![]() The Euro VI standard determines that oil must be ‘Low SAPS’ or ‘Mid SAPS’ for approved engines. Euro standardsĬar manufacturers must always comply with the Euro standards (that are constantly changing) and adjust their engine designs based on these standards. If the car uses synthetic oil the first time, be careful if switching to conventional oil. If your car started using conventional oil, continue using it. A good rule of thumb is also not to switch between the different types. The user manual for the car offers a good indication of the oil type that must be used. Some car companies such as Mercedes-Benz and BMW only recommend using synthetic oil in their cars. In relation to frequent oil changes, a mineral oil should always be sufficient for a correct lubrication. Most drivers follow the 3 month and 4,828 kilometre (3,000 mile) rule. The design of the lubricant must continue to offer optimum protection in the more demanding conditions which arise. However, the latest generation of engines has been modified for extremely small material tolerances. In the past, this effectively meant reduced protection and therefore more rapid wear of the engine. Engine oil with a lower viscosity also means a thinner lubrication film. In this way, the vehicle’s fuel is converted more efficiently into the energy needed to move the vehicle. A lower viscosity means less friction in the engine and therefore lower energy loss. Thanks to the introduction of the ACEA C5 standard, they prescribe low-viscosity engine oils more and more often (OW-XX). Use the user manual as a guide.įuel economy oil: OEMs are adjusting their lubrication instructions to comply with the need for green and fuel-saving alternatives. They flow better at lower temperatures and retain their peak lubrication at high temperatures. Although excellent, synthetic oils are approximately three times as expensive as conventional oil and not always needed for most engines. If these oils endure strict special tests (specified on their labels), this means that they deliver superior long-term performance in all critical areas ranging from the viscosity index to protection against engine deposits. Totally synthetic oil: These oils are made for high-tech engines. These three classifications refer to basically all light vehicles on the road although this changes when the engines become more accurate and pickier with regard to specific oil types. Car manufacturers usually specify 5W-20 or 5W-30 oil although some need 10W-30. These oils are popular with pick-up and SUV drivers because they offer better protection, but they usually cost a fraction more than conventional premium oils. It is formulated in such a way that it offers better protection in relation to heavier engine loads and the related higher engine temperatures. Synthetic blend oil: This is the standard oil for vehicles of the last decades. This is an appropriate oil for owners that trust frequent oil changes and drive few kilometres. Most comply with API and SAE standards, but offer few options for additive packages. Mineral oil: This is the oil that is used in bulk at dealers and is usually also the cheapest on the market. The user manual will recommend the best viscosity range and the owner can then make the right choice within these characteristics. For instance, oil with a 10W-30 grade thickens faster than oil with a 10W-40 grade. ![]() This number represents the oil’s resistance to thinning at high temperatures. The number after the “W” indicates oil viscosity at 212 degrees Fahrenheit (100 degrees Celsius). A car used in a very hot climate would need a higher number to ensure the oil does not thin too much. An engine in a colder climate where engine oil tends to become thicker because of the low temperatures would benefit from 0W or 5W. A 5W-30 engine oil will become thinner at low temperatures than a 10W-30 grade, but will still flow slower than a 0W-30 grade. ![]() The lower the number, the less the oil thickens in cold weather. The number that precedes the "W" indicates the fluid's flow at 0 degrees Fahrenheit (-17.8 degrees Celsius). In relation to engine oil, this is noted down using the usual "XW-XX" notation. ![]() This is a measure of a fluid's resistance to flow. Which factors should you take into account when choosing the right engine oil? Viscosity OEMs, moreover, are adjusting their lubrication instructions faster and faster to comply with the need for green and fuel-saving alternatives. Engines often need a different viscosity depending on the operating conditions. Often, a manufacturer will suggest one or more viscosity values for an engine such as 5W-20 or 5W-30 based on different factors including the temperature and load.
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