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Starting in March, drivers must prepare for the arrival of the new specification for engine lubricants: SQ. With benefits such as greater efficiency in fuel consumption and emissions control, these lubricants promise to enhance performance.
The automotive industry is about to undergo a significant transformation when it comes to engine lubrication.
In March 2025, a new global lubricant oil specification will come into effect, replacing the current SP category established by the American Petroleum Institute (API).
This update follows the alphabetical order and will be called SQ, representing an advancement in lubrication technology.
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The last major change in this sector occurred in May 2020, amid the Covid-19 pandemic, and brought adjustments to meet stricter environmental standards.
Now, this new specification aims not only to improve engine performance but also to reduce fuel consumption and minimize environmental impacts.
However, despite the benefits, the high cost still represents a significant obstacle, especially in Brazil.
New Standards for an Evolving Market
According to experts, many drivers are still unaware of the correct oil specifications for their vehicles.
It is estimated that around 70% of car owners in Brazil do not know the appropriate specifications for their engines, which can result in lower efficiency and even mechanical damage.
Danilo Sad, additives manager at Lubrizol in Latin America, explains that the new SQ specification meets the needs of modern engines, which have evolved significantly in recent years.
“Engines have undergone major changes, such as increased compression ratios, the adoption of turbochargers, and direct fuel injection.
An appropriate oil is essential to ensure the durability of these components“, says the expert.
Lubricants are classified according to their viscosity, expressed in numbers separated by the letter “W” (from winter).
This measure indicates the behavior of the oil at low and high temperatures. Lower viscosity oils flow more quickly in the engine, reducing friction and optimizing performance.
The Brazilian Market and the Challenge of Updating
In Brazil, the consumption of lubricant oil for engines is significant: about 200 million liters per year, according to calculations by Lubrizol.
However, more than 60% of this volume is still made up of old specifications, such as 15W40 and 20W50, which were introduced over three decades ago and are inadequate for modern engines.
This means that a large number of vehicles manufactured in the last 20 years may be operating without proper lubrication.
This issue affects not only the performance of automobiles but also fuel consumption and pollutant emissions.
The Impact on Hybrid and Electric Cars
With the growing popularity of hybrid vehicles, which combine combustion and electric engines, new challenges arise for the lubricant industry.
The combustion engine of these vehicles starts and stops multiple times during a trip, requiring oil with high resistance to thermal and chemical degradation.
Manufacturers recommend using lubricants approved for each model, ensuring greater efficiency and durability of the engine.
“The pursuit of greater energy efficiency and emission reductions is driving the development of more advanced products”, says Marcelo Martini, sales manager at Fuchs, an independent lubricant manufacturer.
While in Brazil specifications such as 0W20 and 0W40 are still being consolidated, more advanced markets like Europe and Japan are already operating with even lower viscosity products, such as 0W16 and even 0W08. These options reduce internal friction and maximize engine performance.
The Future of Automotive Lubricants
The adoption of the new SQ specification should follow a gradual pace, with automakers and lubricant manufacturers promoting adaptations and awareness campaigns.
The transition to next-generation oils can bring benefits such as reduced engine wear, lower maintenance costs, and improved energy efficiency.
In light of this change, experts recommend that drivers check in the vehicle manual what the correct oil specification is and avoid incompatible products that can compromise engine performance in the long run.
Additionally, staying informed about sector updates can be a differentiator in preserving the vehicle and saving fuel.
With the evolution of automotive technology and the growing concern for sustainability, the lubricant industry will continue to develop increasingly innovative solutions.
The new SQ specification represents an important step in this journey, ensuring more efficient and less polluting engines for the future.
Enquanto isso uma gasolina podre talvez a pior do mundo aditivada com alcool e acham importante falar de óleo?
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