Car oils: types, properties, application

Car maintenance includes a large list of activities, including oil replacement. This is a product, without which the internal combustion engine simply can not work. However, not every oil will be suitable for a particular car model. The owner of the car should be aware of what types of car oil there are, and how to choose it correctly.

Function and composition of car oil

Car oil is a technical liquid, which is necessary for the prevention of corrosion and dirt ingress, lubrication of rubbing surfaces. It forms a protective film, an even distribution of heat. By reducing friction most of the energy goes to the wheels, engine parts wear out less.

Different types of machine oil are uniquely formulated, have a certain degree of viscosity. They are designed for different operating temperatures. The product includes an oil base and additives - special additives to improve the quality characteristics.

Classification of machine oils

According to the composition, all motor oils are divided into three groups:

• synthetic;
• semi-synthetic;
• mineral.

Synthetic oils are considered the best in all respects and retain their properties regardless of temperature conditions. The production of synthetics is based solely on chemical reactions.

Semi-synthetic formulas are made on a mineral basis with the addition of synthetic additives. These are needed to improve the performance properties to those of synthetic counterparts.

Mineral oil is derived from the distillation of petroleum. This product is the most affordable and performs its basic functions, but acquires a thick consistency in frost. Mineral oil does not clean the engine sufficiently, forming deposits that clog the ducts.

Purpose of mineral oils

On sale there are motor oil for engines of different types:

• gasoline;
• diesel;
• turbocharged.

There are no diesel additives in the formula of petrol oil, because this type of fuel does not contain a lot of sulfur compounds, and oxidation processes are not so intense. This is one of the reasons why products should be used strictly according to the type of engine. However, there are also universal oils with a balanced content of additives, suitable for all engines. Before you buy an automobile oil, it is necessary to define its purpose according to the type of the engine.

Seasonal use of automotive oils

Kinematic viscosity is one of the technical characteristics of any engine oil. In this regard, there is a seasonal classification. Car oils come in:

• summer (thick);
• winter (liquid);
• multigrade (balanced fluidity).

SAE oil

The system was developed by automobile engineers in the USA. Viscosity (fluidity) of the product is also taken as the main criterion. This property is marked with indices, and some people mistake them for temperature readings.

• Summer oils are indicated simply by a number (20, 30, 40, 50, 60).
• Winter formulas are indicated by a W designation (5W, 10W, etc.).
• All-season products are characterized by a double number, for example - 10W40.

There is a special graphic table, which is used when deciphering the SAE parameters. It helps to choose a suitable oil.

API oil

According to the categories adopted at one time by the American Petroleum Institute, API oils are categorized according to their performance properties. With the help of letters and numbers are designated:

• engine type (gasoline, diesel, turbo);
• production period;
• tonnage.

To understand the coding of API oils, you need to read the reference information or consult with experts. Then the oil will be suitable and will prolong the service life of the machine.