The invention is directed to a method for reducing low speed pre-ignition events in a spark-ignited direct injection internal combustion engine by supplying to the sump a lubricant composition which contains an oil of lubricating viscosity and a metal overbased detergent. The metal overbased detergent may be selected from sulfonate detergents, phenate detergents, and salicylate detergents, especially sulfonate detergents with a metal ratio of at least 5.