it impact my fleet?
By Darryl Purificati
Engine oil is the lifeblood of heavy-duty waste vehicles, lubricating the internal hardware to help maintain performance, protection, and longevity. The lubricant is vital to protecting the engine鈥檚 internal components, or the 鈥榟eart鈥� of the vehicle.
In response to the latest greenhouse gas and fuel mileage regulations proposed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the California Air Resources Board (CARB), engine oil requirements are changing. More stringent emission requirements will be a challenge for Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and the American Petroleum Institute (API) has begun work on its latest heavy-duty engine oil category鈥擯C-12.
In this article, I will share what we know so far, what we can expect from PC-12 and how waste fleets can prepare for the upcoming requirements and changes.
What Will the PC-12 Engine Oil Category Include?
The new specification is yet to be finalized, but we do know it is being developed to align with the needs of the latest engine technologies and new regulation guidelines, supporting OEMs to meet these demands. The first licensing of oils under the standard is targeted for January 1, 2027.
In April 2023, the much-anticipated Phase 3 of the federal Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Standards for heavy-duty vehicles was announced. The proposal from the EPA is currently under review by the American Trucking Association, however, it is apparent that stronger pollution standards will be implemented for all vehicles, surpassing what was laid out in 2016鈥檚 GHG Phase 2. This change in criteria will likely impact the development of the upcoming PC-12 engine oil category and the tests it must undergo.1
Although the details are not yet finalized, we can expect PC-12 to deliver lubricants with increased wear protection and oxidation control, providing protection for engines working harder under intense stress and operating temperatures. This is good news for waste fleets as we know that few industries give their equipment a tougher time than the refuse handling sector.
Additionally, PC-12 is expected to continue the trend towards lower viscosity oils, while maintaining durability and improving performance using the latest lubricant technology. These factors will contribute to improved fuel economy and reduced carbon emissions for fleets.
Two Sub-Categories
PC-12 is expected to have two subcategories鈥攐ne that is backward compatible, building on current technologies, and another which will not be backward compatible, offering additional benefits based on lower high-temperature high shear (HTHS) oil viscosity.
OEMs that have developed specific hardware architecture can take advantage of lower HTHS oils. However, as these oils are not compatible with some hardware architecture operating on traditional HTHS levels, two sub-categories are required.
The lower HTHS subcategory will offer even lower viscosity grades (possibly even SAE xW-20s) that can still provide outstanding durability and wear protection, while further reducing viscous drag to improve overall fuel economy.
Both sub-categories will undergo rigorous testing so that customers can trust that all viscosity grades have very high levels of protection of the engine鈥檚 componentry. This may result in new tests developed based on the new engine architecture, such as the proposed new engine scuffing test and wear test, although these tests are yet to be confirmed.
Chemical limits are also still being investigated. There are several options currently being explored including keeping within existing limits, aligning the limits with the ACEA, the European Automobile Manufacturers鈥� Association, or pushing the boundaries of the lubricant, for example, aiming for a lower ash content.
Steps to Prepare for PC-12
Ahead of the introduction of PC-12, fleet owners should consider what new equipment they may need to purchase over the next few years to take advantage of the upcoming category once it arrives. The process of ordering a vehicle or equipment to delivery can take a substantial amount of time, so it is important to start making plans now.
Waste fleet owners can investigate equipment requirements and the impact these have on OEM engine oil recommendations now. This will allow your fleet to begin exploring lower viscosity lubricants, such as SAE 10W-30 engine oils, which can improve engine efficiency, as well as low viscosity transmission and driveline fluids, which can also support fuel economy efforts. By doing this work in advance, you can maximize the benefits PC-12 lubricants will offer to your fleet once they are available. | WA
How can Lubricant Experts Support My Fleet Ahead of the Transition?
When making any changes to your lubricants and greases, it is vital to talk to your lubricant technical service advisor. As experts, they provide key insights into how the industry is preparing for the new specification鈥檚 introduction and what to do to prepare your fleet.
Lubricant experts can provide guidance on whether it is appropriate to change your engine oil or whether its possible to consolidate your stock of lubricants. Technical expertise can also identify opportunities to find efficiencies within your operation by, for example, optimizing oil drain intervals or getting more from your oil analysis data.
Darryl Purificati is Senior Technical Advisor of OEM/Automotive for Petro-Canada Lubricants, an HF Sinclair brand, and chair of the American Petroleum Institute (API) lubricants committee. While there is still much work to be done in preparation for the launch of PC-12 oils, Petro-Canada Lubricants is working alongside industry partners to remain up-to-date on the latest developments and insights coming out of the category. Did you know that in line with the low viscosity trend that PC-12 is expected to follow, Petro-Canada Lubricants has already produced and trialed an SAE 0W-20 prototype on a real-world on-highway fleet, with impressive results? Petro-Canada Lubricants is committed to innovating to meet the evolving lubricant needs of heavy-duty fleets, whatever they may be. This means dedicated experts can support your waste fleet every step of the way to PC-12. For more information on PC-12 or to get in touch with their team, visit .
Note
www.fleetowner.com/emissions-efficiency/article/21263805/epa-proposes-even-stronger-pollution-standards-for-trucks-and-cars
Reference
www.epa.gov/regulations-emissions-vehicles-and-engines/regulations-greenhouse-gas-emissions-commercial-trucks