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Heavy Duty Engine Protection

New Horizons for Heavy Duty Engine Protection: PC-12 Underway

As heavy duty diesel engines evolve to meet greater emissions demands and more intense duty cycles, so must the engine oils that protect them. That’s why PC-12, the next generation engine oil category, is now in the critical technology demonstration and testing phase.

Why this matters for fleets:

  • The demonstration period allows oil marketers and additive suppliers to validate that proposed PC-12 formulations meet new performance, durability, and chemical composition limits designed for both new and legacy engines.
  • Among those new limits are stricter controls on phosphorus, sulfur and sulfated ash levels, all with the goal of protecting engine after treatment systems and reducing environmental impact.
  • Real world field trials are being conducted by Shell Lubricants across fleet operations, exposing candidate oils to the full range of fleet duty: heat, soot, stop/start, and long haul cycles.

Timeline to watch:

  • The 12-month technology demonstration phase began in January 2025.
  • Target formulation limits were finalized at the end of 2024 and will be subject to balloting via API and ASTM International by December 2025.
  • A mandatory waiting period runs through all of 2026, with commercial licensing of PC-12 formulated oils expected to begin January 1, 2027.

What this means for you right now:

While API PC-12 licensed engine oils are still a little more than a year away, this waiting period is critical. It ensures that when they do arrive, the oils will be tested and fully validated in the lab and the field, meeting both modern engine demands and durability expectations for your trucks and equipment.

In the meantime:

  • Continue monitoring your lubricant supply strategy and factor in the upcoming PC-12 transition.
  • Stay current with the ways innovations in oil chemistry, such as lower ash and lower sulfur/phosphorus, are serving fleets.
  • We’ll keep you updated as Shell Rotella introduces its PC-12 capable heavy duty diesel engine oils and work with you to be ready for commercial deployment.

Want to learn more about PC-12? Visit this link: https://rotella.shell.com/en_us/info-hub/pc-12.html