The development of new engine oils is a lengthy and daunting task.
Global researchers spend years working with scientists and engineers developing fuels that will meet all government and industry standards as it relates to fuel economy and emissions regulations.
That’s why December’s roll out of CK-4 and FA-4, which was known as PC-11, drew so much ire and worry throughout the industry.
But, three months later, the move to the new oils couldn’t have gone much smoother, officials from oil companies Shell and Chevron said Tuesday during the Technology & Maintenance Council Annual Meeting in Nashville, Tenn.
Dan Arcy, Shell’s global OEM technical manager, said it took more than five-and-a-half years to develop the PC-11 category and prepare for its release. The company has about 50 million miles of testing completed on the oils.
“It’s going really well,” Arcy said. “We are continuing test and prepare for the future but we feel this has gone really well.”
Megan Pino, Shell Rotella’s global brand manager, said most of the worries and concern came early in the process, but by the time the oils were ready to be released, most consumers had few hesitations.
