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LUBRICANTS CM always treats with scepticism claims about oil additives,
Page 36
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whether they are aimed at reducing fuel or oil consumption or wear, largely because claims are difficult to prove, and because of the usual problems with invalidating warranties.
However, when we heard that a US company, Prolong Super Lubricants, was claiming to offer the world's most powerful engine oil, we took notice because Prolong claims the benefits arise from the way the oil is manufactured and not from an additives pack.
The chemistry is not new: it is based on adding petroleum distillates (such as chlorinated paraffins) to oils, which are known to boost lubricity and film strength. Prolong claims a film strength of 200,000psi, compared with 6,000psi for conventional oils.
The problem, of course, is that in internal combustion engines the paraffins breaks down producing, among other things, corrosive hydrochloric acid. Prolong now claims to have resolved this with a manufacturing solution (for which it has an International patent) that uses reverse polarity which means the oil hardens and bonds to the metal surfaces.
Prolong is currently diluted with other oils although the company plans to launch its own oil in November to "overcome the stigma associated with any product that is added to conventional oil specifications". It is claimed to exceed manufacturers' oil specifications and to have test reports from, among others, MIRA, backing its claims. For more details on the MIRA test contact the Motor Industry Research Association on 02476 355000. Ask for the Information Centre quoting Prolong MIRA test report (test number 92-31012).