Proposed Standard Will Help Measure Fuel Economy of Oil

A proposed ASTM International standard will help measure the effects of engine oils on fuel economy in cars and light-duty trucks.

The test will measure fuel consumption at six constant conditions (related to speed, torque, and temperature) for the baseline calibration oil, a test oil, and a repeat of the baseline. The test method is for cars and trucks weighing 3,856 kilograms or less.

According to organizers, the standard could help lubricant manufacturers, fleet maintenance managers, testing laboratories, and original equipment manufacturers.

The standard (WK58204, Test Method for Measurement of Effects of Automotive Engine Oils on

Fuel Economy of Passenger Cars and Light-Duty Trucks

in Sequence VIF Spark Ignition) is being developed by ASTM International’s committee on petroleum products, liquid fuels, and lubricants (D02).