Total Specialties launches products that meet new API heavy-duty engine oil categories

The lubricants business of Total Specialties USA Inc. has launched the new Rubia Optima range designed for heavy-duty engines, which meets the requirements of the new American Petroleum Institute (API) categories, known as API CK-4 and API FA-4. These new API categories meet the new standards regarding U.S. greenhouse gas emission limits. Cleaner and more fuel-efficient diesel engines are now mandatory and require new oils.

Because of its complex formulations, the Rubia Optima range provides better engine protection and an unparalleled level of performance. It will help limit carbon dioxide emissions, while improving the engine’s fuel consumption, and improve oxidation resistance, allowing the longest oil drain intervals authorised by equipment manufacturers.

The new Rubia Optima range meets the new API CK-4 and FA-4 specifications:
• Rubia Optima 1100 15W-40 and Rubia Optima 1100 FE 10W-30 both meet the API CK-4 specification, and the 1100 FE 10W-30 lowers viscosity and offers fuel economy benefits.
• Rubia Optima 2100 XFE 10W-30, which meets the API FA-4 specification, enables extra fuel economy by reducing High Temperature High Shear (HTHS) viscosity. It has limited backward compatibility because of its lower HTHS viscosity.

The new Rubia Optima benefits from state-of-the-art “T.I.R. Technology,” which refers to:
• Total protection: industry tested, Rubia products are put through numerous tests (laboratory, bench and road tests) to achieve results that show excellent performance in oxidation stability and protection against wear, deposits and soot.
• International approvals: Total claims that Rubia has a greater number of advanced approvals than most products on the market. This means multi-brand fleets can opt to use fewer products.
• Reduced costs: Rubia offers better fleet cost savings with a full suite of Total Fuel Economy engine and transmission oils, and includes Total Check, a leading condition monitoring service for used oil analysis.

The Total Group has collaborated closely with key heavy-duty original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to develop the new Rubia Optima oils with performance that surpass API CJ-4 oils with outstanding oxidation control, shear stability and oil aeration control. These benefits illustrate the Rubia Optima range’s numerous benefits and performances validated by key OEMs.

“With our lubricants business in the United States at a consistent growth over the past five years and with projections to maintain the expansion, we will continue to listen to the market’s needs and deliver our customers more eco-friendly and fuel-efficient products. Engineered specifically for the American market, our Rubia Optima line is designed to meet the new regulations and to improve the performance and protection of the heavy-duty engine,” said Christophe Doussoux, senior vice president of lubricants at Total Specialties USA Inc.

France-based Total Marketing and Services operates in the U.S.A. through its 100%-owned affiliate Total Specialties USA headquartered in Houston, Texas. The company is commercially active in all of the contiguous states through its four main businesses: Lubricants, Special Fluids, Fuel Additives and Aviation Fuels.

The quality of its products and commitment to customer service has supported strong growth in the last five years. Total’s new Bayport hydro de-aromatization (HDA) facility, which produces 40 different high purity special fluids, provides a strong boost in activity to a company that already operates three facilities in the U.S.A. and employs more than 150 people.