An article about how to choose oil for a car engine, what to look for when choosing. Characteristics of oils. At the end of the article - a video about choosing engine oil.
The content of the article:
One of the fundamental factors for ensuring long and trouble-free operation of the engine is high-quality oil and its timely replacement. Whether we are talking about the domestic auto industry or foreign cars, a used car or a car that has recently rolled off the assembly line, going to the first inspection, the right oil will make the car's life happy and long.
Types of automotive oils
An inexperienced car owner can be confused by the huge selection of a wide variety of oils. To choose the best oil for the engine of your car, you should understand the main classification.
Mineral oil
It is obtained as a result of distillation, refining and distillation of oil, therefore it is also called petroleum. Due to the high concentration of additives, such oils lose their qualities too quickly.
Within the group, they are subdivided into paraffinic, naphthenic, aromatic, differing in the composition of hydrocarbons. For lubricating purposes, the best components are paraffin oils, which are characterized by good temperature and viscosity.
Another important indicator is the level of sulfur, which is also present in raw materials. For oil, its content should not exceed 1%, so as not to provoke rapid wear of parts.
Synthetic
It is born through the synthesis of chemical compounds with certain properties. According to its characteristics, such oil is much superior to mineral oil:
- due to increased fluidity, friction of parts is reduced, which increases power and at the same time saves fuel;
- allows the engine to work stably even at low temperatures;
- due to the high evaporation temperature, the oil is not sensitive to overheating;
- the invariance of the chemical composition provides resistance to oxidation and waxing;
- has a long shelf life.
A kind of middle option between the two previous types is semi-synthetic oil. This combination is cheaper than synthetic and of higher quality than mineral, which makes it universal for temperate climates and medium loads.
It is very easy to get confused in the varieties, especially if each brand produces both synthetic and mineral, and semi-synthetic options. Therefore, the motorist needs to carefully study the composition of the canister before purchasing it.
Viscosity of car oil
This indicator determines how easy it is to start the engine cold at low temperatures. To know which oil should be poured into the engine, you need to understand the classification according to international standards:
- Winter oil is hidden under the letter “W” - car owners who know English will understand that this is from the word “winter”. The numbers in front of the letter indicate the degree of oil density and at the same time the temperature for which it is suitable.
- Summer oil did not get its own letter, only a numerical designation similar to winter oil.
- All-weather, combining the qualities of the two previous ones with the appropriate marking, for example, SAE 5W30.
Performance properties of the oil
To assign an oil to any category, experts conduct countless tests in special motor units, evaluating their anti-corrosion properties, detergent, oxidizing and others.
This is an American classification that divides liquids into group "S" and "C". For gasoline engines, class “S” oil is suitable, respectively, “C” for diesel engines.
The next letter indicates the quality of each brand, and the closer it is to the beginning of the alphabet, the better this oil. When the numbers 2 or 4 are added to the letter designation, this means that you have oil for two-stroke or four-stroke engines. If the label is double-labeled, this oil is suitable for both diesel and gasoline engines.
Additionally, there is an oil type marked with EC and also having a number. It has energy-saving properties, the level of which is indicated by the figure in the abbreviation.
European classification, focusing on the anti-wear characteristics of oils. According to her, class A is suitable for gasoline engines, for diesel engines - B and E, and recently a universal class C has been released, suitable for both engines.
Before going to a specialized store, you should read the user manual, which car owners rarely refer to. It indicates which oil to fill in the engine will provide it with the most comfortable operation.
- type and year of manufacture of the engine (namely, the engine, not the car);
- operating conditions, divided into medium and heavy;
- engine wear calculated from mileage;
- insignificant, starting from 75,000 km;
- medium - from 100,000 to 150,000 km;
- elevated - over 200,000 km.
- compatibility of materials from which the motor and its parts are made with different types of oils.
In principle, filling in a more viscous oil than recommended is dangerous for engine problems. Due to the more difficult pumping of the oil pump, the machine will begin to experience "oil starvation" and become unstable.
As a rule, the automaker gives an indication of some average viscosity, adjusted for operating conditions. If the manual refers to a specific brand of oil, then it is the one that the car owner needs to purchase. This is especially true when the car is under warranty, so that later there are no disagreements during a scheduled inspection. If the warranty period has already expired, you can choose a different oil, whose characteristics will be as close as possible to those recommended.
In order for the oil not to lose its qualities, it must be in certain conditions and temperature conditions. Winter groups provide easy starting of the engine at low temperatures, and summer groups cool and well lubricate the parts most exposed to friction.
Seasonal oil is not very popular, and some manufacturers even recommend it only for temporary replacement.
Now, on some car models, gas-balloon equipment is installed to save fuel. Such a measure not only saves the car owner's budget, but also almost doubles the period of a scheduled oil change.
Engine wear
Just like a person, a car needs different “nutrition” in different years of life. Initially, engineers at the factory fill it with their own oil while grinding parts to each other. It does not differ in any special indicators, but has specific additives that help units and assemblies run in. But after running in, you need to go to a higher level in order to extend the life of the motor. As the car is used, the quality of the oil will again have to be reduced due to its greater consumption due to leaks.
Thus, once choosing a good oil, it will not be possible to use it for the entire life of the car. The older the car gets, the more viscous the oil will need to be used.
Engine oil change
The standard oil change period is after 100,000 km. Aggressive driving style, diesel engine or short trips in cold temperatures will significantly reduce this mileage.
Also, the oil will “age” faster in a worn engine, in which there is a lot of dust and other wear products. If the machine was purchased second-hand and the new owner does not know about the conditions of its operation, it is necessary to completely replace the oil that is in the engine with a new one.
If we are not talking about a complete oil change, but topping it up, it is better not to mix different brands. In completely hopeless situations, the share of another type of oil should not exceed 15% of the total volume, but at the first opportunity, this mixture should be replaced with a full-fledged liquid.
And it is strictly forbidden to mix fundamentally different types of oils, for example, synthetics with mineral water. Incompatibility of additives can cause completely unpredictable consequences.
7 tips on how to choose motor oil - in the video:
When operating a vehicle, any car owner periodically raises the question of which brand of oil is better to fill in the engine. Of course, before choosing in a store, you need to study as much information as possible about this: read all kinds of instructions that detail specific recommendations, listen to the opinions of experts, as well as reviews of car owners. If a used car is purchased without a service book, then official dealers or spare parts suppliers will be able to provide useful information about it.
In this case, the wear of the motor must be taken into account. After all, when using mineral water, if cracks appeared, for example, in a pan, then they were gradually filled with deposits. Bay after this synthetics, you will wash everything, including frozen deposits. As a result, a leak may reappear. And if you still use a 15-minute flush, then the engine can generally be ruined. Therefore, it is advisable to carry out a separate cleaning of the engine elements, or at least manually clean the sump.
How to be and what brand to fill in the engine is better? Consider what needs to be considered when choosing a fluid in general and for individual cars in particular.
Choosing the best oil
When choosing the best lubricant for their car, motorists begin their search with a list of existing fluids by rating.
Then the car model, mileage, age and its general condition are taken into account. Also, to make the right choice, you need to know the differences between synthetic and semi-synthetic types (mineral water is used only on old cars, so we will not cover it in detail).
Synthetic oil is completely artificial. It is obtained as a result of the processing of oil or gas through complex molecular synthesis. Such a mixture does not lose its properties under the influence of various factors, even as a result of long-term operation.
Semi-synthetics is obtained by mixing mineral and synthetic types of lubricating fluids. Mineral water is considered a natural product, as it is the result of distillation and purification of oil.
Synthetics are able to penetrate much better, and also have greater fluidity. Thanks to its use, fuel consumption is reduced and power loss due to friction is reduced. Its beneficial properties last longer. At the same time, the motor wears out less, and an oil change is needed less often than when filling with semi-synthetics. This type of fluid is less affected by overheating and lowering the temperature.
With an old car that has insufficient technical documentation, specialists select a suitable oil, taking into account the following components:
- viscosity;
- quality;
Diesel oil
When choosing a suitable mixture for diesel vehicles, they take into account the specifics of their work, which differs from gasoline units.
For diesel engines, the quality of the fluid used must be consistent in order to ensure the maximum possible durability of the motor. The set of additives here is qualitatively different than for gasoline cars. Since the fuel does not burn completely, the amount of detergent and dispersant additives must be much higher.
Some are able to keep soot in suspension, others reduce the formation of deposits on pistons and cylinders. Due to the presence of a significant percentage of sulfur, in order to increase the resistance to oxidation, additives are introduced into the oil that specifically protect against oxidation and the formation of an alkaline environment.
For naturally aspirated engines, experts do not recommend using oils of a class below BI, or CD, according to various classifications. In turbodiesels, a class from CE or B2 is allowed. Turbocharged engines are more demanding, as not only are there high system loads, but there is a need to keep the turbocharger running for a long time.
Another important point for diesel engines is the viscosity index. According to this indicator, summer, winter and year-round options are distinguished.
Oil for gasoline unit
The choice of fluid for such machines begins with the definition of the motor, as well as the natural conditions of the place where the car is used.
Today, power units have more power, compression ratio, and therefore are able to work in more severe conditions than before. This became possible, among other things, due to the fact that the standards for exhaust gases and toxicity have become tougher.
Considering mineral water, semi-synthetics and synthetics, and also taking into account the latitudes where we live, experts conclude that types such as semi-synthetics and synthetics are the most suitable.
For most units, you can completely limit yourself to semi-synthetics, changing it as usual. But the more extreme the operating conditions, the more often replacement is required. What brand of oil is better to fill in the engine? In our conditions, when buying oil, you should first of all be extremely careful and pay attention not only and not so much to the brand itself, but to the quality and authenticity of the product. Therefore, reviews are advised to purchase liquid only in stores with a good reputation. Otherwise, there is a big risk of buying a fake.
Car oils for different brands of cars
Well, in order to choose specifically which brand of oil is better to fill in the VAZ-2107 engine, you can see the reviews of other motorists. Many people prefer the Lukoil brand, but there are also those who choose better lubricants. However, having opted for any one liquid, it is better to drive on it, since changing the brand, you will be forced to additionally flush the engine and waste time, and the result will remain the same.
The best oil for Hyundai Accent
For car owners of this brand, the right choice depends on the year of production and engine number. For most models, semi-synthetics 10W40 are suitable. The only exception is the engine numbered D4FA, which runs only on 5W30 synthetics. What brand of oil is better to fill in the Hyundai Accent engine? Manufacturers recommend Liqui moly, Mannol, Aral.
Choice for Renault Logan
The opinion of manufacturers regarding which brand of oil is better to fill in the Renault Logan engine is to support ELF Evolution SXR 5W30 or ELF Evolution SXR 5W40. These are synthetic lubricants.
Suitable for Nissan vehicles
Consider two Nissan models: Almera and Qashqai.
What brand of oil is better to fill in the engine? Nissan Almera is a model that has been produced for a long time. Therefore, for cars before 2000, 15W40 mineral water is suitable, and after 2000, 5W30 synthetics. For diesels, this Brand may be Elf 5W40.
What about new models? What brand of oil is better to fill in the engine? Nissan Qashqai, for example, has been in production since 2007. For him, as for other new cars, the manufacturer clearly suggests using only 5W30 synthetics. Car owners, of course, have the right to choose a specific brand for themselves, but most use the original Nissan oil.
The best option for "Opel"
For older models, mineral water 15W40 or semi-synthetic 10W40 is suitable. But for the last years of production, 5W30 synthetics are chosen. So what brand of oil is better to fill in the engine? Opel recommends Mobil1, Liqui Molly, Motul to its customers.
The best oil for Toyota
Viscosity and class, as for all models, here depends on the year of manufacture of the car. The company unambiguously speaks out on the issue of which brand of oil is better to fill in the engine. Toyota will feel great on the original branded fluid.
Suitable for Mazda CX7
The type of oil for this car, of course, is synthetic, and the viscosity is 5W30. What brand of oil is better to fill in the Mazda CX 7 engine? This company, like many others, offers Mazda owners their original version.
The best oil in winter
Winter oil for motors, judging by the reviews, is currently not used by car owners as such. Therefore, pay more attention to the viscosity class. If the liquid has a name in which the letter W is present, for example: 5W30, 5W40, and so on, then you can be sure that this oil belongs to the all-weather class. They can be safely used all year round. The bulk of drivers choose just such oil. At the same time, when using oil in winter, you need to pay attention to the first number before the letter W.
If the low temperature viscosity is appropriate for the regional climate where the vehicle is operated and the starter battery is in good condition, then there is nothing to worry about. And you can also continue to use this viscosity class.
If there is no confidence in the weather, then it is better to choose a lower temperature viscosity.
In doing so, the following circumstances must be taken into account:
- changing the oil puts extra stress on the engine;
- liquid of one manufacturer is compatible with a different viscosity class;
- used in the cold season, must comply with the recommendations of the vehicle manufacturer.
In addition to viscosity and type, many motorists prefer the use of certain brands in winter. What brand of oil is better to fill in the engine in winter? Our most popular are:
- Castrol, which is highly valued in most Eurasian countries.
- Shell Helix, which many consumers speak of worthily.
- Xado also has great features.
- Zic has been trusted by car owners for many years.
- Mobil is a German leader recognized in many countries.
Lukoil oil is also known and popular among the Russian consumer. But in winter it is better to use a different brand.
The number of offers on the market today is extremely large. For each of the cars, up to several dozen brands that are found on the shelves of car dealerships can fit. For winter, it is better to focus primarily not on cost, but on quality characteristics. If the car is stored in a heated garage, then the fluid requirements are significantly reduced. Then the usual all-weather season will be sufficient, and you should not subject the engine to additional load by changing the composition of the oil.
"Behind the wheel". The examination was carried out by experts together with employees of a well-known laboratory.
Rating obtained with a four-ball machine
Indispensable studies of the properties of synthetic oils of domestic and foreign production were carried out. All main tests were carried out on a VAZ car, although some of the measurements were made in the laboratory. A special four-ball friction machine was also used for testing, designed to determine the welding loads of gear oils.
Although, according to some experts in this field, such a unit is not intended for automotive testing. There are simply no such loads in an internal combustion engine, and only EP additives based on phosphorus and sulfur are able to cope with testing. And if we remember, they have not been used since 1996.
As for tests on a four-ball friction machine, it is desirable to carry out such experiments for transmission and industrial types of lubricants.
So. What kind of oil can be called high-quality and good? It turns out, in fact, that there is no such thing as a good lubricant for, or rather, the highest quality. Each type must be suitable for your engine. It is clear that lubricants from manufacturers are meant, and not fakes.
Let us suppose. It's time to choose motor lubricant. What to do? How to choose it? Here we will try to give some useful tips.
The right approach is the first step in choosing
The main thing when choosing a good lubricant for the engine is the right approach. You should be able to determine the criteria and know some secrets. And the most important thing is that the engine oil should correspond in its characteristics to the indicators and requirements that the automaker puts forward.
If you act when choosing a lubricant, like a simple person, that is, learning from friends and acquaintances, then nothing sensible will come of it. After all, everyone pours different oil and praises it. What to do?
Maybe search in or is it better to open a forum corresponding to the question? Ask the question directly: what type of lubricant is better to fill in the engine? At the same time, do not indicate either the make of the car, or the age, and nothing at all, except for the question. Most of the answers will contain a lot of useful tips on specific oils, but only ten percent will ask, what kind of car do you have, dear? Having indicated the brand, you will again find yourself surrounded by a mass of answers containing many completely different opinions.
Instructions, where everything is written in black and white
Dead end, what to do? How to choose the right lubricant for your car?
To be honest, first of all, you need to carefully read the instructions for the car. It is there that it is written in black and white what type of lubricant should be used for the engine. And which car oil is better is not so important here. But if you got the car without a service book, then information can be found from the official representatives of the car brand.
Although the tolerances of a certain oil are developed for the motor, and not for the brand of the car as a whole. So, some manufacturers of auto engines offer to pour several types of lubricants into their motor, and not just one.
Usually, an oil permit for a certain brand of car consists of a special code - a set of numbers and letters. For example, for this code it looks like this: MB 228.3, and for Audi - VM 501.01.
Some of the automakers in their requests are somewhat modest and in the form of recommendations they give coding only according to international classifications. For example, SAE, ILSAC, API.
Some drivers, especially beginners, may ask: why is the choice of lubricant so important? The answer to this question lies in the composition of some additives used in motor oils. Thanks to these same additives, their chemical composition, they have different operating conditions. And if you choose the wrong lubricant, then this threatens to reduce engine power, increased and other "drums" in the car. As a result, this will lead to engine failure, which every driver of a vehicle is afraid of, because the engine is the heart of the car.
Go ahead. Now it is necessary to evaluate the quality of the oil filled before this. In other words, you need to find out what kind of lubricant is in your car's crankcase. Usually, experienced drivers ask previous owners about this. But in some cases, the owner does not remember or does not want to give such information. Nothing, it's not a problem! Flushing the engine will put everything in its place, although this will result in unnecessary costs.
Another important parameter for future research is oil waste, that is, its consumption. It is clear that the consumption cannot be zero by definition, because anyway, some amount of lubricant burns out in any case. But how much?
Analysis is another right step in choosing
After finding out what kind of oil is poured into the engine of your car and what its consumption is, you need to do a little research. Compare both indicators with those recommended by the manufacturer. Corresponds, for example, to the waste of lubrication with the parameters put forward by the automaker, or not. In a word, if there is no difference or it is small, you should not change the brand, as this threatens with unnecessary difficulties.
In fact, changing the oil poured into the engine is a direct harm to the engine and its internal parts, which are already accustomed to working on the old one. Although, if the lubricant consumption is too high, you still have to change the brand of lubricant. Recall that this applies to a situation where there is no car service book, and you could not find out what type of lubricant the manufacturer recommends using.
Finally, the last step in choosing is information about the list of such products, knowledge of brands and manufacturers. Knowing the brand of lubricant suitable for your car, you will still face a choice, because there are many types of the same brand. Which one is better?
You can also do this: enter the lubrication tolerance into the Internet search engine and a list of the necessary ones will come.
But here's the thing. It turns out that not all manufacturers publish information about tolerance certification in . It turns out that getting to this information will be difficult. Although traders trading in different brands of lubricants almost always publish information.
It turns out that the most important thing when choosing is the lubricant tolerance, which means a set of additives and a quality standard? Yes. And of course, an integrated approach to the choice of lubricant, presented above in the form of certain, step-by-step steps.
Classification and types
Now let's try to understand the wide range of motor oils on the market today. We will learn about the classification of motor oils and much more.
Mineral
One of the types of engine oil is mineral, obtained by mixing standard distillation and residual oils. Can we say that this is the best car oil? Hardly. As mentioned above, it all depends on the brand of the car, the type of its engine.
It should be noted that mineral oils have a rather narrow range of applications and are much cheaper.
If you mix mineral oil with synthetic oil, which is often done, you get a semi-synthetic automotive oil. It is used in almost all engines and significantly saves fuel. Also, this type of oil has excellent technical characteristics.
Synthetic
To obtain it, expensive raw materials are used. In addition, to obtain synthetic automotive oil, you need to use expensive equipment. It has high performance characteristics and is used in all weather conditions, as well as at any time of the year.
Viscosity classification of motor oils (SAE)
In addition to the type of oils, there is also such a parameter as its viscosity. This is its most important characteristic and it was invented by the American Society of Automotive Engineers. Viscosity is encrypted with SAE encoding. And according to this classification, absolutely all oils are divided into summer, winter and all-season.
Summer species are distinguished by numerical encodings. For example, car oil SAE 40 or SAE 50. As for winter oil, it is coded as follows: SAE 0w or SAE 15w. And, finally, all-weather lubricants are indicated by two signs.
The higher the number of the summer type of oil, the greater its viscosity at high temperatures. In other words, engine lubrication at high temperatures is more reliable.
The lower the figure in the winter type of oil, the lower its viscosity at low temperatures. In other words, a cold engine start is much easier.
Oil classification according to API
There is another version of the classification of automotive oils. So, the API classification divides automobile oils into two types: those intended for and intended for gasoline engines. Which one is good doesn't matter.
motor oil rating
It is clear that it is impossible to embrace the immensity, and oils for all cars cannot be described in one article. However, it is in our power to make a summary comparison of the most famous brands on the Russian market. As a basis for comparison, we will take the oil resource test mentioned above, as well as data from a number of automotive experts and ordinary motorists. Such a summary rating will help you figure out which brand is best to look for when buying a lubricant.
Without any doubts
Oil produced by the Japanese corporation ZIC can be recommended to every motorist. Despite the high cost, it really helps to save a lot of money. Among its positive features, it is worth noting the minimum wear of the power unit and the absence of serious soot after long-term operation. In addition, a study conducted after draining the oil showed that this lubricant is serviceable even after the expected resource has been exhausted. If you accidentally forget to change the oil in the engine on time, you definitely won’t have to wait for serious consequences.
Shell products have always been considered one of the best - this is confirmed both by the results of laboratory studies and reviews. The only drawback is the high consumption of waste when the engine is running in extreme conditions - active drivers will have to buy a small bottle for topping up during operation. Shell oils do not leave deposits and allow you to clean the engine. However, you should be careful - for older cars, it is recommended to use mineral oil of this brand, which does not lead to engine damage as a result of washing out all deposits that fill the pores of the metal. Another disadvantage is the huge number of oil fakes that obviously do not meet any standards.
The lubricant, produced under the famous Motul brand, showed the best results in the field and work at high temperatures. When testing sports cars with this oil, a minimum indicator of the development of engine components was achieved. However, Motul oil has a significant drawback - with the active operation of the car, it loses its properties faster than the analogues described above. Nevertheless, the indicators of the aging rate make it possible to meet the standard intervals established by the transport manufacturers.
Optimal balance
The oil of the French concern Total is valued for its combination of reasonable price and excellent quality. Of course, in terms of durability and stability of physical characteristics, it is far from world leaders, however, when replacing, all characteristics fit into current standards. A significant advantage of the lubricant is the ability to fight dirt - all deposits are washed out after 3–5 thousand kilometers. In addition, the minimum waste consumption is pleasing, which reduces the costs of the motorist and reduces harm to the environment.
Elf oil costs a little less, but its parameters cannot be called ideal. Despite the fact that all indicators met the current standards, there were problems with waste consumption when driving in the city. In addition, a deviation from the frequency of oil changes can cause significant damage to engine components - it ages quite quickly. However, a significant plus of the products of this French brand is the minimum amount of deposits formed during prolonged operation of the motor.
Oils of the international concern British Petroleum are well known to the Russian consumer thanks to cooperation with the TNK corporation. They protect engines well from damage and accelerated wear, and also form a minimum amount of deposits. However, prolonged operation at high temperatures causes the oil to thicken strongly, which is due to the peculiarities of its chemical composition. Therefore, it is better not to choose such a lubricant for owners of sports cars and other dynamic cars.
We hope that this article will help you choose the engine oil that will become native to it and significantly increase power and service life.
There are many types of engine oils and choosing the right one can sometimes be difficult. But for a particular internal combustion engine, an automotive oil that meets the requirements of the automaker is required. The parameters that affect the classification will be discussed below.
Classification
Application difference
The classification according to the field of application described above has 3 types (diesel, gasoline, turbocharged).
However, a recent trend has led to the emergence of a subgroup of proprietary types of oils. This is due to the mass production of turbocharged engines (gasoline, diesel).
This classification of engine oil distinguishes between compositions in which various additives are used. They create conditions for the efficient operation of oil on engines with a certain type of fuel. These additives prevent thickening and foaming of the oil composition in turbo engines. The corresponding indicator is indicated in the regulation of the international API standard (developed in 1947 by the American Petroleum Institute).
Two letters in Latin after the name of the standard indicate oil for a particular type of motor:
- the letter S ("Service") - gasoline engines;
- C ("Commercial") - diesel.
The second letter after the data is responsible for the presence of a turbine, and also indicates the time period for the production of power units - the oil is intended for them.
Even in diesel oils, there is a number 2 or 4, indicating a two / four-stroke engine.
Universal motor oil is used on gasoline and diesel - classification in this situation has a double standard. Example: SF/CC, SG/CD and so on.
API Explanations (Gasoline)
Classification according to the API standard with a few explanations:
Gasoline car engines:
- SC - development of automobiles (engines) until 1964;
- SD - until 1964-68;
- SE - until 1969-72;
- SF - until 1973-88;
- SG - until 1989-94 (harsh operating conditions);
- SH - until 1995-96 (harsh operating conditions);
- SJ - until 1997-2000 (modernized energy-saving properties);
- SL - until 2001-03 (long service life);
- SM - cars (motors) since 2004;
- SL+: enhanced resistance to oxidative damage.
Before pouring another brand of oil into the engine, you should know: the API indicator is used exclusively in increments. It is not recommended to change the class beyond two levels.
Example: SH engine oil was previously used, then the next brand will be SJ, because the oil composition of the class above is enriched with all the additives of the previous one.
API Explanations (Diesel)
Classification for diesel power plants:
- CB - machines (motors) designed before 1961 (high sulfur concentration);
- CC - until 1983 (heavy operating conditions);
- CD - until 1990 (fuel contains H2SO4 in large quantities; severe operating conditions);
- CE - until 1990 (turbo);
- CF - before / since 90, (turbo);
- CG-4 - before / since '94 (turbo);
- CH-4 - before / since 98 (high standards for the emission of harmful substances into the atmosphere; for the US market);
- CI-4 - cars (power units) with a turbocharger, with an EGR valve;
- CI-4+ (plus) - identical to the previous one (+ adaptation to high US environmental standards).
Grouping by viscosity/temperature properties
At the moment, the international SAE type standard is widely used for most oil formulations. SAE regulates the thickness of the oil, which affects which engine oil to choose.
Engine oil mainly has universal qualities: summer and winter operation. This type of oil (SAE standard) has a designation: number-Latin letter-number.
Example: 10W-40 oil formulation
W - adaptation to low temperatures (winter).
10 - the limiting negative temperature at which the oil is guaranteed to retain all its properties in its original form.
40 - the maximum positive temperature, which guarantees the preservation of the beneficial properties of the oil composition.
These figures are indicators of viscosity: low / high temperature conditions.
In the case of the purpose of the oil for operation in the summer, there is a marking "SAE 30". The figure is a designation of the maximum allowable temperature regime, in which there is a guarantee of the preservation of properties.
Viscosity (negative temperatures)
The temperature limits are as follows:
- 0W - engine oil is operated at low temperatures up to -35 degrees Celsius;
- 5W - up to -30o C;
- 10W - up to -25o C;
- 15W - up to -20o C;
- 20W - up to -15o C.
Viscosity (high temperatures)
The boundaries are as follows:
- 30 - use of oil up to +25/30o C;
- 40 - up to +40o C;
- 50 - up to +50o C;
- 60 - over 50o C.
Conclusion: the lowest number corresponds to liquid oil; the highest - thick. Engine oil 10W-30 should be used at temperatures: -20 / +25 degrees. 
ACEA standard
This classification is common in Europe. The abbreviation stands for the name of the organizational structure of the "European Association of Automobile Manufacturers". The standard was introduced in 1996.
ACEA means the European standards for physical and chemical research. However, since 01/03/1998, the classification has been revised, as a result of which other rules have been introduced that have been in force since 01/03/00. Based on this, the full name is ACEA-98.
The European standard has a strong resemblance to the international one - API. However, ACEA is more demanding in a number of ways:
- a gasoline / diesel engine is indicated by letter symbols - A or B. Class A implies three degrees of application, class B - four;
- truck (diesel power plant) and operated in harsh conditions is marked with the letter "E". Four levels of application.
The numerical value after the letter means the requirements of the standard: higher numbers correspond to more stringent requirements.
Total: A3 / B3 ACEA engine oil is similar in properties, SL / CF (API) parameters. However, the European classification implies the use of special classes of oils. The reason is the mass production in the Old World of cars with small turbocharged engines that are under high loads. Such automotive oil compositions should, in addition to the main function, also protect the elements of the internal combustion engine, and also be with a minimum degree of viscosity in order to:
- reduction of power losses due to friction;
- improving environmental performance.
Based on this, an A5/B5 (ACEA) engine oil is superior to SM/CI-4 (API) in a number of ways.
Line-up change
The ACEA classification can undergo reforms, starting from a particular car brand. This is due to the various technologies used in their engines by European automakers.
Therefore, for a certain type of power unit developed by an automobile manufacturer, it is necessary to use more precise requirements that the classification provides.
Example: passenger cars with modern power plants (BMW, VW Group) are equipped with advanced electronic systems. They comply with the ACEA standard and require a special oil composition.
The truck segment (diesel power plant) has leaders in the form of Scania, MAN, Volvo - these cars also meet the standards and set the bar for the best oils. The luxury car class is traditionally led by Mercedes-Benz. 
ISLAC standard
American car manufacturers, along with Japanese ones, have their own standard and classification - ISLAC. It is almost completely identical to the international API, so you can choose both.
Marking for gasoline engines:
- GL-2 (ISLAC) = SJ (API);
- GL-3 (ISLAC) = SL (API) respectively, and so on.
The JASO DX-1 group is highlighted separately - these are Japanese cars with turbodiesel power plants that comply with the ISLAC standard. This marking is also suitable for modern engines with high environmental standards and equipped with a turbocharger.
GOST standards
The GOST classification was used in the USSR, as well as in the allied countries, where Soviet-style equipment was used. The standards provide viscosity/temperature properties, scope. API classification within GOST is indicated by Russian letters. A certain letter is responsible for a specific class and type of power unit.
Same with SAE. Only instead of the letter "W" (winter), the Russian "Z" is written.
We choose wisely
In order to correctly choose engine oil, in addition to markings / temperature criteria for operating a car, additional criteria must be followed:
- for a new motor that has not worked out a quarter of the declared resource, you must choose oil 5W30 / 10W30 (SAE);
- an engine with an average accumulated resource (25-75%) is more loyal. For it, you can choose engine oil type 15W40 / 5W30 / 10W30 - winter operation. Universal operation: 5W40;
- spent resource - 75% or more. It is recommended to choose 15W40 / 20W40 (SAE) - summer. Winter operation: 5W40 /SAE 10W40 (SAE). Universal: 5W40 (SAE).
And remember: fill the engine with oil only from a trusted manufacturer - this way the engine will last a long time and will not cause trouble.
Based on the requirements of your car engine and ambient temperature, engine oil is selected according to two main criteria: API or ACEA performance level which must meet the requirements of your engine; And SAE viscosity, which is selected depending on the ambient temperature and the degree of engine wear.
SAE engine oil classification
One of the main properties of engine oil is its viscosity and its dependence on temperature in a wide range (from the ambient temperature at the time of a cold start in winter to the maximum temperature in the engine at maximum load in summer). The most complete description of the compliance of the viscosity-temperature properties of oils with the requirements of engines is contained in the SAE3000 classification, generally accepted at the international level.
It includes motor oils for 6 winter (0W, 5W, 10W, 15W, 20W, 25W) and five summer viscosity grades (20, 30, 40, 50 and 60). Winter classes have the letter “W” in their designation, the first in the word Winter is winter. The larger the number included in the designation of the class, the higher the viscosity of the oils related to it. All-weather oils are designated by a double number, the first of which indicates the minimum values of the dynamic viscosity of the oil at low temperatures and guarantees starting properties, and the second determines the range of kinematic viscosity at 100°C and dynamic viscosity at 150°C, characteristic of the corresponding summer oil viscosity class.
The test methods included in the assessment of the properties of oils according to SAE J300 provide the consumer with information on the maximum oil temperature at which the engine can be turned by the starter and the oil pump pumps oil under pressure during a cold start in a mode that does not allow dry friction in friction units.
Typical performance ranges for the most commonly used winter, summer and multigrade oils
We draw the attention of the consumer to the fact that for engines of various designs, the temperature ranges for the performance of oils of this class according to SAE differ significantly. They depend on the power of the starter, the minimum starting speed of the crankshaft required to start the engine, on the performance of the oil pump, on the hydraulic resistance of the oil intake tract and many other design, technological and operational facts (technical condition of the car, quality of gasoline or diesel fuel, driver qualification and so on.)
Synthetic oils are slightly more fluid, so they seep more easily through leaks in joints. The leakage of the stuffing box does not indicate the aggressiveness of the oil, but that the working edge of the cuff is already thoroughly worn out and any oil would soon flow through it. Synthetic oil cannot be used in engines of obsolete designs (with stuffing box packing).
- when the vehicle mileage is less than 25% of the planned engine life (new engine), oils of SAE 5W30 or 10W30 classes must be used all season;
- with a car mileage of 25-75% of the planned engine resource (technically serviceable engine), it is advisable to use oils of SAE 10W40, 15W40 classes in summer, 5W30 and 10W30 in winter and all-weather - SAE 5W40;
- with a car mileage of more than 75% of the planned engine life (old engine), oils of SAE 15W40 and 20W40 classes should be used in summer, SAE 5W40 and SAE 10W40 in winter, and SAE 5W40 all season.
API engine oil classification
The first classification of oils according to the conditions of their use and levels of performance properties was proposed by the American Petroleum Institute (API) back in 1947.
Since then, it has been repeatedly supplemented, but the principle of dividing oils into two categories - “S” and “C” has been preserved. The “S” (Service) category includes oils for 4-stroke gasoline engines, the “C” (Commercial) category includes oils designed for diesel engines of road transport, road construction equipment and agricultural machines.
API performance levels are divided into nine grades (SA, SB, SC, SD, SE, SF, SG, SH, and SJ) in the S category, and into ten grades (CA) in the C category. , CB, CC, CD, CD-II, CE, CF, CF-2, CF-4 and CG-4). The numbers in the designation of classes (CD-II, CF-2, CF-4 and CG-4) provide additional information about the applicability of this class of oils in 2-stroke or 4-stroke diesel engines, respectively. To designate universal oils, i.e. those that can be used for lubricating gasoline engines and diesel engines, double marking is adopted, for example, SF / CC, SG / CD, SJ / SF-4, etc.
ACEA engine oil classification
The European Automobile Representatives Association (ACEA) has introduced since 1996 a new classification of motor oils, which is based on European test methods, and also uses some generally recognized American motor and physico-chemical test methods according to API, SAE and ASTM.
Since March 1, 1999 all new oils must comply with more modern requirements - ACEA-98 requirements. However, before March 1, 2000. ACEA-96 requirements may be used. After this date, all oils must meet ACEA-98 requirements.
Approximate compliance with ACEA-98 and API classifications
ACEA includes leading automotive giants - BMW, DAF, Ford of Europe, General Motors Europe, MAN, Mercedes-Benz, Peugeot, Porsche, Renault, Rolls Royce, Rover, Saab-Scania, Volksvagen, Volvo, FIAT, etc.
The ACEA-98 classification divides motor oils into 3 categories (depending on the purpose) - A, B and E:
- A1, A2, A3 - three quality levels of oils for gasoline engines
- B1, B2, B3 and B4 - four quality levels of oils for light diesel engines of cars and vans based on cars
- - E1, E2, E3 and E4 - four quality levels of oils for heavy diesel engines of trucks.
Car company approvals
Each ACEA member, in addition to the uniform requirements for the classification of oils, can put forward its own specific requirements by tightening passing grades or by introducing additional tests in an engine of its own design. Such additional requirements are set out in the company's engine oil specifications.
Tolerances that determine the possibility of using engine oil in engines of BMW, VW, Porsche brands are also the basis for using oil in passenger cars of other manufacturers. According to the approvals of MAN, Volvo, Scania, it is possible to determine the best oils for use in truck engines. And if the oil is approved by Mercedes-Benz, the classification of which includes more than 10 classes - “sheets”, this means that it is suitable for use in almost any European engine of this class.
bmw- a mark of approval based on tests (all-weather oils only).
Porsche- a sign of approval only for synthetic and semi-synthetic oils (increase in the replacement interval), since Porsche has a minimum replacement interval of 20,000 km.
Mercedes-Benz (MB)- MB 226.0 - seasonal for passenger cars, MB 226.1 - all-weather for cars, MB 226.3 - all-weather with an extended drain interval for cars, MB 226.5 - all-weather with an even longer drain interval for cars, MB 229.1 - for new car engines cars since 1997 of release (with an interval of replacement of 30,000 km).
Volkswagen-Audi (VW)- VW 500.00 - all-weather, VW 501.01 - all-weather. VW 505.00 - for turbocharged engines, VW T 4 - new specification (extended drain interval).
Usually motorists do not carefully study the inscriptions on the label. And in order to “decipher” them, you need to understand the basic standards of motor oils.
Viscosity is not an indicator of quality. 
The first thing that catches your eye when studying an oil label is its viscosity grade. And since we are spoiled with such a blessing of civilization as all-weather oils, we will only talk about them. The classification of oils by viscosity developed by the Society of Automotive Engineers of the USA (Society of Automotive Engineers - SAE) is accepted all over the world. Everyone, of course, is familiar with such markings as 5W-40, 10W-40 and so on. What do they mean?
The first number with the letter W (Winter - winter) indicates that the oil belongs to the so-called winter, low-temperature viscosity class. The first digit indicates how easily the oil will be pumped through the lubrication system, that is, how quickly it will reach the working surfaces of the parts, and how much battery energy will be spent on the starter drive (viscosity at 40 ° C). The number after the dash is the summer (high temperature) viscosity grade corresponding to the viscosity of the oil at engine operating temperature (at 100°C).
Those who think that these indicators can simply be taken and measured are mistaken. After all, the quantities we have just talked about are the so-called collective numbers. These classes are assigned to the oil after a comprehensive measurement of its performance (for example, dynamic and kinematic viscosity).
There is another important point. It is generally accepted that, for example, an oil with a viscosity of 10W-40 is better than 15W-40. This is due to the fact that many are accustomed to the following patterns: synthetics have a viscosity class of 5W-40, semi-synthetics - 10W-40, mineral water - 15W-40. But after all, firms that produce 100% synthetics of viscosity classes 10W-40, 10W-60, 15W-50, 15W-60 and even 20W-60 are already represented on our market. There are also mineral oils of "unconventional" viscosity, for example, 10W-30. Therefore, it should be remembered that viscosity is not the main indicator of the quality or base components of the oil. And to find out whether it is synthetic or not, it is better to just read its description.
API is not just a mark of quality.
The next standard is the API developed by the American Petroleum Institute. Some sellers present this classification to buyers as a kind of quality mark - they say, the higher the class, the better. In fact, this is just a division of oils according to performance properties.
According to API oils are divided into lubricants for gasoline engines (category S) and for diesel engines (category C). Each of these categories, in turn, is divided into classes.
With diesel oils, everything is simple. They mostly belong to the CF class. This means that these products are suitable for use in highly accelerated diesel engines, both with and without turbocharging.
The classification of oils for engines running on gasoline is more diverse. Let's start with the SF and SG classes, since the ones preceding them are no longer relevant. SF oils are designed for engines of cars put into mass production from 1980 to 1989, SG oils are for engines of cars and light trucks manufactured in 1989-93. The demand for these products is due to the low price and compliance with the requirements of manufacturers of engines that have been discontinued and obsolete. As an example, we can cite the engines of the "VAZ" "classics", for which it is quite enough that the oils meet the requirements of the SG class.
The SH standard was intended for motors, the mass production of which was launched in 1994, and replaces all previous classes. But just from the mid-90s, technological progress began to move forward by leaps and bounds. Therefore, the "reign" of the SH class did not last long.
Its "successor", the SJ class, adopted in 1996, basically corresponds to the SH. The difference is only in the additional requirements for oil consumption, fuel economy and the ability of the oil not to form deposits when heated. This class is approved by most manufacturers for use in engines manufactured in the 90s.
But for modern cars, these requirements were not enough. Therefore, in the latest gasoline engines, oils are used that correspond to the SL class, which has been introduced since 2001. Unlike the previous ones, SL class oils are characterized by greater stability, less volatility and sufficient resource for an extended service life before replacement (if recommended by the engine manufacturer).
You can't always save.
The "third whale" of the classification of motor oils was introduced by ACEA (Association of European Automobile Manufacturers). Not all professional salesmen and car service masters know about its “subtleties”. But in vain. After all, if you do not pay attention to the ACEA classes, the need for overhaul motor can occur much earlier.
Among the oils there are so-called energy-saving oils. As the name suggests, they are designed to save fuel. By what means is it achieved? There is such an indicator as HT / HS (High temperature / High shear viscosity) - the viscosity of the oil under conditions of high temperature and high shear rate. Conventional oil at 150°C remains sufficiently viscous (HT/HS > 3.5 mPa s), while fuel is not saved, but normal engine protection is provided. If, under these conditions, the viscosity decreases more (HT / HS from 2.9 to 3.5 mPa s), the engine parts move more easily, saving fuel. Therefore, such oil is called energy-saving. But, as you might guess, this simultaneously reduces the thickness of the oil film, which should protect parts from wear at high temperatures.
Knowingly negative attitude to energy-saving oils is not worth it. After all, some engines are designed specifically for them. Basically, these are engines of Japanese automakers. Only these oils can easily reach the friction units through their narrow oil pipelines. The resource of such engines will not be reduced from this. Energy-saving oils can only be used if they are recommended by the vehicle manufacturer! For example, BMW and Mercedes-Benz do not recommend them. They also cannot be used in most old cars of any brand, the engines of which require enhanced protection. So it turns out that you can not always save.
Consider two categories of the ACEA classification that are relevant to passenger cars. Category A - these are oils for gasoline engines, B - for diesel engines. According to the principle of energy saving, they are structured in the same way. Classes A1, A5, B1, B5 - energy-saving. The rest (A2, A3, B2, B3, B4) are standard. And if you remember this simple principle, then you will no longer buy energy-saving oil for an old car whose engine needs enhanced protection.
Circle guarantee.
All three "whales" of the classification of motor oils are interconnected. For example, if according to API the oil belongs to a class no higher than SH, then according to ACEA it cannot correspond to energy-saving classes A1 or A5, since energy-saving requirements appeared only starting from class SJ. At the same time, if a product has an A5 class according to ACEA, then according to API it must comply with SL, since only classes of this level have resource requirements for extended mileage between oil changes. Another connection - universal oils are divided into two classes: gasoline and diesel, both according to API and ACEA.
Viscosity grades also have a connection with the ACEA classification. Typically, energy-saving classes A1, B1, A5 and B5 correspond to high temperatures of 30 and below (for example, 5W-30, 10W-30 etc.). And oils with an indicator of 40 and above (for example, 5W-40, 15W-50) correspond to classes A2, A3, B2, B3, B4, that is, they are not energy-saving.
Viscosity is the internal friction or resistance to flow of a fluid. This characteristic is the most important physical and chemical property of the oil, which affects the friction force. There are two indicators: kinematic and dynamic viscosity.
From changing places...
The order of S and C categories in the index is not random. If the label says, for example, SJ/CF, which means that the oil is universal and is intended for gasoline and diesel engines, but it is preferable for use in gasoline engines. If vice versa - "CF/SJ", then this is a universal product, more focused on diesels.
Application practice.
Now for the application. For "Zhigulenka" or an old foreign car (70s - 80s of release), oil with indicators SAE - 15W-40, API - SF / CD or SG / CD, ACEA - A2 / B2 is quite suitable. If you surf the vast expanses of your homeland on a front-wheel drive VAZ or on a foreign car of the 90s, choose oil according to SAE 15W-40 or 10W-40, according to API - SH / CF or SJ / CF, according to ACEA - A3 / B3. For the engines of the latest cars, the oil parameters should be as follows: SAE-5W-40 or 0W-40, API - SL / CF, ACEA - A3 / B3 / B4. Note that this list does not include energy saving classes and standards. Their application is specific. Therefore, if you want to know exactly which oil is recommended for use in your car, take a look at the owner's manual. If it is not there, before buying, do not be too lazy to open the catalog for the selection of oils and find your model there in order to consciously control the process of proper selection of lubricants in the future.
According to ACEA, motor oils are divided into three classes: A - oils for gasoline engines; B - oils for diesel engines of low power (Light Duty) installed on cars and light trucks; E - oils for powerful diesel engines (Heavy Duty).
