Most people have heard of the dexosⓇ specification for oil, but may not know much about it, other than it is recommended for certain vehicles. Here is more background about dexos and why it is important for engines.
What is it?
To start, dexosⓇ is not a specific oil; rather, it is a category made by General Motors to simplify oil selection. Companies can then license the dexos specification from GM if they meet specific standards that help engines perform essential functions, such as aiding in sludge reduction, having optimal friction-reducing characteristics, and controlling temperature. Also of note, all dexos products are required to be blended using synthetic base oils.
Why was it created?
When GM set out to create the dexosⓇ category it was because, like many auto manufacturers, they wanted or needed an oil with specific properties that would perform and protect the powerful engines they were designing. Although most oils meet API & ILSAC standards, many automakers want lubricants that surpass those minimum standards… just as ENEOS does with not only API & ILSAC, but also surpasses Japanese Automotive Standards Organization (JASO) specifications.
More about dexosⓇ
DexosⓇ has two sub-categories: dexos1TM for gas engines and dexos2TM for diesel engines. Dexos1TM Gen 1, which was released in 2011 and has been recommended for all vehicles since then, has undergone changes since its initial launch, including additional and more stringent test requirements for dexos1TM Gen 2, as well as for the latest dexos1TM Gen 3, which is set to be launched in third quarter of 2022. It is important to note that all dexos1TM licensed products are backwards-compatible; we can be assured when using the latest spec it offers better protection than the earlier generation.
Advantages of dexos
Below is an illustration showing the specific tested areas and the improvements from dexos1TM Gen 1 to the latest Gen 3, as well as showing the current ILSAC GF-6 results. We can see dexos1 has undergone many changes as engine and oil technology has improved, and that the latest dexos1TM specs outperform ILSAC GF-6 in 10 of the 12 tested areas.
Dexos2TM is designed for use with light duty diesel engines with DPF diesel particulate filters. It is also designed to be safe with EGR systems and to provide exceptional cleaning power, engine wear protection and improved fuel consumption. Dexos2TM formulation has remained unchanged for the most part since its initial launch in 2011.
Now that you know a little more about why dexosⓇ was brought to the market and the many advantages of using a dexosⓇ-approved product, we encourage you to insist on this higher standard for your customers as well.
ENEOS 0W-20 and 5W-30 are also fully licensed dexos1TM products—because ENEOS is committed to producing the highest quality oils, as demanded by automakers. That said, all our products are made with the highest level of quality and performance found in lubricants today.
