Speaking of fluids, Shell Rotella has upgraded its portfolio of heavy-duty engine oils formulated to meet the new API CL-4 and API FB-4 specifications.

The new API specifications, which will have a first licensing date of January 1, 2027, succeed the current API CK-4 and FA-4 categories. API CL-4 is backward compatible with CK-4 applications, allowing diesel vehicles and equipment to use the new oils in both current and older diesel engines where appropriate.

API FB-4 succeeds FA-4 and is focused on lower-viscosity formulations designed for engine platforms where fuel efficiency and durability must be balanced.

Shell Rotella API CL-4 and FB-4 heavy-duty engine oils will be introduced starting in early 2027, in conjunction with the API first licensing dates. Specific product availability may vary as products are introduced in phases.

Enhanced formulations

The new oils in the portfolio include enhanced formulations designed to deliver advanced protection against oil breakdown, wear, and deposits while supporting the increasingly sophisticated emissions systems found in modern diesel engines. 

“Today’s diesel engines place increasingly complex demands on engine oil, including higher operating temperatures and pressures and more sophisticated emissions aftertreatment systems,” said Karin Haumann, OEM technical manager, Shell Global Solutions.

"The new Shell Rotella API CL-4 and FB-4 engine oils are engineered to meet these demands with advanced protection against oil breakdown, wear, and deposits, while helping engines stay cleaner and remain protected for the long haul," Haumann says. "They have been extensively tested to deliver the durability and protection fleets depend on across demanding operating conditions.”

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Advanced additive technology plays a central role in the new formulations.

These carefully engineered additive systems help control oxidation and oil breakdown, protect critical engine components against wear, manage deposits, and support the durability and performance of emissions aftertreatment systems, including diesel particulate filters (DPFs) and selective catalytic reduction (SCR) systems.

Shell says it has validated next-generation formulations through extensive laboratory evaluations and real-world fleet testing under a variety of operating conditions. 

Enhanced warranty protection

The introduction of the new API CL-4 and FB-4 engine oils will also bring enhanced Shell Rotella warranty protection for advanced synthetic blend and full synthetic products.  

• Shell Rotella T4 Triple Protection warranty will remain at up to 10 years or 300,000 miles.
• Shell Rotella T5 Advanced Synthetic Blend will increase from 10 years or 300,000 miles to 12 years or 400,000 miles. 
• Shell Rotella T6 Full Synthetic coverage will increase from 15 years or 500,000 miles to 15 years or 600,000 miles.