As the year winds down, many business owners, fleet managers, and equipment operators are looking beyond the daily grind and focusing on what’s next, like budgets, maintenance schedules, and operational goals for the year ahead. This planning season isn’t just about paperwork. It’s your chance to set your business up for a more efficient, cost-effective, and profitable year.

And there’s one significant change you’ll want on your radar: API Proposed Category 12 (PC-12) engine oils, set to roll out in January 2027. This update has been years in the making, and we’re now entering the final stretch before products meeting the new standard hit the shelves.

PC-12 oils are being designed with the future in mind by helping next-generation engines meet emissions regulations, extending aftertreatment system life, improving fuel economy, and keeping fleets on the road longer with fewer disruptions.

That’s why your planning should go beyond simply filling tanks and topping off fluids. Now is the perfect time to think strategically about the lubricants you use and how they impact your maintenance budget, equipment life, and overall performance. PC-12 could be the missing piece that helps you reach your goals for the coming year and beyond.

Why PC-12 is coming and why it matters
PC-12 isn’t just a change for the sake of change. It’s the industry’s answer to what’s coming in 2027. The EPA has set stricter emissions standards for heavy-duty engines, calling for cleaner exhaust, longer-lasting aftertreatment systems, and better fuel economy.

Engine manufacturers have already been hard at work designing engines that meet these new rules, but even the best engine design needs the right oil to perform at its peak. That’s where PC-12 comes in. These new oils are being developed to reduce friction, control wear, protect aftertreatment systems, and help extend drain intervals, all of which can mean fewer breakdowns and lower operating costs for you.

When PC-12 officially launches, it will replace today’s CK-4 and FA-4 oils, but with a smart twist, there will be two options:

  • PC-12A – Backward-compatible oils that can be used in both new and older engines, making them a safe choice for mixed fleets.
  • PC-12B – Lower-viscosity oils built for next-generation engines focused on maximizing fuel efficiency and performance.

The best part of this shift is that you wouldn’t have to switch your entire fleet at once. You can start with your newest engines, test performance, and then roll PC-12 oils into the rest of your operation when it makes sense for your budget and maintenance schedule.

Where we are now
The development process for PC-12 is already well underway. The American Petroleum Institute (API), engine manufacturers, and lubricant companies are collaborating to ensure the new oils meet performance requirements. Testing includes oxidation stability, wear protection, aftertreatment compatibility, and fuel economy performance.

The timeline is moving quickly:

  • 2023–2024: Test development and preliminary field trials.
  • 2025: Candidate oils are refined and final engine tests are completed.
  • January 2027: Official PC-12 launch and first products hit the market.

This means that over the next two years, you’ll start to hear more about PC-12, and you may even see it listed in OEM recommendations for 2027+ model-year trucks and equipment. You’ll also see new PC-12 compliant products from your favorite lubricant providers, including Chevron, hit the shelves too!

How to prepare your business for PC-12
If you’re already reviewing budgets and maintenance schedules for 2026, now is the perfect time to start planning for PC-12. Here’s how to make sure your operation is ready.

  • Budget for testing & training: If you manage a large fleet or critical equipment, factor in time and resources for testing PC-12 oils in your engines. You may want to run oil analysis or short-interval drains early in the transition to monitor performance.
  • Plan for inventory management: When PC-12 launches, you may have to stock both PC-12A and PC-12B oils (depending on your fleet’s mix of new and legacy equipment). Work with us to streamline inventory and avoid overstocking.
  • Stay educated: Lubricant technology is evolving fast. We’ll regularly provide updates, product recommendations, and training for your team so you understand the benefits of PC-12 and how to use it properly.

Let us help you make the transition smoothly
We know no two fleets are alike. Your equipment mix, routes, and maintenance cycles are unique, and that’s why your lubricant strategy should be, too. We partner with you to ensure you receive the right lubricants, the right plan, and the best value for your budget.

When PC-12 launches in 2027, we’ll be ready to help you:

  • Choose the right products for your equipment and OEM requirements.
  • Manage inventory smarter so you’re stocked without tying up working capital.
  • Get expert support when you need it — from troubleshooting challenges to making the switch seamless.

By planning now, you’ll stay ahead of regulatory changes, protect your equipment investment, and control costs, all while keeping your business running without surprises

Set your lubricant strategy goals now
As we approach the new year, now is the perfect time to set goals, update your maintenance plan, and ensure your budget accounts for upcoming expenses, like testing out PC-12 products. The launch of PC-12 is just around the corner, and it’s more than a new oil spec. It’s a chance to improve performance, compliance, and uptime across your entire fleet.

As a lubricants supplier, we definitely recommend to get started with oil analysis if you haven’t already. Our oil analysis program provides real data on your current lubricants’ performance, helping you determine if switching to PC-12 will save you money. We’ll teach your team how to take samples, interpret reports, and use that information to prevent costly downtime and reduce unnecessary maintenance. Getting started with this program now is the best way to get ahead. Contact your Greg’s Petroleum representative today to get started with our oil analysis program and build your 2026 lubricant strategy. Together, we’ll make sure you’re prepared, not just for PC-12, but for a stronger, more efficient year ahead.