Castrol says oil additives may harm warranties

Castrol, Daf and MAN have warned truck operators against trying to save fuel and money by using 'magic' oil additives. Castrol technical manager Brian Utton says: "Any increase or decrease in the level of a single additive or the introduction of a new additive [to a lubricant] can affect the stability of the formulation. This is especially true in terms of wear and deposit protection."

Castrol says the increasing complexity of modern vehicles has meant that lubricants have also become more sophisticated. Utton adds: "For these reasons Castrol, along with most vehicle manufacturers, does not condone the use of aftermarket additives in engine and driveline lubricants." Operators of modern Euro 4 and 5 trucks may risk serious damage to their exhaust emissions control systems by straying from manufacturer's recommendations.

Daf marketing director Tony Pain says: "Operators should ask themselves, if these additives are so good, why they are not in the oils already? By using an additive, you are straying into an unknown territory and, if your vehicle is under warranty, please do not compromise it." Pain points out there are better ways to improve mpg, including tyre type and pressure, aerodynamic kit, tele-matics and driver training.

MAN also advises against the use of the crop of oil additives that promise improved efficiency and economy. Les Bishop, product marketing manager at MAN, says: "If something as simple as an oil additive could have made our engines more economical and efficient I am certain we would have discovered that and built it into the development work.

"While we have every sympathy for operators looking for any advantage they can in this economic climate, the truth is that unapproved additives may risk damage to their engines and could potentially cause problems with any warranty claims in respect of remedial work needed as a result of that."

Operators seeking to get the best fuel consumption from their trucks are advised to consider using the latest low-friction oils rather than expensive and unproven additives, says Castrol.