VLS Bulletin – April 2026 – Case 010228
VLS 010228 – PCEO 5W-30
On 17th April 2025 the case was accepted by VLS.
The complaint concerned compliance against SAE J300 which specifies that no yield stress should be observed when measuring Low Temperature Pumping Viscosity (MRV). On the sample analysed a Low Temperature Pumping Viscosity of 34400 mPa.s at -35°C was recorded which is within specification, but a Yield Stress <70 g was observed, which does not meet the requirements of the ACEA and OEM specifications claimed for the product.
The Lubricant Marketer informed VLS that the issue had been identified previously, the marketer arranged for the testing of a new sample of the product which proved to be compliant and provided the test results to VLS.
VLS accepted the test results showing the product as being compliant as at December 2024 and closed the investigation subject to a six-month review.
On 30th April 2026 VLS undertook a six-month review of the case in line with its stated process.
As part of the review the Lubricant Marketer provided Low Temperature Pumping Viscosity test results from a recent batch of the product which had been tested by a leading ISO 17025 global testing house.
The test results show the MRV to be within specification for SAE J300 and the performance profiles:
MAN M3677/M3477, MAN M3691, SCANIA LDF-4, MB 228.51/228.31, VOLVO VDS-4, RENAULT RLD-3, CUMMINS CES 20081, VECO CLASS E TLS EURO 6 REQUIREMENT, DEUTZ DQC IV-10 LA
Based on the MRV results the product remains in compliance at the six-month stage. VLS is therefore content to close the investigation and the case.
David Wright, Company Secretary of VLS said “We want to ensure we have the highest standards in Europe for lubricant manufacture, blending and marketing, and we want a ‘level playing field’ for all participants, so that we protect the interests of the consumer and other end users.
In the Verification of Lubricant Specifications (UK) Ltd, we have set our course for stronger industry self-regulation by working positively towards more open and transparent competition that benefits all lubricant organisations.”
April 2026
