Every car needs motor oil. The substance in fluid form was created for the purpose of lubricating internal parts. Thanks to the use of material, the overall structure retains its original characteristics. But choosing the right types of motor oils is not as easy as it seems at first glance.
Diesel, gasoline and turbocharged are the main types of material compositions, which are distinguished depending on the scope of application.
But recently the classification has been constantly expanding. Compositions are appearing in the production and operation of which various additives are used. This creates conditions for efficient operation when using different types of fuel. In turbo engines, special additives help prevent thickening and foaming.
There are universal motor oils, but it is not recommended to choose them if possible.
Every car needs motor oilTypes of oil
Among the main factors that manufacturers themselves rely on when making recommendations to customers are the conditions in which work is carried out; design features. Recommendations are issued based on the results of endurance tests. And then it talks about what kind of motor oils there are.
You can get by with non-original compositions if you want to give up the original one for one reason or another. The main thing is that there must be clearance and approval from the automaker itself. Otherwise, when replacing fluids, there is a high probability of losing the warranty.
There is no law prohibiting the selection of technical fluids from any brand. The main requirements for specifications are recommendation documentation from the manufacturer. Otherwise, there is a high probability of refusal to carry out repairs under warranty.
SAE classification
Of the main characteristics of motor oil, viscosity is especially noted. It is determined by a wide range of permissible operating temperatures. The standard classification according to this system has its own characteristics.
Take, for example, the designation 10W40:
- 10W – records the operating temperature.
- 40 is an indicator for viscosity.
The oil will definitely be all-season if there are two numbers separated only by the letter W. The first numbers are required to display the minimum minimum temperature at which the engine cranks. Eg:
- For 0W40, the minimum threshold is -35 degrees.
- In the case of 15w40, this is minus twenty.
10W is a universal type of oil that is perfect for average climate conditions. 5W is the minimum class, the use of which is recommended in severe winters. These types of car oils will last a long time.
Selection of oil by viscosity
- From 5W30 to 0W30 - recommended brands for those whose car has accumulated mileage of 50% or less of its planned life. New engines operate without wear. Minimum clearances are maintained, bearings will operate stably only if these parameters are maintained.
- With more than 50% mileage, the current choice would be the 5W40 class. The load-bearing capacity is compensated due to the fact that the viscosity increases.
There is a difference in viscosity For modern engines, it is recommended to use oil of low viscosity. This material has low energy-saving properties, which allows you to save on fuel consumption. Oil with a viscosity of no more than 30 points is poured from most modern enterprises. An increased index is required only for cars whose mileage is quite high.
API classification
Category S has several classes, distributed based on properties during use. The quality of the material improves the further the letter is from the alphabet. SN is the most modern brand of oils for gasoline engines. In the case of diesel engines - SF. Double marking allows us to say that the buyer is looking at universal motor oils.
All oils with the SL brand are energy-saving. Thanks to the use of compounds, fuel is saved. But the difference is only 2-3%; the average consumer hardly feels it.
ILSAC: what is the classification
ILSAC is the name of an international committee that was created by the Japanese and American Manufacturers Associations. This committee develops standards that are targeted to the respective countries. According to this classification, motor oils can be divided into only five classes. Designations include the letters GF, and one of the numbers, from 1 to 5. Of all the classes, the most modern is GF-5.
Oils that meet the requirements of the ILSAC standard have the following characteristics:
- Increased compatibility with systems that reduce overall emissions.
- Improved anti-wear properties.
- Increased protection against future deposit formation.
- Energy saving parameters.
ACEA: another classification
Initially, this standard was developed only for European countries. But then its use spread throughout the world.
Thanks to the standard, oils of three main categories are introduced:
- A/B. Works with diesel and gasoline engines of passenger cars and light vehicles for commercial purposes.
- C. For gasoline and diesel engines, for which compliance with modern environmental requirements is important.
- E. Ensures the operation of diesel engines in trucks, during the operation of which loads increase.
Oil requires regular replacement The marking contains a letter code followed by numbers. An increase in the value of the figure suggests that higher demands are placed on operating conditions and characteristics. Numbers are also indicated through a hyphen; they indicate the year when the category was assigned.
An example of marking use is A3/B4-04. But when selecting for a specific car, clarification is required. The types of oils indicated are recommendations.
Motor oils: about operating conditions
Liquids are distinguished by the fact that the working conditions are extremely difficult. The mode can even be called “ragged”. This means that the same portion of oil can literally every second be subject to changes in terms of mechanical loads and thermal parameters. After all, each engine component has practically its own lubrication conditions.
The speed of movement of the parts and the pressure indicator are constantly changing depending on which part of the motor is currently engaged during operation.
Popular motor oil manufacturers
Popular brands of oils can be distributed as follows if you carefully study user reviews:
- Mobil. A brand from America, owned by Exxon Corporation. Management opened branches all over the world. For the modern market, the brand has become recognizable. It is used both in transport for mass production and in the case of sports brands. It is characterized by a high degree of compatibility with most of the compositions that have been certified.
- Shell. An Anglo-Dutch corporation operating at an international level. It is inferior to the previous position only in cost. Shell Helix is the name of the trademark under which this oil is known in the Russian Federation.
- Liqui Molly. A brand created by a corporation from Germany. Among motor oils with optimal parameters, it is one of the leaders in ratings. It has gained popularity among those who own luxury sports cars.
- Castrol. A brand owned by British Petrolium. A popular option among Russian buyers due to the ideal balance between price and quality.
- Lukoil. The only brand from Russia that has passed API certification for its products. The main advantage is low prices, although the quality is in no way inferior to foreign analogues.
A wide selection of motor oils is available to the consumer There are also two brands on the market that deserve special attention - ZIC from South Korea and Total from France.
Specialized publications talk about test results almost without interruption.
Tips for choosing the right oil for your car
The main thing is to follow the manufacturer's recommendations regarding oil viscosity. It is not recommended to use fluids intended for sports equipment on mass-produced cars. This leads to engine damage.
The first step is to study the tolerances for the parameters recommended by the manufacturer himself. Many manufacturers try to certify their products depending on the specific car brands with which they can be used. The products will be expensive, but it is better to cooperate with the dealer’s official partners than to spend the same amount of money on repairs later.
More savings options arise in situations where the manufacturer provides only recommendations regarding general classification requirements. You can trust domestic manufacturers. The main thing is to decide which service interval is most suitable for the buyer.
Conclusion
There are a large number of different types of motor oils on the market. All that remains is to determine which option is suitable for a particular buyer and his car. The packaging contains some of the conventional meanings and types of markings. But before that, you should familiarize yourself with the information regarding the accepted classifications. An untrained user may simply get confused in the available notations. Getting information in advance helps you make a choice, even when there are dozens or hundreds of suitable options.
Most car enthusiasts who care about the technical condition of their vehicles are concerned about the question of motor oils, their types and characteristics. The correct operation of the car engine and the duration of its operation directly depend on the quality indicators and operational characteristics. In the article we will talk about the main classification of the product and present a summary table of compatibility of brands and oils.
Requirements for motor oils
The main purpose of oils is to ensure effective lubrication of the internal elements of rotary and piston internal combustion engines. The product contains base oils and additives that help cool parts that interact with each other during operation.
When motor lubricant is found in the elements of the combustion engine system and on the surfaces of parts, it is exposed to various influences, namely: mechanical, thermal and chemical. The factor influences the characteristics, which is reflected in the duration of the operating period.
When choosing a lubricant for a motor, it is important to ensure full compliance with three characteristics: the design of the unit, its operating conditions and the properties of the lubricant itself.
Before purchasing, make sure that the oil meets the parameters below:
- Possesses in relation to insoluble inclusions high detergent, solubilizing and dispersing-stabilizing characteristics. This feature helps to effectively clean parts from contaminants.
- Characterized by high thermal and thermo-oxidative ability, which will allow you to effectively use motor lubricant to cool the very hot piston and piston rings.
- Has the ability to effectively protect engine parts from wear, neutralizing the effect of acids.
- Does not have a corrosive effect on metal parts of the motor during operation and during long periods of downtime.
- Ensures engine starting in cold condition, efficient pumpability of the lubricant in it, as well as reliable lubrication of parts under extreme conditions.
- Compatible with the material used to produce sealing elements of systems to neutralize exhaust gases.
- Does not create foam in cold and hot states.
- Low consumption for waste and low volatility.
engine oil
Classification
Since the beginning of the last century, they began to be divided into several categories depending on the degree of viscosity of the lubricant. Such a classification system, developed and implemented by specialists from the American Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), was immediately appreciated by manufacturers of motor lubricants and their consumers, who found it much easier to select them for their equipment.
This division is actively used to select motor oils, their brands and characteristics depending on consumer requirements.
Lubrication helps the engine run
What do you think is vital for the performance of your car's engine? Of course, he needs fuel. But if there is no lubricating fluid inside the engine, even if there is gasoline, it is unlikely to function. Its metal parts will rub against each other, trying to overcome the resulting resistance. But the friction force will be stronger and will not allow engine parts to rotate. The picture changes radically as soon as lubricant enters the motor. What motor oil consists of envelops the parts inside the engine, the resulting film protects the metal from damage due to friction. Now the engine runs without problems.
How did motor oil appear? In 1866, American physician John Ellis experimented with crude oil, studying its properties for use in medicine. Unexpectedly, he discovered that it was an excellent lubricant by adding the raw material inside a seized steam engine. The valves were released and began to move smoothly and freely. Dr. Ellis patented his discovery, and the world received the first brand of motor lubricant.
In order for the product composition to cope with its task, you need:
- compliance of oil properties with mechanical, chemical, temperature reactions that occur during vehicle operation;
- combination of engine model, lubricant brand and driving conditions.
Only if all these factors are present will the motor operate stably and for a long time.
Lubricating fluids are designed to:
- prevent friction;
- reduce wear;
- remove heat from the rubbing parts of the engine.
Manufacturers all over the world are working to create the perfect lubricant composition. To date, several dozen videos have been released with detailed information on this topic. Those interested in scientific advances in this area will find it useful to watch them.
Classifications of lubricants
Refilling the engine with lubricant Motor lubricants are created for different types of engines:
- gasoline;
- diesel;
- universal - operating on any fuel.
According to seasonal purpose, the motor substance is divided into:
- winter;
- summer;
- suitable for any season.
According to the chemical composition and method of production, oil can be:
- synthetic - indicated on the packaging as Synthetic;
- mineral – Mineral;
- semi-synthetic - Semi-Synthetic.
Choose a motor lubricant strictly in accordance with the car manufacturer's recommendations!
To make the oil useful for the engine, additives are added to its composition. They improve and adjust the properties of the lubricant. They also help achieve specific goals, for example, cleaning. Or they increase the viscosity of the lubricant. Lubricant manufacturers do not disclose the secret composition of additives to anyone. Their business rests on this and they scrupulously monitor the compliance of their products with international standards and certificates.
Motor oil is divided into groups depending on:
- balanced composition of additives in it;
- viscosity coefficient;
- manufacturer approvals.
Each motor substance receives recommendations for use in a particular car model. This is because engines are made of different metals and have their own design features. There are engines for racing and sports cars. Available for SUVs or cars that are constantly used in a big city. Each model must have a special motor, and for it a special oil composition.
What are engine lubricants made of?
Mineral oils are made by purifying petroleum fractions. Synthetic - using catalytic synthesis from gases. A combination of both, in which at least a quarter is synthetic, is called a semi-synthetic lubricant. The composition of this product is hydrocarbons with a given number of carbon atoms connected in chains
There are straight, long, rope-like chains of atoms. There are branched ones, like tree crowns. The shapes of the chains directly affect the properties of the product. The best ones are with rope-type chains. Branched chains curl up more easily. Consequently, such oil will freeze at sufficiently high temperatures. Consumers are interested in lubricating fluid that does not freeze even in severe frosts.
When producing a mineral product, natural winding chains are straightened in a special way. Synthetics are made artificially by attaching a number of carbon atoms onto linear chains until a given length is reached.
The lubricant has certain characteristics If we take the performance characteristics of mineral products as a starting point and denote them by unity, then:
- semi-synthetics are twice as good;
- synthetic lubricant, depending on the composition, three, four and five times.
The American Petroleum Institute API classification clearly defines what types of motor oils there are.
- Simple minerals obtained by selective oil purification.
- Improved mineral motor aids. They are highly refined, hydrotreated, with high oxidative stability, low content of paraffins and flavors.
- Semi-synthetic oil with a high viscosity coefficient. A special hydrocracking treatment is applied to it, which improves the molecular structure of the substance.
- Synthetic lubricants. They have the highest level of viscosity and excellent oxidation stability. Their composition is free of paraffin molecules. Obtained by chemical reaction.
All other synthetic lubricants that do not fall into group 4, as well as plant-based lubricants.
Features of each type of lubricant
Huge range of motor lubricants The most inexpensive are mineral oils. Their chemical composition depends on the quality of the oil. The degree of purification and its technology play a role. Product molecules have different shapes and lengths. Hence the unstable properties of mineral waters. They are weakly resistant to oxidation, evaporate quickly, and their viscosity does not maintain the desired level when the temperature changes. There are videos of experiments that clearly demonstrate the change in oil viscosity at different temperatures.
In order to improve such substances, manufacturers subject their composition to hydrocracking. This is a complex physicochemical process by which long twisted chains of atoms are broken into short ones. The short chains are then supplemented with hydrogen atoms by hydrogenation.
Hydrocracking involves deep purification and modification of molecules, and therefore affects the necessary, beneficial properties of the base. Therefore, this oil is improved with additives. The resulting semi-synthetic is closer in cost to mineral lubricant. In terms of performance, it’s somewhere between mineral water and synthetics.
Synthetic oil has the most advanced characteristics. From petroleum gases such as butylene and ethylene, short hydrocarbon chains of 3-5 atoms are isolated. By polymerization they create long ones, 10-12 atoms each. The programmed length of the chains determines the constancy of the properties of synthetics:
- stability of viscosity at temperatures down to minus 50, 60 degrees allows you to start the engine in severe frosts;
- the required level of viscosity is maintained at temperatures up to 100 ºС;
- due to its homogeneous structure, the substance has excellent resistance to shear deformation;
- the tendency to form varnishes and deposits is extremely low;
- this oil almost does not burn;
- evaporates slightly.
The synthetic motor substance is persistent. Sometimes it does not require additives at all. When using synthetics, engines wear out much less, but its cost is significantly higher than that of the other two types.
Both gasoline and motor lubricant are derived from petroleum. But the tasks of these products are different. To learn how substances intended for different purposes are created from one base using modern technologies, you can watch a video on the Internet.
Many years ago, in 1873, Professor John Ellis managed to obtain motor oil for the first time. He spent a lot of time studying the characteristics of crude oil. Numerous experiments allowed him to conclude that it has excellent lubricating characteristics.
By adding the manufactured lubricating fluid to the valve mechanism of steam engines, he noticed that the movement of the valves became much smoother. The wear of parts has decreased and the operating time of the power plant has increased. John registered his discovery and opened the world's first production of motor lubricant.
Manufacturing technology
It all starts with crude oil production. It undergoes filtration, where it is cleared of harmful components. All operations are performed at specialized enterprises with appropriate equipment. Motor oils are divided into several types, each of which differs in components and properties.
Mineral ones are considered the cheapest. They are made from oil, which is subjected to filtration and standard distillation. Synthetic ones belong to the most expensive class. They are based on substances obtained after complex chemical manipulations with gas and oil products. The hybrid of the above-described compositions began to be called semi-synthetics.
How is motor oil made: the production process
The modern process of manufacturing lubricants for the latest technology is divided into several stages. First, the raw materials are prepared from which certain oil fractions are obtained. To obtain motor oil components, special technological installations are used that process oil in accordance with flow diagrams.
After distillation of oil, distillate fractions of oil are obtained:
- 350-420 degrees;
- 420-500 degrees;
- More than 500C.
The modern oil refining industry opens up new possibilities for distillation using a minimal fractional composition. The result is a lot more base oils.
At the next stage, all fractions are purified in special oil-block installations. Moreover, cleaning can be performed in various ways. Basically, selective purification of existing oil fractions is carried out. For this we use:
- A mixture of tricresol and phenol;
- Deasphalting agent, which is part of propane.
The result is a residual raffinate of the oil fraction. Its hydrotreating is performed in a permanent catalyst. Residual raffinate is produced at temperatures above 500°C. At the final stage, commercial oils are obtained by compounding oil components and special additives.
Every day more and more high-class cars appear on the roads. Of course, motor oil manufacturers take this factor into account. Each car manufacturer creates a special technical specification for the production of the latest lubricant that matches the characteristics of the car engine. It must reliably protect the propulsion system and extend its service life.
Of course, the technology described above is of a general nature. Each lubricant manufacturer tries to keep the technology for producing the latest oil secret. This is the only way to stay afloat in an age of fierce competition.
Today we will deviate a little from the usual structure of such ratings - “best mineral/semi-synthetic/synthetic oil”. The reason is simple: a particular engine first of all needs the oil viscosity specified by the manufacturer, and modern engines use low-viscosity lubricants (this is usually a high-temperature viscosity of 30, on many engines - 20). It is stupid to discuss anything other than synthetics in this context. The division into categories “oil for gasoline/diesel engines” looks no less strange, taking into account the fact that 90% of modern oils are approved for use in engines of both types; discussing purely “diesel” oil in relation to passenger cars makes sense only in the oil segment , intended for engines with particulate filters.
Therefore, today we will divide motor oils according to the categories of their specific application, and not according to virtual parameters that have no practical meaning:
- Oils with high temperature viscosity 40(5W40 in our rating) is the best option for engines produced in the 90s - early 2000s. For regions of the Far North, it makes sense to consider 0W40 oils; this can significantly facilitate engine starting in winter.
- 5 W30 Today it can be considered universal: this viscosity is used both in budget foreign cars and in premium car engines.
- 0 W20- low-viscosity motor oils used in a large number of modern engines. Moreover, pouring more viscous oils into them is categorically not recommended: piston rings, which specifically have reduced elasticity to reduce mechanical losses, cannot cope with a stronger oil film, and oil loss begins to increase.
- High temperature viscosity 50 is relevant for owners who use their cars hard - it’s not for nothing that 5W50 and 10W60 oils are commonly called “sports” oils.
- 10W40 - The standard choice of owners of old cars, as a rule, is budget semi-synthetics of outdated quality classes - SH, SJ.
- Diesel engines with particulate filters should have minimal oil loss, which should not produce a noticeable solid sediment (low ash content). This parameter is critical, therefore only oils that have the appropriate certification can be filled into the engines of such cars. The vast majority of passenger diesel engines of this type use oils with a viscosity of 5W30, and we will consider them.
