JASO GLV-2: New engine oil standard to be published in March
Kazuo Yamamori, a representative from Toyota Motor Corporation and current chair of the Engine Oil Sub-Committee of JASO, has announced the imminent release of the next Japanese Automotive Standards Organisation (JASO) engine oil standard, JASO GLV-2. The announcement was made during a presentation at F+L Week 2024, hosted at the Intercontinental Saigon in Ho Chi Minh City on March 7-8, where Yamamori confirmed that the standard is scheduled for publication this month and will come into effect in October 2024.
While the ratio of next-generation vehicle sales in Japan has surged to 45%, Yamamori emphasized the significance of the new standard, noting that carbon neutrality cannot be achieved by electric vehicles alone. He underscored that internal combustion engine technology will remain the mainstream for the time being.
JASO GLV-2 Ultra High Viscosity Index oil is an upward compatible, fuel-efficient engine oil that can be used not only in new vehicles but also in in-use vehicles, contributing to carbon dioxide reductions. It introduces the concept of a “flat viscosity oil,” that has a smaller temperature dependency. The standard combines a high viscosity index and low viscosity with high-performance base oil to reduce viscosity throughout the entire temperature range. Viscosity in the high-temperature range has been made equivalent to 0W-20 or 0W-16 to ensure reliability. Viscosity in the low to medium temperature range has been further reduced to improve fuel economy, even when used in electrified vehicles.
Yamamori outlined some of the key revisions in the draft specification including modifications to the NOACK Volatility Test, which was found to have a poor correlation with engine oil consumption at 250°C. Test conditions were adjusted to 150°C to match the oil film temperature of the engine bore wall surface. Additionally, the test duration is extended to 12 hours for enhanced precision. The JASO GLV-2 standard incorporates a new Shear Stability test method and several changes to limits in the remaining bench and engine tests. A revised JASO M 364 test method, with the addition of JASO GLV-2, will be implemented in October 2024.
A few years ago, an industry collaboration between the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association (JAMA), the Petroleum Association of Japan (PAJ), and the Society of Automotive Engineers of Japan (JSAE) resulted in the formation of the JASO Next Generation Gasoline Engine Oil Task Force. The Task Force has been responsible for the creation of a new JASO 0W-8 and 0W-12 standard for the Japanese market, the first specification of its kind in Japan.
The Japanese Automotive Standards Organization introduced the JASO GLV-1 specification in 2019. JASO GLV-1 is a specification designed for next-generation, fuel-efficient lubricants, particularly focusing on low-viscosity engine oils. These oils are formulated to provide improved fuel economy and lower emissions, meeting the needs of modern engines that operate under more stringent efficiency and environmental standards.
JASO GLV-1 oils are characterized by their low viscosity, which reduces internal friction in the engine, thereby improving fuel efficiency without compromising the engine’s protection or durability. This specification is part of a broader move towards more environmentally friendly automotive lubricants that support the automotive industry’s shift towards sustainability and reduced carbon footprints.
