The Verification of Lubricant Specifications (VLS) has concluded an investigation into engine oils making claims against the Stellantis FPW9.55535/03 5W-30 specification. The standard is mandatory for modern Stellantis wet timing belt engines, including 1.2L PureTech petrol and various diesel units, to prevent belt degradation.
The investigation found the majority of market claims are valid, but led to multiple product revisions where technical evidence was insufficient. Smith & Allan paused sales and withdrew its Momentum C3 SWTL 5W-30 oil from its catalogue pending formal technology approval. Similarly, the marketer of MANNOL Energy Formula PSA 5W-30 7703 withdrew its specification claim, whilst Ravenol SMP SAE 5W-30 and Ravenol HLS 5W-30 had the claim removed from UK descriptions. VLS has informed the German parent company that the claim remains active on ravenol.de, which falls outside VLS jurisdiction.
Other firms amended documentation to specify alignment with version 1 of the specification, which remains valid until July 2026 before transitioning to version 2 requirements. Aztec Oils (Torotec 5W-30 STL), Independent Motor Trade Factors Association (Ad Tec 48 5W-30 PCEO), Rapid Group Ltd (Pro + Power Ultra 5W-30 PCEO), and Granville Oil & Chemical Ltd (Hypalube FS-ST 5W-30 PCEO) all updated labels and technical data sheets accordingly.
Darren Frogson, VLS Chairman, said:
“We thank Smith & Allan for their cooperation in this case and for taking positive, proactive action to pause product sales until general market technology becomes available. As part of our market-wide investigation into engine oils claiming to meet this Stellantis specification, we have found that the majority of claims are valid. However, in some cases, claims have been removed, or products have been withdrawn. With the lubricants sector navigating rapid change, we must have a robust, anonymous process that holds lubricant producers and marketers to account and protects end users. Workshops must have confidence that the products they select are suitable for use in the application and can deliver what they claim.”
David Wright, Company Secretary of VLS, said:
“We want to ensure we have the highest standards in Europe for lubricant manufacture, blending and marketing, and we want a ‘level playing field’ for all participants, so that we protect the interests of the consumer and other end users. In the Verification of Lubricant Specifications (UK) Ltd, we have set our course for stronger industry self-regulation by working positively towards more open and transparent competition that benefits all lubricant organisations.”
All resolved cases remain subject to a six-month compliance review. To report lubricant concerns, contact VLS at [email protected] or call 01442 875922.
Industry updates are published on the website: https://ukla-vls.org.uk/.
Source: VLS