Castrol VECTON 15W-40 CK-4 Diesel Engine Oil
Part Synthetic SAE 15W-40 Heavy-Duty Diesel Engine Oil
Castrol VECTON 15W-40 CK-4 is an advanced part-synthetic heavy-duty diesel engine oil formulated for engines requiring SAE 15W-40 and API CK-4, CJ-4, or earlier diesel engine oil categories.
Designed around PC-11 engine oil technology, VECTON 15W-40 CK-4 is engineered to support longer useful oil life under severe operating conditions. Castrol specifically highlights viscosity retention under high-shear conditions and resistance to oxidation and oil thickening at elevated engine temperatures.
Castrol provides extended drain recommendations of up to 60,000 miles or 750 operating hours. Actual oil-change intervals should follow the engine manufacturer's maintenance requirements and consider duty cycle, operating conditions, and oil analysis where applicable.
Key Benefits
- Advanced part-synthetic SAE 15W-40 heavy-duty diesel engine oil
- Formulated for API CK-4 applications
- Suitable where API CJ-4 and earlier diesel engine oil categories are required
- Designed to maintain viscosity under high-shear conditions
- Formulated to resist oxidation and oil thickening at high temperatures
- Engineered to support longer useful oil life
- Castrol extended drain recommendations up to 60,000 miles or 750 hours
- Supports specifications from Caterpillar, Cummins, Detroit Diesel, Ford, Mercedes-Benz, Renault Trucks, and Volvo
Applications
Castrol VECTON 15W-40 CK-4 is intended for heavy-duty diesel engines where the manufacturer specifies an SAE 15W-40 lubricant meeting API CK-4, CJ-4, or an applicable earlier diesel engine oil category.
It is suited to heavy-duty diesel applications where viscosity stability, high-temperature oxidation control, and extended lubricant life are important considerations.
Always verify the required viscosity grade, API service category, OEM specification, and oil-change interval in the engine manufacturer's service documentation before use.
Performance Specifications
- API: CK-4
- Caterpillar: ECF-3
- Cummins: CES 20086
- Detroit Diesel: DFS 93K222
- Ford: WSS-M2C171-F1
- Mercedes-Benz: 228.31
- Renault Trucks: RLD-3
- Volvo: VDS-4.5
Castrol also states that VECTON 15W-40 CK-4 can be used in diesel engines where API CK-4, CJ-4, and earlier diesel engine oil categories are required.
Extended Drain Recommendations
Castrol VECTON 15W-40 CK-4 is engineered to support longer oil life, including under severe operating conditions.
- Up to 60,000 miles
- Up to 750 operating hours
These values should not be treated as universal oil-change intervals. Follow the engine manufacturer's drain interval requirements and use oil analysis where required or appropriate.
High-Shear Viscosity Control
Heavy-duty diesel engines can subject engine oil to high mechanical and combustion pressures. Castrol states that VECTON 15W-40 CK-4 is formulated to hold its viscosity under high-shear conditions, helping maintain lubricant performance during service.
High-Temperature Oxidation Control
High engine temperatures can accelerate oxidation and contribute to oil thickening. VECTON 15W-40 CK-4 is formulated to resist oxidation and help extend useful oil life under demanding operating conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Castrol VECTON 15W-40 synthetic?
Castrol describes VECTON 15W-40 CK-4 as an advanced part-synthetic heavy-duty engine oil.
Does Castrol VECTON 15W-40 meet API CK-4?
Yes. API CK-4 is listed in the current Castrol product information.
Can Castrol VECTON 15W-40 be used where API CJ-4 is required?
Yes. Castrol states that VECTON 15W-40 CK-4 can be used in diesel engines where API CK-4, CJ-4, and earlier diesel engine oil categories are required. SAE 15W-40 must also be appropriate for the engine.
How long can Castrol VECTON 15W-40 go between oil changes?
Castrol lists extended drain recommendations of up to 60,000 miles or 750 operating hours. Actual drain intervals should follow the engine manufacturer's recommendations and may depend on duty cycle, operating conditions, maintenance practices, and oil analysis.
Does Castrol VECTON 15W-40 meet Cummins CES 20086?
Yes. Cummins CES 20086 is listed in the current Castrol product information.
Does Castrol VECTON 15W-40 meet Volvo VDS-4.5?
Yes. Volvo VDS-4.5 is listed among the supported specifications.
Does Castrol VECTON 15W-40 meet Detroit Diesel DFS 93K222?
Yes. Detroit Diesel DFS 93K222 is listed by Castrol.
Does Castrol VECTON 15W-40 meet Ford WSS-M2C171-F1?
Yes. Ford WSS-M2C171-F1 is included in the current specification list.
Does Castrol VECTON 15W-40 meet Caterpillar ECF-3?
Yes. Caterpillar ECF-3 is listed in the Castrol product sheet.
Does Castrol VECTON 15W-40 meet Mercedes-Benz 228.31?
Yes. Mercedes 228.31 is listed by Castrol for this product.
Is Castrol VECTON 15W-40 suitable for Renault Trucks RLD-3 applications?
Yes. Renault Trucks RLD-3 is listed among the current performance specifications.
What does PC-11 mean for Castrol VECTON 15W-40?
Castrol states that VECTON 15W-40 CK-4 conforms to PC-11 engine oil technology requirements. PC-11 is associated with the generation of heavy-duty diesel engine oil requirements that includes API CK-4.
Can I use Castrol VECTON 15W-40 instead of 10W-30 diesel oil?
Only when SAE 15W-40 is specified or permitted by the engine manufacturer. API category compatibility does not mean different viscosity grades are automatically interchangeable.
