Changing your vehicle’s oil is one of the most basic aspects of maintenance, every vehicle needs it regularly to continue to function properly. If you are setting up an appointment with your mechanic, chances are it’s to have your oil changed. But how much thought do you usually put into this process? do you simply follow the 3 months/4,828 km rule recommend by your mechanics? - It is advisable you know the manufacturer recommendations, and identify the right type of engine oil for your vehicle so you don’t have to bother yourself mechanics recommendations.
Often times a manufacturer will suggest two or more engine oil viscosity for an engine, such as a 5W-20 or 5W-30, based on several different factors which include temperature. The reason for this is that engines often need a different viscosity based on operating conditions. Knowing how scientists see viscosity will help an owner determine the best oil for the engine.
Viscosity, at its most basic, is a fluid’s resistance to flow. Within the engine oil world, viscosity is notated with the common “XW-XX”.
The number preceding the “W” rates the oil’s flow at 0 degrees Fahrenheit (-17.8 degrees Celsius). The “W” stands for winter, not weight as many people think. The lower the preceding number, the less it thickens in the cold weather. So 5W-30 viscosity engine oil thickens less in the cold than a 10W-30, but more than a 0W-30. An engine in a colder climate, where motor oil tends to thicken because of lower temperatures, would benefit from 0W or 5W viscosity.
The second number after the “W” indicates the oil’s viscosity measured at 212 degrees Fahrenheit (100 degrees Celsius). This number represents the oil’s resistance to thinning at high temperatures. For example, 10W-30 oil will thin out at higher temperatures faster than 10W-40 will.
The owner’s manual will advise the best viscosity range and the owner can then work within those parameters.
However some car companies, like Mercedes-Benz and BMW, recommend only synthetic oil in their cars. The following list, as well as the car’s owner’s manual, will provide a good idea of what type of oil to use. It’s also a good rule of thumb not to switch between types. If your car started with conventional, stick with that. If it first used synthetic, be wary about switching to conventional.
Conventional Oil: This is the oil used in bulk at dealerships and is the cheapest at the auto store, too. Most adhere to API - 'American Petroleum Institute' (e.g. SJ, SL, SM, SN, CH-4, CI-4, CI-4 PLUS and CJ-4) and SAE - 'Society of Automotive Engineers' (e.g. SAE 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 40, 50 or 60W) standards but offer little in the way of additive packages. This is good oil for owners that are religious about frequent oil changes and have low-mile engines.
Premium Conventional Oil: This is the standard new-car oil. Most leading brands have one for SL, or highest level, service. Most are available in the common viscosities. Car manufacturers usually specify 5W-20 or 5W-30 oil, though some require 10W-30. These three ratings cover just about every light-duty vehicle on the road, though this is changing as engines become more precise and fussy about specific types oil.
Full-synthetic Oil: These oils are made for high-tech engines. If these oils pass stringent special tests (indicated by their labeling), it means they have superior, longer-lasting performance in all the critical areas, from viscosity index to protection against engine deposits. They flow better at low temperatures and maintain peak lubrication at high temperatures. While excellent oil, synthetics are about three times as expensive as conventional oil and not always necessary for most engines. Use the owner’s manual as a guide. If it doesn’t call for synthetic oil, using it will only be an additional expense that may not add anything to the engine’s performance or life.
Synthetic-blend Oil: This is essentially premium conventional oil hit with a dose of synthetic. They’re formulated to offer better protection during heavier engine loads and the associated higher engine temperatures. These oils are popular with pick-up and SUV drivers because they do offer better protection, but usually cost only a fraction more than premium conventional oils.
High-mileage Oil: More than 60 percent of vehicles on the road have more than 75,000 miles (120,701 kilometers) on the odometer. Playing to this growing market, oil refiners and labs developed high-mileage oils. Seal conditioners are added to the oil (the oil can be synthetic or conventional) to expand and increase the flexibility of internal engine seals. The conditioners are very precise and can benefit some engines while not affecting others.”
Vehicle owners or drivers are advised to check the oil refill lid on the engine for their vehicle oil recommendation. Also, it is very important for vehicle owners to check their oil level regularly especially for a vehicle with longer oil change intervals; as severe damage will result from running the oil level too low due to over-consumption.
The engine user can, in replacing the oil, adjust the viscosity for the ambient temperature change, thicker for summer heat (dry season) and thinner for the winter cold (wet season).
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