DPFs effectively reduce emissions of particulate matter by collecting

and storing incombustible particles in the form of ash and soot.

However, most of the ash that collects in the DPF comes from

consumed lubricant. Even today’s lowest-ash oils clog DPFs, often

resulting in greater backpressure, more frequent forced

regenerations and increased fuel consumption.

Oil specifications have changed over time to keep up with lower-emissions demands but

have not specifically addressed improving the performance of aftertreatment systems. The

percentage of ash-forming metallic additives in oils was limited to a maximum of 1% with the

introduction of API CJ-4 specs in 2006, and this maximum has remained at 1% under the API

CK-4 standard, introduced in 2016. Unfortunately, it’s still not low enough to maximize

the lifespan of the DPF, meaning the technological advancement of aftertreatment systems

has outpaced today’s lubricants. Until now.