Brazilian fleet far from recommendations
Brazilian fleet far from recommendations – A study shows that in Brazil, almost 67% of the national car fleet is under 12 years old, with 27% being even younger, under 7 years old. Therefore, it would be expected that, following the main recommendations of vehicle manufacturers, the volume of low-viscosity, high-performance lubricating oils sold in the country would exceed 60%, however, the reality is that we are far from this level.
According to information from lubricating oil producers, about 43% of the oils sold in the Brazilian market are semi-synthetic with viscosity grades of 10W40 and 15W40. And, even worse, 26% are mineral oils with a viscosity of 20W50, which should not exceed 2% to cater to a small number of still-existing vehicles.
Besides automobiles, heavy diesel engine vehicles follow the same trend, with the latest API CK-4 and CJ-4 classifications for the current fleet supposed to represent about 56% of the market, they do not exceed 20%, and the API CI-4 classification, with 54% of sales, represents almost double what it should be if the main requirements of vehicle manufacturers were met.
ICONIC Lubricants, in its studies, points out that the use of these inappropriate oils directly affects the performance of vehicles, especially newer ones, in the following main aspects:
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- Increase in emissions of polluting gases;
- Reduction in engine performance and lifespan;
- Damage to fuel economy and CO2 emissions.
The literature shows that lubricants are crucial in reducing vehicle emissions and that large investments focused on energy efficiency in the automotive chain, such as the PROCONVE, Inovar Auto, and ROTA 2030 programs, are severely compromised by this market usage profile.
In this way, Iconic reaffirms that consumer awareness and information are crucial for promoting correct and more sustainable choices and reminds us that vehicle manuals should be clear and precise about the use of the correct lubricant and further highlight the impact of using inappropriate products.
The main entities in the sector are already mobilizing around a positive agenda that would include the Association of Automotive Engineering (AEA), National Agency of Petroleum, Natural Gas and Biofuels (ANP), Brazilian Institute of Oil and Gas (IBP/ABD), Simepetro, and Sindilub, seeking the engagement of vehicle manufacturers and other stakeholders, looking for opportunities to improve communication and dissemination to consumers.
