ENGINE OIL SELECTION: FACTORS TO CONSIDER

Engine oil is the most essential fluid in your vehicle. It lubricates engine parts, minimizes friction, and reduces wear and tear. It also has advanced cooling and detergent properties. That is why choosing quality lubricant for your engine is essential.

Not sure where to start? We have compiled a brief list of factors you should consider when selecting engine oil.

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ENGINE OIL TYPES EXPLAINED

Depending on the base oil type, engine oils are classified into synthetic, semi-synthetic, and mineral.

SYNTHETIC OILS

Synthetic oils are made from chemically modified mineral oils. The majority of modern engine oils are synthetic.

Fully synthetic oils are purer than mineral oils. Due to their thermal stability and flow ability at low temperatures, they are used in a wide range of automotive and industrial applications.

SEMI-SYNTHETIC OILS

Semi-synthetic oils are also called synthetic blend oils. That means a small amount of synthetic oils blended with mineral oil.

Synthetic blend oils do not provide the superior engine protection that fully synthetic oils promise. On the other hand, they have better performance than mineral oils.

MINERAL OILS

Mineral oils are a product of refined crude oil, where contaminants are removed. Unsurprisingly, they have lower performance compared to synthetic oils.

That is the first Engine oil to be developed. It is used in older vehicle models.

OIL STANDARDS

Several institutions have issued various engine oil standards. In the European market, ACEA approval plays a central role.

ACEA is the standard for European engine oils, determined by the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association.

The letter in the oil rate indicates the type of the engine:

A for petrol engines

B for private car diesel engines

C for light engines equipped with catalytic converters or particulate filters

E for commercial vehicles and trucks

The number, on the other hand, indicates the performance of each oil type, e.g. SynPower MST C45W-30.

In addition, depending on your OEM and lubricant manufacturer, you may also come across the following engine oil standards:

API is the engine oil standard set by the American Petroleum Institute. They use two letters in engine oil classification - S for petrol engine oil and C for commercial diesel engine oil. The following letter indicates the performance of the oil.

JASO is the engine oil standard set by the Japanese Automotive Standards Organization. They classify oils based on the engine type. For example, JASO MA is for four-stroke engines, while JASO FD is for two-stroke engines.

ILSAC is set by the International Lubricants Standardization and Approval Committee. These specifications are issued for American and Asian vehicles.

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OEM SPECIFICATIONS

Original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) have specific standards for the engine oil that can be used in their vehicles.

These classifications are named after the standards the manufacturer sets, such as VW 501 01,Porsche C30, BMW Longlife-12 FE, etc.

Some OEM approvals can be applied to other car brands. For example, the Volks wagen specifications also apply to Audi, Skoda, and Seat.

These specifications are made available to engine oil manufacturers, who can then create specific products that meet the criteria.

VISCOSITY GRADE

We are sure you have noticed labels on the engine oil packaging, such as Valvoline Synpower DX1SAE 5W- 30.

So, what do these designations stand for?

They represent the lubricant’s viscosity grade, or the level of its fluidity and performance at low and high temperatures.

Engine oils with a low viscosity grade tend to be more liquid and, as such, they flow more easily. The higher the viscosity grade, the thicker the oil. Thick oils flow slower and provide better protection. Namely, they create a protective film around engine components, minimizing their friction and wear.

Now, engine oils are affected by temperatures. That is why you should choose them according to your specific driving conditions.

For instance, at low temperatures, select thinner Engine oils (with a low viscosity grade). They circulate faster during a cold engine start.

On the other hand, at high temperatures, choose thicker oils, with a high viscosity grade. They remain stable at hot temperatures and provide better protection against friction and wear.

Now, there are two types of engine oil grades - monograde and multigrade.

MONOGRADE OILS

Monograde oils are designed for older vehicle types.

For summer driving conditions, monograde oils are labeled as SAE X, with “X” behind the number between 0 and 60.

Monograde oils used during the winter are labeled as SAE XW, where “W” stands for winter. They have low viscosity grades, meaning they are fluid.

MULTIGRADE OILS

Multigrade oils are most commonly used in contemporary vehicles. They have a higher temperature range and, as such, they are used in all seasons and different driving conditions.

They are labeled as XWY, as in Hybrid C2 5W-30. 5 represents the low-temperature viscosity grade, while 30 is the high-temperature grade.

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CONCLUSIONS

There are many factors you should consider when choosing engine oil for your vehicle. Start by paying attention to the engine oil formula. While mineral oils are more affordable, full-synthetic oils ensure better performance, protection, and fuel efficiency.

Next, consider oil viscosity. Choose it according to your working and driving conditions to ensure the highest engine lubrication and protection.

Finally, pay attention to the oil standards. For European engines, ACEA specifications are most essential. Also, do not neglect the importance of OEM specifications. Most vehicle manufacturers make them available to users.

Whether you are looking for a passenger car, recreational marine, heavy-duty, or ATV Engine oils, Valvoline has a full range of top-performance lubricants for you! If there are any additional questions about engine oils that keep knocking on your mind, feel free to contact us!