Lubricant solutions for ICE and hybrid passenger cars
Supporting high-performance formulation across engine, transmission and fuel applications
The automotive lubricant market is evolving rapidly under global regulations, OEM requirements and consumer expectations. Formulators face growing complexity as they work to meet fuel economy and emissions targets, address hybrid and advanced transmission challenges, comply with low‑SAPS standards, and respond to sustainability demands.
Cargill’s high-performance lubricant solutions for internal combustion engine (ICE) and hybrid passenger cars help meet these requirements.
Why choose Cargill's ICE and hybrid passenger car solutions?
Designed to meet today’s toughest requirements
Thermal stability
Enhances thermal stability and extends drain intervals
Performance
Delivers strong low-temperature performance and efficiency
Fuel economy
Reduces friction and improves fuel economy
Protection
Protects fuel systems and maintains fuel quality
Cargill’s ester base fluids, friction modifiers, and fuel additives solutions
Enabling high‑performance lubricant and fuel formulations
Passenger car engine oils
Our engine oil additives directly impact the fuel economy of passenger cars, helping OEMs meet emissions legislation.
Priolube™ synthetic esters
Our range of esters can be used as additive solubilizers and seal swell agents, or as base fluids, in the formulation of passenger car motor oils and racing fluids.
Key benefits:
- High viscosity index and low volatility for thermal stability and extended drain intervals
- Low temperature fluidity for reliable cold-start performance
- Up to 87% bio-based content
- Additive solubilization properties
Featured products
Priolube™ 1936: High oxidatively and hydrolytically stable, biodegradable ester suitable for automotive applications
Priolube™ 1973: An ISO 46, oxidatively stable, biodegradable and hydrolytically stable ester, suitable for use in a wide range of automotive applications
Priolube™ 1976: Renewable, low polarity and oxidatively stable mono-ester suitable for use as a base fluid and an additive
Priolube™ 3963: High oxidatively stable and biodegradable ester with excellent low temperature flow properties
Priolube™ 3967: Long chain unsaturated fatty acid ester suitable for use as a synthetic base fluid in a range of applications
Priolube™ 3970: Low viscosity, oxidatively stable and low-deposit-forming polyol ester suitable as base fluid and additive
Priolube™ 3999: Biodegradable, low volatility polyol ester suitable as base fluid and additive
Organic friction modifiers
Cargill's organic friction modifiers have no intentionally added Sulfated Ash, Phosphorus, and Sulfur (SAPS), making them well suited for use in engine oils. These additives are typically used at treat rates between 0.5-1 w/w%.
Key benefits:
- Up to 90% friction reduction in boundary lubrication regimes
- Durable film formation to help minimize wear
- Synergy with inorganic additives for balanced performance
- Proven fuel economy and efficiency improvement
Featured products
Optislip™ O: Ashless fatty amide organic friction modifier designed to reduce wear and frictional characteristics
Perfad™ 3006: Ashless organic friction modifier with outstanding friction reduction properties
Perfad™ 3057: Polymeric organic friction modifier with outstanding low coefficient-of-friction properties
Perfad™ 4000: Thermal and oxidatively stable, ashless organic friction modifier
Perfad™ FM 3336: Ashless, thermally and oxidatively stable friction modifier effective at low treat rates
Perfad™ NG 2500: Ashless organic friction modifier with friction reducing properties, especially suitable for engine oil formulations containing MoDTC
Priolube™ 1407: Highly versatile additive and base fluid for a wide range of automotive applications
How do Cargill friction modifiers improve fuel economy in ICE and hybrid vehicles?
Perfad™ friction modifiers can reduce friction by up to 90% in the boundary lubrication regime, enabling significant gains in fuel efficiency. In Sequence VI E engine testing, Perfad chemistries enable total fuel economy improvements up to 1%. They also help prevent slip and shudder in wet clutch systems, helping reduce NVH-associated problems.
|
|
FEI 1 (%) |
FEI 2 (%) |
FEI sum (%) |
Polymeric friction modifier contribution |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Reference oil (0W-20) |
1.09 |
1.32 |
2.41 |
- |
|
Ref oil + 0.7% Perfad 3057 |
1.69 |
1.42 |
3.11 |
0.70 |
|
Ref oil + 0.5% Perfad 3006 |
2.02 |
1.35 |
3.37 |
0.96 |
Sequence VI-E engine oil test results achieved using polymer friction modifiers for a non-optimized 0W-20 engine oil. FEI 1 looks at fuel economy after a short period of aging while FEI 2 considers oil performance after extended aging.
Transmission (ATF and DCT) lubricants
There are various types of transmission systems available globally, and the fluid requirements for each type of transmission are different. In a world where improved fuel economy and reduced emissions are being legislated for, our automatic and dual-clutch transmission fluids (ATF and DCT) help deliver fuel economy benefits through more efficient transmissions.
Priolube™ synthetic esters
As with our engine oils, our Priolube™ esters are often used as additive solubilizers and seal swell agents but can also help in optimizing low temperature flow properties.
Key benefits:
- High VI and thermal stability for modern gearboxes
- Improved low-temperature fluidity, including Brookfield (-40°C) performance
- Bio-based content
- Extended clutch fluid lifetime
Featured products
Priolube™ 1847: Oxidatively and hydrolytically stable ester particularly suitable as thickener and additive to improve lubrication performance
Priolube™ 1929: High viscosity, hydrolytically stable complex ester suitable for use as a base fluid, thickener and as a lubricity additive
Priolube™ 1935: Oxidatively and hydrolytically stable ester with excellent low temperature flow properties
Priolube™ 1936: High oxidatively and hydrolytically stable, biodegradable ester suitable for automotive applications
Priolube™ 1973: An ISO 46, oxidatively stable, biodegradable and hydrolytically stable ester, suitable for use in a wide range of automotive applications
Priolube™ 2046: High viscosity, hydrolytically stable complex ester, suitable for use as a base fluid and a thickener
Priolube™ 3958: Low viscosity synthetic base fluid and additive, provides good low temperature properties
Priolube™ 3960: Oxidatively stable synthetic ester with good low temperature properties
Priolube™ 3963: High oxidatively stable and biodegradable ester with excellent low temperature flow properties
Priolube™ 3970: Low viscosity, oxidatively stable and low-deposit-forming polyol ester suitable as base fluid and additive
Priolube™ 3986: High viscosity complex ester, suitable for use in a wide range of applications
Priolube™ 3997: High viscosity complex ester with excellent oxidation stability
How do Priolube esters improve clutch fluid life?
Choosing the right Priolube ester makes a major difference in dual clutch transmission durability. Top treating a commercial DCT fluid with Priolube™ 1973 and Priolube™ 3960 extended fluid lifetime by 60% and 100% respectively, based on positive dμ/dv performance.
DCT fluid life extension through top treating with Priolube esters
Organic friction modifiers
Cargill's organic friction modifiers ATF and DCT applications are SAPS-free additives that reduce friction and wear in automotive transmission systems.
Key benefits:
- Friction control
- Stable performance
- High-temperature resistance
- Reduced friction loss
- Formulation flexibility
Featured products
Optislip™ O: Ashless fatty amide organic friction modifier designed to reduce wear and frictional characteristics
Perfad™ 3006: Ashless organic friction modifier with outstanding friction reduction properties
Perfad™ 4000: Thermal and oxidatively stable, ashless organic friction modifier
Perfad™ FM 3336: Ashless, thermally and oxidatively stable friction modifier effective at low treat rates
Priolube™ 1407: Highly versatile additive and base fluid for a wide range of automotive applications
How do Perfad™ friction modifiers improve friction control?
Our test results show that adding 1% Perfad™ FM 3336 lowers low‑speed friction and delivers a more stable friction profile across sliding speeds, supporting smoother and more efficient clutch operation.
Change in the friction of a mineral oil by the addition of Perfad™ FM 3336 friction modifier on a steel-clutch paper contact.
Fuel additives
Gasoline and diesel fuels require additives to reduce friction and wear. Our range of fuel additives address the key needs of this market.
Key benefits:
- Protect fuel pumps and injection systems in ultra‑low‑sulfur diesel fuels
- Friction and wear reduction for improved fuel efficiency and lower CO₂ emissions
- Corrosion protection and fuel clarity across the supply chain
- Compatibility with ethanol and biofuel blends
Featured products
Pripol™ 1017: A biostable dimer acid suitable for use in a wide range of applications as an emulsifier, corrosion inhibitor and boundary lubricant
Pripol™ 1025: A dimer acid suitable for use as corrosion inhibitor in gasoline and diesel fuel
Perfad™ FA 3340: A non-acidic polyester designed for use as a diesel fuel lubricity additive, particularly suitable for use in low temperature climates
Optislip™ O: Ashless fatty amide organic friction modifier designed to reduce wear and frictional characteristics
Perfad™ FM 3336: Ashless, thermally and oxidatively stable friction modifier effective at low treat rates
Priolube™ 1407: Highly versatile additive and base fluid for a wide range of automotive applications
Priolene™ 6907: A boundary lubricant, can be used as an emulsifier or corrosion inhibitor when combined with an alkaline or basic component
Why choose Cargill additives for gasoline and diesel fuel performance?
Cargill's fuel additives improve lubricity, fuel economy, and system protection across both gasoline and diesel applications: Perfad™ FA 3340 friction modifier significantly reduces wear, cutting wear scar diameter from 638 µm to 252 µm on the HFRR.
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Figures 1 & 2 show the HFRR (high frequency reciprocating rig) ASTM D6079 results of diesel without (1) Perfad FA 3340 and with (2) Perfad FA 3340. The increased areas of yellow and/or red indicating a wider and deeper wear scar.
Why are Cargill's ester-based solutions superior to using mineral oils alone?
The majority of our products are bio-based and support the transition from mineral oil to plant-based alternatives.
Cargill's Priolube™ synthetic esters deliver high thermal stability, excellent low temperature performance, and low volatility, helping maintain viscosity and lubrication under severe engine conditions. This can help:
- Extended drain intervals
- Fuel efficiency support
- Reduced deposit formation
With certain esters containing up to 87% bio-based content, they also support sustainability goals while improving engine cleanliness and cold-start reliability.
Solve formulation challenges with Cargill experts
With deep expertise in automotive lubricant formulation and close collaboration with our partners, our technical specialists work alongside you to navigate complex performance and regulatory requirements and optimize formulations for your specific application needs. Connect with us to explore more.