Ready to purchase automobile engine oil independently but unaware of what and why? To avoid further regrets, thorough research work is required to know the right choice for engine oil. Knowing parameters like constituents of engine oil, the different types, grades, and much more in detail is crucial. However, surfing the internet to find in-depth information is not only time-consuming but it also ends up offering excess information that you don’t need.
The need comes down to concise information that helps you differentiate among the different automobile engine oils and assess the right choice for you based on your wits. Don’t worry! This blog will give you the relevant information. Simply scroll to know.
Understanding Automobile Engine Oil
Automobile engine oils are made of hydrocarbons and are semi-solid or liquid in nature. They serve the function of lubricating the engine to ensure high performance due to the friction generated while running the automobile. Engine oil also consists of additives that offer additional protection.
Types of Automobile Engine Oil
Automobile engine oils are of three types based on their composition:
Mineral Oil: Also referred to as conventional oil, this is completely natural oil. The mineral oils are suited for low-capacity engines as they can not adapt to a broad range of heat. Similarly, they aren’t well suited for low-temperature needs. However, they are affordable.
Semi-Synthetic Oil: These are a mixture of mineral and fully synthetic oils, haivng mixed properties of both. The price range also lies in the middle of the two types of oil. Semi-synthetic oil exhibits better viscosity, engine cleanliness, and temperature resistance than mineral oils.
Fully Synthetic Oil: These are artificially manufactured oils that enhance the engine’s life and offer the best performance and protection. They offer better fuel efficiency, stable viscosity across a wide range of temperatures and lower sludge build-up. However, they are costly.
Grading in Automobile Engine Oil
The engine oils are graded as XW-XX. Here, the first X is the number that states the viscosity at low temperatures, while the latter two X indicates the viscosity at high temperatures. For instance, let’s understand 15W40 engine oil. Here, 15 is the viscosity in winter, and 40 is the viscosity during high temperatures. Accordingly, other grades are understood in engine oil, such as 10W30, 0W20 and so on.
Properties of 15W40 Engine oil
You are familiar with engine oils and now the grading. Now, understand the specific properties expected for the stated engine oil. It will help you compare the other ones and have a context on what to expect from different types of oil:
Stable Viscosity
The 15W40 engine oil will exhibit stability in its viscosity across the stated and hence wide temperature range of -25 degrees Celsius to 100 degrees Celsius. Thus, it effectively prevents wear and tear.
Thermal and Oxidation Stability
This means that the oil is capable of resisting change in its properties and does not break down into constituent components in an environment of extreme heat and oxidation. The heat generated due to friction and fuel combustion does not impact the properties of the oil. Hence, oil is preferable for heavy-duty engines.
Detergency
The fuel also helps prevent sludge buildup, allowing enhanced lifespan of the engine. Further, it can also be expected to contain low levels of phosphorus and zinc, which increases the longevity of the catalytic converter.
Importance of Right Engine Oil in Vehicles
The engine oil serves multiple functions specific to the engine. Further, the engines’ needs vary as per their capacity and the expected performance. Hence, providing engine oil with properties different from the ones required hinders the ability to offer quality delivery. It reduces the lifespan of the vehicle due to the build-up of the sludge and does not properly reduce the friction. Poor engine oil also leads to an increased frequency of oil changes, subsequently resulting in excess costs for the owner.
Conclusion
Automobile engine oils are important components that provide protection to the engine from wear and tear. With different options available in the market, such as 15W40 engine oil, the variety can be evaluated on the basis of needs, quality and affordability. Additionally, checking the manufacturer’s guidelines is crucial to ensure engine protection and to ease claiming a warranty in case of issues.
FAQs
Q1. Which grade of engine oil is suited for India?
The engine oil with grade 5W30 is optimal for Indian temperatures. It offers stable viscosity at the right temperature range specific to the country.
Q2. Can engine oil be used in place of transmission oil?
No, the engine oil lubricates the engine, but transmission oil is suited for a gear system. They have different viscosity requirements and, hence, must not be used interchangeably.