Car engine oils: importance, types and how to choose them
The importance of car engine oils
Car engine oils are one of the most important elements of car maintenance, as they play an essential role in protecting the engine from wear, heat and impurities.
Car engines consist of a group of moving parts, which move at high speeds and under high temperatures. Friction between these parts generates heat and wear, which can damage the engine.
Car engine oils reduce friction between engine parts, which helps protect them from wear and heat. It also lubricates moving parts, facilitating their movement and reducing engine noise.
In addition, automobile engine oils help cool the engine by carrying heat away from the engine’s internal parts. It also helps clean the engine of impurities, keeping it clean and efficient.
Types of car engine oils
Car engine oils are divided into three main types, based on their viscosity:
- Mineral car engine oils: They are the most common oils, and they consist of mineral components that give them high viscosity. These oils are characterized by their ability to withstand high temperatures, but they may be less efficient in saving fuel than other types of oils.
- Semi-synthetic car engine oils: They are a mixture of mineral oils and synthetic oils. These oils have a combination of the properties of mineral oils and synthetic oils, making them more fuel efficient and wear-resistant.
- Synthetic car engine oils: They are made from fully synthetic components, which gives them low viscosity and high fuel efficiency. These oils are characterized by their ability to withstand high temperatures and resist corrosion and impurities.
How to choose car engine oil
Choosing a car engine oil depends on several factors, including:
- Engine Type: Engine types differ from each other in design and performance. Therefore, it is important to choose a motor oil suitable for the type of engine.
- Driving Conditions: Driving conditions affect the engine’s oil needs. For example, an engine operating at high temperatures or under harsh conditions needs high-viscosity motor oil.
- Manufacturer’s Recommendations: You should always follow the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations when choosing engine oil.
Here are some tips for choosing car engine oil:
- Read your car’s owner’s manual to find out the recommended type of oil.
- Check the label on the oil can to make sure it meets the manufacturer’s recommendations.
- Make sure to choose engine oil with the appropriate viscosity for your car’s engine.
Engine oil type coding
The type of engine oil is encoded with the following symbols:
- The letter W: indicates low-temperature viscosity.
- The number in front of the letter W: indicates the viscosity at 0°C.
- The number after the letter W: indicates the viscosity at 100°C.
For example, 20W-50 engine oil means that its viscosity at 0°C is 20, while its viscosity at 100°C is 50.
In general, the smaller the number in front of the letter W, the lower the low-temperature viscosity. The larger the number after the letter W, the greater the high-temperature viscosity.
Below is a more detailed explanation of the meaning of each number in the engine oil type coding:
- Low-temperature viscosity: Low-temperature viscosity refers to the ability of the oil to flow easily at cold temperatures. The smaller the number in front of the letter W, the lower the low-temperature viscosity, which means the oil will flow more easily at cold temperatures.
For example, 0W-20 motor oil has a lower low-temperature viscosity than 20W-50 motor oil. Therefore, 0W-20 motor oil will flow more easily in cold temperatures.
- High temperature viscosity: High temperature viscosity refers to the oil’s ability to withstand friction and heat at high temperatures. The larger the number after the letter W, the greater the high-temperature viscosity, which means the oil will better withstand friction and heat at high temperatures.
For example, 50W-20 motor oil has a lower high-temperature viscosity than 20W-50 motor oil. Therefore, 50W-20 motor oil will withstand friction and heat better at high temperatures.
Selecting the appropriate engine oil based on the coding
When choosing the right engine oil, you must take into account the climatic conditions in which you drive the car, in addition to the type of engine.
In general, it is recommended to use a lower viscosity motor oil at low temperatures, such as 0W-20 or 5W-20 motor oil. This is because lower viscosity oil will flow more easily at cold temperatures, helping to protect the engine from wear.
At high temperatures, it is recommended to use a high-viscosity motor oil, such as 20W-50 or 30W-50 motor oil. This is because a higher viscosity oil will withstand friction and heat better at high temperatures, helping to protect the engine from wear.
Here are some general tips for choosing the right engine oil:
- Read your car’s owner’s manual to find out the recommended type of oil.
*If you drive in extremely cold or hot temperatures, you may need to choose a motor oil with a different viscosity than the recommended oil.
*If you drive in extreme conditions, such as driving in sand or mud, you may need to choose a higher viscosity motor oil.
Tips for maintaining car engine oil
Car engine oil can be maintained in good condition by following the following tips:
- Change the oil on time according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
- Clean the oil filter when changing the oil.
- Avoid driving in very high or very low temperatures.
- Avoid driving in harsh conditions, such as driving in sand or mud.
By following these tips, you can keep your car’s engine oil in good condition, which helps protect your engine from wear, heat, and impurities.
resources : https://www.machinerylubrication.com/Read/28819/engine-lubrication ,
