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In line with Global targets of reducing CO2 Emissions, transportation industry is witnessing a significant shift in focus — from emissions to fuel economy — by regulators, researchers, OEMs, fuels and lubricant manufactures. Improvements in fuel economy can have a significant bottom-line impact for fleets and owner operators alike. There are many paths to take when looking at a program to reduce fuel consumption. These include new engine and transmission designs, new metallurgies, surface finish, coatings, new injection technologies, turbochargers and of course through engine and transmission lubricants. Passenger car engine lubricants are being upgraded time to time and customized for fuel economy and emission compliance benefits as the vehicle technology evolved to meet the emerging regulations. New vehicle technology has shifted surface tribology more towards boundary regime as new designs are compact, offer high operating temperatures and pressures.

It has been reported that 90% of greases are used for the lubrication of rolling element bearings. Greases are important systemic components which greatly influence the life of the bearings besides the dynamic test conditions encountered throughout its operation such as load, speed, temperature and bearing design. The greases may be used in bearings running in open condition or using shields to prevent it being leaked or thrown off during operation. The dynamic life of grease is determined by tests run on multiple sets at elevated temperatures till failure is encountered. These tests measure the grease life as well as the bearing life. Simulated tests in conditions close to real life applications are possible using this method. The FE9 test rig is one of the commonly used test rigs for finding the dynamic grease life.