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Although it has been reported that the increase of base oil viscosity and the selection of suitable VII (Viscosity Index Improver) are key factors to improve metal fatigue life for the development of low viscosity ATF, the problem of gear fatigue life has not been perfectly solved. In this study, the effect of VII on gear fatigue life was evaluated by using EHD film thickness measurement and the block on ring friction tester. Based on the study, the low viscosity ATF that has good anti-pitting performance in gears can be proposed by optimizing the combination of base oil and VII.

Low viscosity combined with appropriated additive technology is one of the main paths to reduce friction on Internal Combustion Engines. Japan is on the cutting edge of low viscosity oils, having already available SAE 0W-8 in the market. On the other hands, in emergent countries like Brazil, SAE 15W-40 is still used in some passenger cars while the Japanese origin car brands use SAE 0W-20. Lubricant friction additives type also differs depending on the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) origin, and the Japanese ones usually containing high amounts of the Molybdenum type. In this paper, some of the advantages and challenges of using low viscosity oils are discussed and emphasis is given in the friction reduction obtained with the synergic effects of the right choice of additives components type and the material/coating used in the engine parts. Ring-liner rig and floating liner engine tests comparing different oils will be presented.