Engine oil contribution to diesel exhaust emissions

The reduction of harmful pollutant emissions as well as CO2 emissions emanating from motor vehicles will be of considerable interest in the coming decades. Emissions legislation will be the guiding principle in the development of new technologies and vehicles. More attention will have to be paid to off-road vehicles, especially tractors, if the production of healthy food and the maintenance of a cleaner environment are not to be compromised. Therefore, one the biggest challenges facing the automotive industry is to improve fuel economy, both to conserve natural resources and to limit pollutants and CO2 emissions. Better fuel efficiency and consequently lower emissions will require new materials, new lubricants and low-emission fuel. Engine lubricants help to improve vehicle efficiency but contribute engine exhaust emissions. This paper deals with the influence of engine lubricants on diesel exhaust emissions. Investigations have shown a clear effect of lubricant oil on emissions, which depends on lube oil characteristics, especially sulfur content, metal content, volatility and density.