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Growing in popularity
Bio-based engine lubricants are nothing new. Rapeseed has long been grown and cultivated for industrial use since its tenacity to cling to metal even under extreme heat was first noticed. During WWII it was used to lubricate ships and tanks but gradually declined in popularity. The current market of rapeseed makes it an expensive oil for lubricants so other oils such as canola (a derivative of rapeseed), safflower, sunflower and soy are being considered.
Canada is currently using two million liters of bio-based oils in its cars. While this is a fraction of the total market, usage has been growing exponentially –- 10 years ago there was less than 200,000 liters used per year. The U.S. market is even smaller but recently the government has started incentive programs and the market is growing.
Enviro-friendly high performance
Bio-based lubricants are regaining their popularity for a number of reasons: they don’t leak toxic fluids, are biodegradable and have a higher boiling point than oil, meaning they can endure harsh, hot engines. During extensive testing, Rhodes Consulting found bio-based lubricants could withstand heat up to 260 degrees Celsius (500 degrees Fahrenheit) as opposed to the petroleum threshold of 93 degrees Celsius (200 degrees Fahrenheit). This means less ash build-up and better engine performance. Rhodes also discovered that with almost all their tests bio-based oils consistently outperformed both 5W30 and 10W50 oils. These green oils also produce less greenhouse gases. When the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was looking at emission from an E85 Ford Explorer using similar lubricants, it noted 48 percent less carbon monoxide, 80 percent less nitrogen oxide (NOX), 1 percent less CO2, and no volatile organic compounds (VOCs) at all.
Distribution network growing
While biobased oils are not yet for sale in major retail stores there are distributors out there. Peaks & Prairies, LLC, a Montana-based company has a full line of bio-based products. Even better is the new blend created by Renewable Lubricants Inc.. This company has a new blend doesn’t go soild at slightly below freezing—a major drawback of biobased oils. Renewable has created a special blend that keeps its flow even at low temperatures. They distribute in a variety of outlets in the U.S. in Canada through DM's Bio-Based Fluid Supply Inc. in Bolton Ontario (Tel: 905.951.1100, e-mail: dmsbiobased@bellnet.ca). Always check that your biobased lubricant can handle low temperatures and if you’re not sure then use your if from May until September.
Green Living Network
