Low SAPS and Diesel post treatment

The Low Down on Low SAPS and Diesel Post Treatment

In the quest to reduce the environmental impact of vehicles, manufacturers continue to implement new technologies to combat pollutants. Reducing emissions via exhaust based filtration is one of the most efficient methods of doing this.  Working hand in hand with these systems for a cleaner world are ‘Low SAPS’ lubricants.

SAPS refers to Sulphated Ash, Phosphorous and Sulphur, all ingredients contained in lubricants.  The problem for vehicle manufacturers is that SAPS can have a harmful effect on these vehicle post treatment systems. Most modern diesel powered passenger cars and SUV’s now have a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) fitted at minimum, while many more now also incorporate an additional Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) system.

DPF’s filter soot particles from the exhaust to minimise these emissions into the air we breathe. As DPF’s are a sealed filter in the exhaust system they need to be regenerated to avoid blockage. In order to do so, as the exhaust system heats up, the DPF can self-clean by burning off the soot particles. Alternatively, engine management systems can activate a regeneration sequence if the DPF has not sufficiently regenerated.

Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) converts smog producing Nitrous Oxide emissions (NOx) into nitrogen and water through additives such as a urea solution known as Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) or AdBlue® to assist the catalytic reaction. 

Lubricant specialists like Total play a crucial role in working with manufacturers to maximise the efficiency of these filtration systems and reducing SAPS is key to this efficiency.  Sulphated Ash can interfere with the regeneration of DPF’s and result in blockages, Phosphorous can poison catalysts while Sulphur can interfere with the regeneration process and poison catalysts.  

For owners of late model diesel cars and SUV’s, it is very likely the vehicle is fitted with a DPF, SCR or both. As a result these vehicles require a Low SAPS engine oil that meets ACEA ‘C’ (Catalyst Compatible) specification, in conjunction with the specific vehicle manufacturer’s specifications.

Despite the ACEA ‘C’ specification most commonly being specified for diesel engines it is also specified for some petrol engines. With the anticipated introduction of Gasoline Particulate Filters due to tightening emission requirements, this oil specification will continue to widen in application across petrol engines in the future.   

TOTAL QUARTZ INEO and CLASSIC ranges of latest generation Low SAPS oils cover a wide range of diesel and petrol vehicles requiring this specification, offering high performance, efficiency, and reduced service costs for the user while ensuring optimum operation of depollution systems for many years.

Of course Low SAPS lubricants should form part of the larger overall engine maintenance regime to ensure a long DPF and SCR life. Engine combustion, fuel injection issues, stop-start driving and short trips can all have an impact of the regeneration of these systems. Low quality DEF can also impact the SCR system, so a high quality product like Total ADBLUE is recommended for SCR’s.

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To learn more on how Total Oil Australia can provide your total lubricant solution head to www.totaloil.com.au, call TOLL FREE 1800 TOTAL OIL (1800 868 256) or email lubricants.au@total.com

Total's QUARTZ INEO C1 5W-30 is a specially formulated Low SAPS engine oil for passenger cars and SUV's.