Shell Rotella launches ‘What is PC-12’ Knowledge Hub

With Proposed Category 12 (PC-12) engine oil standards on the way starting in 2027, Shell Rotella has launched a ‘What is PC-12’ Knowledge Hub for fleets and owner-operators.

“API PC-12 will be an important change for diesel engines that operate in trucks,” said Julie Wright, Shell Rotella North American brand manager. “Shell Rotella wants to help ensure fleets, owner-operators, technicians and consumers have an easy-to-understand resource that explains what’s changing, why it matters, and how to prepare for the new engine oils.”

The Knowledge Hub will provide a timeline of how the new category development began, plus key milestones and what fleets can expect next. It will also include insights into what performance improvements are being evaluated, how PC-12 oils will help protect the next generation of diesel engines, and articles, FAQs, and expert perspectives on the evolution of heavy-duty oil standards. Finally, the site will also offer guidance for fleets and drivers on transitioning to PC-12 once it’s released.

The upcoming oil standards

For now, some of the basics of the new category are that these oils are supposed to promote advanced efficiency, reliability, and oxidative and thermal resistance, helping vehicles meet tighter emissions requirements. To do this, it will include viscosity grades that weren’t previously allowed in the API systems for diesel engines, such as xW-20 grades. As well as this, these oils will have tighter chemical limits on phosphorus, sulfur, and sulfated ash, and feature seals of hydrogenated nitrile butadiene rubber for added protection.

Finally, PC-12 will come in two categories: PC-12A and PC-12B. PC-12A will be backward compatible with legacy equipment, while PC-12B is designed for more efficiency potential in new engine designs, and will potentially have different viscosity and soot control requirements.