Most modern motor oils are universal and all-season. They can be poured into both gasoline and diesel engines in winter and summer. The SAE temperature range is indicated by numbers separated by the letter W, indicating winter.
For example, 15W40. Here the letter refers to the first digit. In this case, the first numbers indicate low temperatures at which the oil will not become very thick. The last figure is related to the summer operation of the car. It shows at what high temperatures the lubricant will not be too liquid. If you ignore these parameters, the engine oil will not be able to perform its functions.
Look at the instructions
This is universal advice for many operations that you carry out on your car. If the car is under warranty, then you cannot violate the instructions, and it is better to have the work performed by an authorized dealer.
Let me remind you that the viscosity of the oil, which directly affects the temperature range of operation, is denoted by two numbers and the letter W according to SAE. An example is the designation 5W-40. The first number characterizes the low-temperature properties of the oil, and the second determines its behavior at engine operating temperatures.
Rating of all-season oils ideal for summer
Based on their composition, mineral, synthetic and semi-synthetic motor oils can be distinguished:
- Minerals are a product of direct oil refining. This natural lubricant has certain disadvantages. On the other hand, it is the safest for old worn-out engines. The most commonly used viscosity here is 15 W-40, 20W-50.
- Semi-synthetics combines a mineral and synthetic base. Suitable for extreme temperatures and high speed.
- Synthetic oils were created in laboratory conditions, so they can boast better performance in protecting the engine. But such compositions contain additives that are aggressive towards rubber seals and gaskets. Therefore, synthetics with a viscosity of 5W-40 are better used for modern power units. The following brands of oil are best suited for summer use.
What region do you live in?
If your place of residence is the southern regions of the country, then it is better to use summer oil - for example 15W-40 or 10W-50. But with the same success, you can use an all-season oil with a “big” second number - 40 or 50. But if you live somewhere beyond the Urals, in areas with a sharply continental climate, then it is advisable to think about dividing the oils into winter and summer.
Filling with high-viscosity oil is a good idea for residents of areas with hot summers.
Filling with high-viscosity oil is a good idea for residents of areas with hot summers.
Choosing engine oil for summer: 7 tips from an expert
08.05.2020 23:20
Link https://kuban24.tv/item/vybiraem-motornoe-maslo-dlya-leta-7-sovetov-ot-eksperta
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Not all car owners change the oil in the summer, but only those who really want to extend the life of the engine. Summer engine oil can be selected taking into account the age of the car and the region of operation. Seasonal replacement should only be carried out when the vehicle has high mileage.
1. Look at the instructions. This is universal advice for many car operations. If the car is under warranty, then it cannot be violated; it is better to carry out work at an authorized dealer. But it is worth knowing that the viscosity of the oil, which directly affects the operating temperature range, is indicated by two numbers and the letter W. For example, oil with the index 5W-40. The first number characterizes the low-temperature properties of the oil, and the second determines its behavior at engine operating temperatures.
2. Listen to automakers . For example, some of them do not distinguish between winter and summer operation of the car. The Hyundai/Kia concern believes that up to +50˚С you can use oils with a second digit of 20, 30, 40 and even 50. At the same time, VAZ advises using oils with a viscosity of 30 at air temperatures no higher than +25˚С. And in heat above 45˚С you can only use 20W-50 oil. At the same time, some oils with index 40 can operate up to +35˚С degrees, and some up to +45˚С.
3. We focus on annual mileage. It makes sense to carry out a seasonal oil change only when the car has high mileage. Those who drive little should focus on the most wide-range oils, such as 5W-40, which, for example, in VAZ engines can run at temperatures from -30 to +35˚С. And even more so for the “Koreans” everything should be fine.
4. Age and mileage of the car. If the car is not young, and the engine mileage without major repairs is long, then it is better to fill in fairly thick oil in the summer. This will reduce oil consumption and preserve the life of the main engine parts.
5. Region is also important. If the car is operated in the south of the country, then it is better to use summer oil - for example 15W-40 or 10W-50. But with the same success, you can use an all-season oil with a “big” second number - 40 or 50. Beyond the Urals, in areas with a sharply continental climate, it is better to separate the oils into winter and summer, using them alternately.
6. Travelers - thicker. If you are planning to drive a car to the Caucasus or Crimea in the summer, then keep in mind that on a long road with sharp overtaking in the heat, liquid oil will quickly burn out. And if the engine is prone to even a slight oil burn, then it is better to fill it with something thicker before the road.
7. Actual condition of the motor. If the engine reaches its last thousand kilometers before being written off or overhauled, then it is advisable to pour the thickest summer oil into it so that the end of operation does not come suddenly, but as planned.
As a result, the use of summer oil is advisable when the car has high annual mileage, when there is extreme heat in the area where the car is used, and when the engine is worn out, writes “Behind the Wheel.”
Actual motor condition
When deciding whether to use summer oil, you need to evaluate the actual condition of the engine. If the engine reaches its last thousand kilometers before being written off or overhauled, then it is advisable to pour the thickest summer oil into it so that the end of operation does not come suddenly, but as planned.
The brand can be anything. Viscosity and quality are important.
The brand can be anything. Viscosity and quality are important.
API, ILSAC, ACEA classifications
In addition to indicating the viscosity and type of engine oil on the cans, you can sometimes find other incomprehensible letters like API CF, ILSAC GF-5, ACEA A3. They indicate compliance of compositions with the standards of various committees, institutes and associations in the world. API, as we mentioned above, is the American Petroleum Institute, ILSAC is the International Committee for Standardization and Approbation of Motor Oils, ACEA is the Association of European Automotive Constructors.
API. According to American standards, oils for cars are designated as API SM, API CF and API SM/CF. The first letter is the engine type:
- S (spark ignition) - petrol;
- C (compression ignition) - diesel.
The second letter speaks about the performance characteristics of the mixture: the further it is in the alphabet, the better the quality of the oil and the more modern the composition. At the moment, the developers have reached the letter P in the case of gasoline engines and K for diesel engines.
API suffixes with letters A through H are considered obsolete. The most recent of them (H) denotes compounds that are not suitable for use in gasoline engines manufactured after 1996.
A fractional designation like API SM/CF indicates that the motor oil is suitable for both diesel and gasoline engines, but it is preferable to use it in the latter.
ACEA is the European analogue of the American API classification. It also categorizes oils by fuel type, with A for gasoline engines and B for diesel engines. True, today almost all compositions have both approvals and are designated as A/B with digital additions:
- A3/B3 - oils with stable viscosity for highly accelerated engines;
- A3/B4 - oils similar to A3/B3 and applicable in diesel engines with direct injection;
- A5/B5 - oils with high energy-saving properties.
There are also categories C and E. The first is intended for cars with particulate filters, and the second is for heavy equipment like excavators and tractors, for example.
ILSAC classification complements and strengthens the API requirements. To meet the standard, motor oils must, in addition, promote fuel economy, contain a minimum amount of phosphorus, have a lower tendency to foam, and a number of other properties. According to ILSAC, compounds are divided into seven classes, designated by the letters GF and a number. It is noteworthy that oils that meet the most stringent requirements of GF-6B are not applicable in many engines. The standard applies only to formulations with SAE 0W-16.
What about brands?
I am sure that in the motor oil market there are no outright leaders and absolutely lagging behind. The main thing is that you do not purchase a fake. Therefore, I advise you to buy oil at branded gas stations and large chain auto parts stores. Make sure that the API quality level is no worse than that prescribed by the manufacturer. Let me remind you that the line of oils, as quality increases, looks like this for gasoline engines: SL, SM, SN, SN plus.
conclusions
If you are the owner of a vehicle with high mileage that does not have problems with the power unit, then it is recommended to use synthetic formulations with characteristics regulated by the automaker as engine oil.
The operational class can be increased, but the use of HTHS oils in internal combustion engines manufactured before 2000 is strictly prohibited. Power units that have problems are subject to diagnostics in order to identify the causes of failures. Based on the results obtained, a lubricant with the required characteristics and properties is selected.
The Vostok-Auto service center will help you decide on the choice of oil for your car, based on its characteristics. We remind you that you can sign up for vehicle maintenance to change the oil and other consumables by filling out the form below.
Owner experience, including that confirmed by laboratory tests
Owners of cars produced by the Volzhsky Automobile Plant, using 5W-30 lubricant for engines, talk about the results.
Lev from Tyumen uses Lukoil synthetic oil 5W-30 for his Lada Vesta and believes: “Viscosity does not depend on the external air temperature, but on the local temperature. A difference in external temperature of 5-10°C cannot be the main factor when choosing a motor lubricant. If the engine does not operate for a long time at maximum power and high speeds, and the cooling system is working properly, then you can use 5W-30 without undesirable consequences even at +30°C and above.”
Alexander, Novosibirsk: “I have been using Lukoil synthetic 5W-30 for 3 years in Lada Granta. Everything is clean under the valve covers! Starts great in winter."
Konstantin, Arkhangelsk: “The total mileage of the Lada Kalina is 102 thousand km. The mileage on Lukoil synthetic 5W-30 is 13 thousand km. I change the lubricant every 9 thousand km. The unit is clean and works like a clock. I like".
Dmitry, Volgograd performed an analysis at PLM laboratories of used 5W-30 oil on a Lada Granta after 5960 km of mileage over 1.5 months at summer temperatures from +15°C to +40°C. The overall assessment of the analysis is “norm”. He believes: “The result is excellent. Everything is ideal."
The best winter oils
1.Lukoil Lux SL/SF 10W-40 is a Russian-made semi-synthetic oil, made on an all-season basis and suitable for gasoline and diesel power plants. Recommended not only for VAZ and foreign cars, but also suitable for minibuses and LCV cars. This semi-synthetic increases the service life of the internal combustion engine and ensures quick start-up at low temperatures. In addition, this oil does not have a negative effect on the catalytic converter. 2.TNK Magnum Motor Plus 10W-30 is an all-season “mineral water” at an affordable price and with improved characteristics. This modern product is suitable for VAZs and foreign cars with gasoline and diesel engines. TNK oil ensures reliable starting at temperatures down to minus 25 degrees. Moreover, the effectiveness of the oil does not depend on the class of the car - be it cars, trucks, minibuses, etc. Based on reviews, you can be convinced that this oil works well both in winter and in summer until the next scheduled replacement. 3.Shell Helix Ultra ECT C2/C3 0W-30 is one of the best winter oils for diesel cars. Made on a synthetic base with the addition of potent components that improve engine performance and reduce CO2 emissions. With this oil, you can be sure of trouble-free starting of the internal combustion engine in harsh winter conditions. 4.Castrol Turbo Diesel 0W-30 is an expensive synthetic oil for modern turbocharged diesel engines. Contains a wide range of powerful German-made beneficial additives that reduce CO2 levels and increase engine endurance under extreme loads. This liquid has approvals from premium brands such as Mercedes and BMW. In addition, Castrol oil never darkens and is adapted to the harsh Siberian frosts. 5.Ravenol Arctic Low Saps ALS 0W-30 is a specialized oil for winter operation at temperatures down to minus 52 degrees, which makes this lubricant suitable for the most severe climatic conditions. This is due to the high viscosity and high-strength oil film, as well as good pumpability and instant start of the internal combustion engine in the most severe frosts at minus 35 degrees. and below. In addition, Ravenol oil practically does not age and helps reduce fuel consumption. 6.Liqui Moly Synthoil Longtime Plus 0W-30 is one of the best winter oils for operation at temperatures approaching minus 40 degrees. Has all the benefits of premium oils
Total about choosing oil
- Before purchasing, find out what type of motor oil is approved by the factory for the engine in your car.
- Select the desired SAE viscosity rating. It must be not only in the range recommended by the manufacturer, but also correspond to the operating conditions and mileage of the car.
- Select the type of oil: synthetic, semi-synthetic or mineral. Synthetics are expensive, but retain their declared properties longer and, accordingly, can be changed less often, while mineral water is cheap, but also requires replacement more often.
Should I mix oils of different viscosities or not?
Surely many inexperienced motorists are wondering whether it is possible to mix semi-synthetic oil with pure synthetics. This question arises especially when it is sharply cold outside, but fresh semi-synthetic oil has already been poured into the engine.
In this case, if you want to save money, the car enthusiast will probably just want to add synthetics that are more resistant to low temperatures. Of course, even adding a small amount of pure synthetics will significantly improve the quality of the original (semi-synthetic) oil filled in early. On the other hand, a compatibility problem arises here, because not every synthetic can be mixed with semi-synthetics. Based on this, we can conclude that before the winter season the best solution would be a complete switch to synthetic oil. To do this, you need to drain the semi-synthetic and flush the engine, replace the oil filter and fill with fresh synthetic oil.
Types of motor oils
It is recommended that you familiarize yourself with all types of oils so that you have an idea of their advantages and disadvantages compared to another type of oil. Knowledge of all types is also necessary because only one of them is suitable for winter use.
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