by Engine oil (or as some say, oil) is a crucial element for ensuring the reliability and productivity of your car. It lubricates the engine, reduces friction, and provides efficient heat dissipation. But how do you choose the right engine oil? In this article, we will discuss several key factors to consider when selecting engine oil, based on expert advice.
Types of Engine Oil
– Mineral Oils
Mineral oils, identifiable by the ‘Mineral’ label on the packaging, are obtained from primary oil refining and are distinguished by high viscosity. This type of oil is produced by distillation and purification of oil and is the most affordable in price compared to other types of oils, such as synthetic or semi-synthetic.
Mineral oils require frequent replacement and are ideal for older engines over 10-15 years old.
– Synthetic Oils
Synthetic oils, marked as ‘Fully Synthetic’ on the package, are manufactured through chemical synthesis, rather than raw material processing. Synthetic oils provide reliable engine protection, prevent the formation of deposits, clean the internal surfaces of the engine, and have stable characteristics over a wide temperature range.
These oils are suitable for modern engines and extreme operating conditions, including low and high temperatures.
– Semi-Synthetic Oils
Oils marked as ‘Semi-Synthetic’ are a mixture of mineral base with a certain amount of synthetic additives. This allows to enhance the operational characteristics of the base oil practically to the level of synthetic oils.
The ratio between synthetic and mineral components in semi-synthetic oils is approximately 70% to 30%, respectively. It is worth noting that the mineral component makes semi-synthetics more sensitive to temperature changes compared to, for example, synthetic oils.
By Climatic Conditions, Engine Oils are Divided into:
1. Summer
Summer engine oils remain stable at high temperatures, creating the necessary protective layer. It helps reduce friction between moving engine parts, prevents overheating, and premature engine wear.
2. Winter
Winter engine oils have reduced viscosity and better flow at low temperatures. In the cold, they remain sufficiently fluid, ensuring necessary lubrication, facilitating engine startup, and preventing ‘oil starvation’.
3. Universal (All-Season)
Universal engine oils almost do not change their viscosity depending on temperature conditions. These oils are usually synthetic or semi-synthetic and do not require changing twice a year.
Manufacturer Approvals
Every car manufacturer provides recommendations on the type and viscosity of engine oil to use for their engines. These recommendations are called ‘approvals’. Approvals define the minimum requirements for the quality of engine oil and indicate whether it is suitable for a specific engine. Check the instruction for your car or contact the manufacturer to find out which approvals match your engine.
If the instruction is not at hand, online oil selection services offered by nearly all auto chemistry manufacturers can be used. You can select oil by:
– Brand/model, choosing the engine type of your car
– By VIN code
– By consulting specialists
In conclusion, you will receive optimal options, as well as maximum information about replacement intervals, etc.
Engine Oil Viscosity
There are three main classifiers:
– SAE
– ACEA
– API
The first classification (SAE) is international. It helps determine the seasonality of the product: whether it is intended for winter, summer, or all-season.
API classification (American Petroleum Institute) divides engine oils into two types: oil for gasoline engines; oil for diesel engines.
The engine oil grade by ACEA is a distribution according to the specifications of European car engines. According to ACEA, one oil is intended for SUVs, while another is for urban cars with a small engine capacity.
There are two indicators that determine the oil viscosity. The first ends with the letter ‘W’, which stands for ‘Winter’. This figure shows how the oil behaves at low temperatures, such as during cold engine start-up. The second number determines the viscosity at normal engine operating temperatures.
Thus, 5W-30 will be less viscous than 10W-30 at startup, while 10W-30 will be more viscous than 10W-40 at normal engine temperatures. This is important because when engine oil cools, it naturally becomes thicker, becoming more elastic when heated. Therefore, light oils with low viscosity are more ‘mobile’ and protect the engine at low temperatures. On the other hand, thick oils with high viscosity are better for maintaining a strong oil film and protecting the engine at high temperatures.
Seasonality and Driving Style
If you live in an area with severe winter conditions, it may be wise to use engine oil designed specifically for cold temperatures. It is also important to consider your driving style. If you drive sportively or with heavy loads, you may need engine oil with improved temperature load resistance.
Mileage and Car Class
The mileage of the car can affect the choice of engine oil. Older engines, especially those with high mileage, may require special oils with higher lubricating capabilities.
For example, the Bardahl XTA POLAR PLUS 5W-30 oil is designed for petrol and diesel engines of passenger cars and light commercial vehicles equipped with catalysts and particulate filters. If you do not have them, you can choose a more affordable option with the same viscosity but a simpler formula, like Bardahl XTS 5W30
Regular Maintenance
It is also important to monitor regular engine oil changes. Check the oil level and follow the replacement recommendations provided by the car manufacturer.
Choosing the right engine oil for your car is an important step in ensuring the longevity and reliability of the engine. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations, consider climatic conditions and operating conditions, and your car will work for you, not vice versa! Also important – quality engine oil from a trusted manufacturer. In addition, avoid counterfeit products and buying oil ‘second hand’, then the engine and other lubrication-requiring components are guaranteed to be protected!
