The importance of lubricant approvals 

Quality is a vital aspect of the lubricant industry. Its importance goes way beyond simply guaranteeing that vehicles or all types of machinery run properly, as they also play a key role in prolonging their useful life.

That's why product approvals play a crucial role as a quality guarantee. But what exactly are approvals and why are they so important? Below, we explain everything you need to know about these certificates.

What are approvals?

Approvals are certifications issued by manufacturers that guarantee the quality and effectiveness of lubricants. They are a way of guaranteeing that a product meets the technical and quality requirements established by each brand to ensure their vehicles or equipment run properly.

In this way, they also ensure that the use of a specific lubricant or oil won't cause damage or premature wear and tear to any components, such as the engine or transmission system. As a result, the vehicle or machine's useful life will be longer. 

That's why approvals are a way of giving confidence to both manufacturers and end users, as they are proof that the product has undergone rigorous testing and evaluation.

What is the approval process like?

The approval process involves sending documentation (and, in some cases, samples) of the product to the manufacturer to carry out various trials and tests. In some cases, the performance of the lubricant is also analysed in field tests under real operating conditions. Once successfully passed, the lubricant is granted approval.

That's why the approval certificate is the final confirmation that the product meets the quality standards established by the manufacturer. In addition, approvals are not permanent, but renewed periodically, depending on the manufacturer. 

Differences in approvals between manufacturers

Each manufacturer has its own approval process, with specific demands and requirements. Response times can also vary, taking up to 36 months in some cases. Although approvals are generally global, they can sometimes be issued by country or even by manufacturing plant.

The approvals of Repsol Lubricants

At Repsol Lubricants, every time a new product is launched on the market, an approval process is carried out. We have more than 300 approved products and we work with more than 30 manufacturers to achieve their certifications. 

With these approvals, which cover Repsol manufacturing plants around the world, we guarantee customers that our lubricating oils are approved by a large number of vehicle manufacturers and brands and, in turn, have the highest levels of performance and reliability for use in your engines. 

Where can I find information on approvals?

If you are wondering where to find information on the approvals of a certain lubricant, there are several options. Firstly, you can consult public listings on the websites of most manufacturers or your vehicle's maintenance manual. Another option is to look at the product's back label or technical sheet. 

The Repsol Lubricants portal also makes the approvals of our product catalog easily available to you.  To find them, just search for the name of a certain product or, if you prefer, your vehicle's model or license plate.