Chevron's New Engine Oil Blends Target DPF Clogging
Engine oil plays a crucial role in how vehicles operate, affecting systems beyond just the engine. For diesel truck owners, one major issue is their vehicle's diesel particulate filter (DPF), which can clog with soot faster due to certain oil blends.
Shawn Whitacre, principal engineer at Chevron Lubricants, noted that diesel exhaust and after-treatment systems have significantly impacted how engine oil is made. To prevent DPFs from plugging up, the company had to reduce oil additives like sulfated ash.
The new PC-12 oil category takes this further by using synthetic dispersants and non-metallic anti-wear agents instead of zinc and phosphorus for anti-wear, or calcium and magnesium for acid neutralization. This should lead to smoother operation and fewer DPF regeneration events.
The American Petroleum Institute approved the PC-12 category license earlier this year to meet EPA 2027 heavy-duty engine regulations. Engine manufacturers must reduce particulates by 50% and nitrogen oxide emissions by as much as 90%. A new oil category was necessary to help these engine makers hit their goals.