Types of engine oil and differences between them

As a driver, you know how important the maintenance of the car is for good performance and this process is the choice and periodic gearbox of the engine oil. The options are varied and it is easy for the technical terms and the different specifications seem complicated. So, if you want to make an informed decision and protect your long -term engine, we invite you to pass through this guide we have prepared. You will discover which types of oil are available for the engine, the differences between them and how to choose the best product based on your car’s requirements.

What is engine oil and what role does it play for your car?

Definition: Engine oil is an essential liquid for the correct operation of the car engine. Its main role is to lubricate the mobile parts of the engine, in order to reduce friction and wear. In addition, the engine oil helps to cool the engine, absorbs the heat generated by the combustion of fuel and prevents the formation of rust, due to the protection against humidity and contaminants. These functions are possible thanks to its formula, a combination of base oils and additives, which protect and improve engine performance.

Without a quality engine oil, the engine would have exposed itself to a high degree of wear and the risk of serious operating failures. Therefore, understanding the functions of the engine oil, which we present below will help you choose the correct product, based on the needs of your engine.

• Lubricate the mobile parts of the engine: The oil forms a thin layer between the movable parts, thus prevents contact and direct usury. Without correct lubrication, the parts of the engine are quickly determined, which would lead to the loss of performance and the need for expensive repairs.

• Engine cooling: The oil absorbs the heat produced by the combustion of fuel and distributes it evenly, so that the engine does not overheat. This process is essential to maintain an optimal engine operating temperature.

• Engine cleaning: While the engine works, the oil captures the impurities and particles of dirt, thus prevents them from depositing on the parts of the engine. Therefore, the oil prevents the blocks and maintains the engine clean and in good working condition.

• Protection against corrosion and rust: The engine oil protects the internal components from humidity and contaminants, preventing rust formation. This is particularly important in high humidity conditions or low temperatures, since humidity can quickly influence the parts of the engine.

• Seal the parts of the engine: The oil helps to maintain the seal of the engine parts, prevents the loss of gas and improves the efficiency of fuel combustion. Therefore, a correct sealing reduces fuel consumption and decreases emissions.

• Prevent the accumulation of deposits and residues: The engine oil prevents the formation of deposits and carbon residues, which can hinder the oil channels, which affect the engine performance. High quality oils help to maintain a clean engine and prevent these problems.

Types of engine oil and differences between them

To choose the oil for your engine, it is important to understand the differences between the most common types available on the market. Each type of oil has its own characteristics that influence engine performance, fuel consumption and the life of vehicles. Here is a detailed presentation of the most used types of engine oil and the main differences between them!

1. Mineral oil – It is made of natural oil and is the oldest type of engine oil. Mineral oil is more often and usually more accessible in the price, but does not offer the same performance as synthetic or semi-closetic oils. It is recommended for older engines or for use in less demanding conditions.

2. Semi-synthetic oil – A combination of mineral and synthetic oil offers improved performance against mineral oil, but without reaching the level of 100%synthetic oils. It offers better protection at high temperatures and greater resistance to degradation, being a good option for the most modern vehicles.

3. Synthetic oil -S is produced by a chemical process that allows it to have a uniform and stable molecular structure. The synthetic oil offers higher performance, in particular in extreme temperature conditions and protects the engine in a much more efficient way from wear, oxidation and deposits. It is recommended for modern engines and vehicles operating in difficult or demanding conditions.

The choice of the right oil for the engine is only a first step for your car to have optimal performance. It is equally important to pay attention to the state of oil during use. If you notice a significant change in its color, careful engine control may be necessary. To better understand what these changes indicate, we advise you to read our article on the blog: What does it mean to change the color of the car engine oil and when you should worry about the car conditions.

Viscosity of the engine oil: what does it mean and how do you choose it correctly?

The viscosity of the oil represents the degree of resistance to the flow, that is, how often the oil is often or subtle at a certain temperature. It has an important role for engine performance. Therefore, it influences the way the oil reaches the parts of the engine, how efficiently lubricates the engine and how it protects the wear components. Depending on the viscosity of the oil, the engine will function more efficiently or not efficiently in extreme temperature conditions (high or low).

Important! The viscosity is expressed by a figure followed by the letter «W» (by winter winter), which indicates the performance of the oil in low temperature conditions (for example 5W-30). The first figure refers to the viscosity at low temperatures and the second figure indicates the viscosity at high temperatures. The smaller the first figure, the easier the oil will flow at low temperatures, offering a faster engine for cold days. The second figure indicates viscosity at high temperatures and a higher number means better heat protection.

To correctly choose the oil according to the viscosity, it is necessary to take into account the following aspects.

1. The climate in which you use the car -If you live in an area with very cold winters, you will need a lower viscosity oil at low temperatures (for example, 5W or 0w). On the contrary, for areas with very hot summers, a higher viscosity oil at high temperatures (for example 40 or 50) will protect the engine more effectively.

2. Manufacturer specifications – It is important to respect the manufacturer’s recommendations regarding the viscosity, information that can be found in the technical book of the car. These are established based on the construction of the engine and the conditions of use, for optimal performance and long -term protection.

3. The type of engine – The oldest engines can require greater viscosity oils to benefit from adequate lubrication, while modern engines are often designed to function more effectively with low viscosity viscosity oils.

How to choose the right oil for your engine?

Choosing the right oil for your engine is important to maintain optimal performance and prolong the life of the car. Each engine has specific requirements and the chosen oil must correspond to these needs to provide protection and efficiency. Here are some important aspects to consider when choosing the oil for your engine!

1. Read the producer’s recommendations – The first step to choose the correct oil is to consult the car manual. Manufacturers set precise specifications for the viscosity and the type of oil recommended for the car that guide.

2. Choose the type of oil -Anding the needs of the engine, it is necessary to decide between mineral, semi-synthetic or synthetic oil. Mineral oil is more accessible and can be used for older engines, but semi-synthetic and synthetic oils offer better protection and are more effective in extreme temperature conditions. Synthetic oils are recommended for modern engines and vehicles operating in demanding conditions.

3. Keep the engine type of your car – Petrol and diesel engines can have different requirements in terms of oil. For example, diesel engines are generally more demanding and can require a greater or special viscosity oil to cope with sooting particles. It is important to choose the recommended oil for the specific type of vehicle engine.

4. Check the viscosity of the oil -Coose an oil with recommended viscosity, expressed by a combination of numbers such as 5W-30 or 10W-40. The lowest viscosity oils are more effective at low temperatures and those with higher viscosity protect the engine at high temperatures better.

5. Consider the conditions of use – If you use the car in extreme conditions, such as very low or high temperatures, a frequent guide on short distances or in intense traffic, you will need an oil with higher performance. The synthetic oils are generally the most recommended in these situations, because they are more resistant and protect the engine better in extreme conditions.

6. See oil certifications – always choose a oil that meets the quality standards of specialized organizations, such as API (American Petroleum Institute) or that (Association Des Construction Européns d’Autabilis). These certifications guarantee that the oil comply with the performance and protection requirements necessary for your engine.

Automag recommendations for choosing the engine oil

• For petrol engines, small capacity (below 1.6 liters)We recommend oils semi-synthetic OR briefly 5W-30 or 10W-40 viscosity. These are ideal for moderate temperature conditions commonly found in Romania. A product in this sense is the Molly Longlife-III 5W30 engine oil.

• For diesel engines, larger in size (over 2.0 liters)An oil is recommended Brief With viscosity 5W-40 or 5W-30, such as Castrol Edge 5W30 C3. Motor oils of this type are designed to cope with sooting particles in diesel engines and provide maximum protection at higher temperatures.

• For vehicles that often circulate in intense conditions of urban traffic or in low temperature conditions in winter, 0W-30 oil It is a good choice to have a quick start at low temperatures and an example is the total ineo in the first synthetic oil 0W30. It helps protect the engine under bus and intense cold.

• For older cars Or who have a great mileage, the oils MINERAL OR semi-synthetic The 15W-40 viscosity is an effective option. They offer good protection in wear conditions and are more convenient, which are suitable for engines that do not require high performance oils.

• For vehicles used in mountain areas or in extreme heat conditions During the summer, a high viscosity oil like 10W-60It represents an excellent choice to prevent engine overheating.

It is important to know the main features of the engine oils, in order to make an informed choice. Whether you use the car every day, on the roads to work, or that it goes from time to time, the choice of a quality oil will offer good performances to your car. You are sure that the car is working on maximum capacity when you are behind the wheel, prevent the failures and keep the engine in good condition.

If the wide range of engine oils lift your question marks and want to consult the automag specialists, write to us on WhatsApp, press the button at the top right of the site. Our team is at your disposal to give you personalized advice, to help you choose the right oil according to the needs of the engine and to answer any other question about the maintenance of your car.