Tag: lubrication

FAQ – LSPI (Low-Speed Pre-Ignition)

Posted on by Lotte

1. What is LSPI?

LSPI stands for Low-Speed Pre-Ignition. It is an uncontrolled ignition of the air-fuel mixture before the spark plug fires. LSPI mainly occurs in modern turbocharged, gasoline direct-injection engines under low engine speed and high load conditions.

2. When does LSPI typically occur?

LSPI usually occurs during:

  • Acceleration at low RPM in a high gear
  • High engine load combined with turbo boost
  • Low-speed driving with sudden throttle input

3. Why is LSPI dangerous?

LSPI causes extremely high and sudden pressure peaks in the combustion chamber. These pressure spikes can lead to:

  • Cracked or damaged pistons
  • Broken piston rings
  • Damage to cylinder walls
  • Severe engine damage in extreme cases

4. What causes LSPI?

LSPI is caused by a combination of factors, including:

  • Fuel quality and octane rating
  • Ethanol-blended fuels
  • Engine oil composition and additive chemistry
  • Carbon deposits in the combustion chamber
  • High compression ratios and turbocharging

5. Does ethanol increase the risk of LSPI?

Ethanol itself is not the direct cause, but ethanol-blended fuels can influence combustion behavior and deposit formation, which may increase LSPI sensitivity under certain operating conditions.

6. Does engine oil play a role in LSPI?

Yes. Engine oil chemistry is a critical factor. Certain oil additives and degraded oil can increase the risk of LSPI. Modern engines require oils specifically formulated to reduce LSPI events.

7. How can LSPI be prevented?

LSPI risk can be reduced by:

  • Using high-quality engine oil with LSPI protection
  • Changing oil at correct service intervals
  • Avoiding high load at very low RPM
  • Using fuel with sufficient octane rating
  • Keeping the engine and fuel system clean
  • Using Tec4 Long Life Oil System Cleaner

Cleaning the Lubrication System Before an Oil Change: Necessity or Unnecessary Luxury?

Posted on by Lotte

Cleaning the Lubrication System Before an Oil Change: Necessity or Unnecessary Luxury?

An oil change is one of the most commonly performed maintenance tasks in workshops. Yet it is often forgotten that new engine oil can only perform well in a clean lubrication system. Contaminated oil channels mean that even the best engine oil cannot perform optimally.

How contamination in the lubrication system develops

Even engine oil has its limits. During vehicle use, the following occurs:

  • Carbon deposits
  • Sludge formation
  • Aged oil residues

These contaminants accumulate in:

  • Oil channels
  • Hydraulic lifters
  • Turbo oil supply systems

This buildup happens especially with long service intervals, short trips, and start-stop systems.

Why new engine oil alone is not enough

With a standard oil change, almost always a residue of old oil remains in the system. Additionally, deposits are not removed and can mix with the new oil again. This can lead to:

  • Reduced lubrication
  • Uneven oil circulation
  • Increased wear

New oil in a contaminated system = suboptimal result.

Modern vehicles are more sensitive than ever

Modern engines:

  • Have tighter tolerances
  • Use thinner oils
  • Work with turbochargers and start-stop technologies

Because of this, even slight contamination can noticeably impact:

  • Engine operation
  • Noise
  • Lifespan of components

When is flushing the lubrication system a necessity?

According to the article, lubrication system cleaning before an oil change is recommended in the following situations:
✔ During every preventive maintenance service
✔ For vehicles with start-stop or hybrid drivetrains
✔ With long maintenance intervals
✔ When there are irregular engine running conditions or ticking noises

Flushing before an oil change is not a luxury, but modern maintenance.

Tec4 Oil System Cleaner

The Tec4 Oil System Cleaner Nano-Tec is a professional product designed to:

  • Clean the entire lubrication system before an oil change
  • Remove sludge and deposits
  • Not harm seals
  • Optimize the performance of the new oil

Directions for use:

  • Add one bottle Tec4 Oil System Cleaner to the old oil
  • Let the car run stationary for 30 minutes
  • Change the oil and oil filter and add Tec4 Long Life Oil System Cleaner to the new oil

Benefits for the Workshop
✔️ Improved engine performance
✔️ Fewer wear-related issues
✔️ Additional service without extra labor hours
✔️ More value per oil change

Conclusion
An oil change without prior cleaning leaves contamination behind.
By cleaning the lubrication system preventively:

  • new oil performs optimally
  • the engine’s service life is extended
  • you provide customers with demonstrably better maintenance

Would you like to know how to structurally implement lubrication system cleaning in your workshop?
Contact Tec4 for technical advice.