In winter, at minus air temperature, starting the engine is much more difficult. A cold start, especially on diesel engines, requires increased voltage on the operating systems and patient patience. In order to make it easier to scroll the crankshaft, you need to clearly know which oil to fill in the car engine for the winter.
Manufacturer's recommendations
First of all, when choosing winter grease, you should turn to the manufacturer's recommendations. Each car is accompanied by an operating manual in which the manufacturer clearly indicates which oil to pour into this model in winter (which brand and with which parameters). If, for some reason, the service book is missing or the information in it is not relevant (for example, such brands are outdated and no longer produced), the fluid will have to be selected based on the parameters and tolerances. If they are also obsolete and the lubricant cannot be selected according to these criteria, then it is necessary to more carefully examine the state of the chemistry market for automobiles, since it will be possible to rely only on yourself and on your own knowledge. It’s worthwhile to clarify in advance that you should not buy oil, based on a hint from the seller or reviews of friends. Unfortunately, the average buyer cannot have confidence in the competence and honesty of the merchants, and the acquaintance may have a completely different machine, so what suits him for your "swallow" may be the worst option.
Types of engine oil by chemical composition
Initially, only mineral motor oil was used for automobiles. The name "mineral" speaks for itself - this means that the liquid is made from natural ingredients (oil). But mineral motor oil is absolutely not suitable for the winter, especially for those places where the air temperature drops much lower than -10 degrees Celsius - it just freezes in the engine.
Then a synthetic motor oil was created using a synthesis of molecules that provide more or less the same performance when changing operating temperatures.
There is also a kind of semi-synthetic oil. This is a natural base with the addition of artificially created compounds.
Each species has its pros and cons. As already mentioned above, a liquid with a mineral composition is not suitable for operation at low temperatures, but at the same time it cleans the engine of soot and sediment slowly and gradually, exfoliating the "garbage" in small parts. Then, when replacing it, it is simply displayed with working out.
Semi-synthetics is more resistant to temperature changes, but this oil is also not suitable for the winter engine, since the low temperature threshold is too high if you look at the thermometer column.
Synthetic fluid is most popular because it is designed for different temperatures (depending on classification), but does not lose its working properties when the engine is heated or cooled, roughly speaking, the synthetics "adjusts". But if earlier in the engine poor-quality or improper lubricant "chemistry" was used, and it was internally covered with hardened sediment and soot, then when switching to high-quality synthetics, quick separation of "debris" can occur, as a result of which the oil channels and filter will be clogged. And after that, you will have to give the engine for repair, which is not cheap at all. Therefore, if it is not known what was poured before and how many thousands of kilometers traveled without replacement, it is better to first fill in the engine with cleaning fluid, and then new oil, and make the next few replacement cycles more often than recommended by the manufacturer.
Viscosity
When choosing which oil to fill in for winter, it is first of all necessary to pay attention to viscosity - this is one of the most important indicators of the performance of a lubricating fluid.
The bottom line is that the engine parts during operation rub against each other at high speed. Between them, an oil film must be present, which, on the one hand, will reduce the friction force, which means heating and wear of parts, and on the other hand, will ensure tightness during friction (for example, in cylinders). If the engine oil is too thick in winter, that is, it will have increased viscosity, then each movement will be difficult for the system, requiring an increase in effort, and with intense engine operation, the return will be low. If the oil is too liquid, it will simply drain over the details, without providing a layer between the pistons and cylinder walls, that is, with friction, the metal will wear off and become depleted.
The engine operating temperature is constantly changing. If the machine is standing, the temperature will be equal to the ambient temperature. When the engine warms up before starting to move, the temperature rises slowly. When driving, it depends on the effort of the motor, it can rise and fall in the process. And here the question arises of which oil is best to use for the winter, if it thickens when cold, and when heated it becomes liquid.
To provide comprehensive protection in the cold season at low temperature, the oil should remain sufficiently liquid to facilitate easy engine starting and avoid oil starvation, and when the operating temperature rises, it should be thick enough to create an oil film.
SAE engine oil classification
The American Society of Automotive Engineers has created an oil viscosity classification that is now used worldwide. We will talk about this later.
Winter oil
Previously, the question of which oil is better to use for the winter did not even stand before motorists. The answer was unequivocal - winter. According to the SAE classification, it was denoted by the letter W after the numerical value (winter - "winter"). The packaging indicated: SAE 0W or SAE 5W, 10W, 15W, 20W. The number in front of W told the buyer what the lowest temperature the oil can withstand without harming the powertrain. Before winter, the motorist must have replaced the oil with a suitable one for the weather conditions of his region, regardless of how much he rolled on the previous grease. Winter oil did not thicken at low temperatures, but became too liquid if the air temperature rose.
Summer oil
According to the SAE classification, summer oil was simply indicated by a number (5, 10, 15, 20, 30, 40). It meant the upper temperature threshold at which liquid can be used. The higher the air temperature in the summer in this region, the greater was the need to buy oil so that it remained sufficiently malleable in the heat.
Multigrade oil
Recently, such types of lubricants as summer or winter oil have gone into oblivion, since multigrade oil is used everywhere. It is much easier to handle, it is not necessary to make its mandatory replacement before each new season, looking for oil with a different classification of the same brand as the previous one. Multigrade oil is indicated by two numbers and the letter W between them. The first figure indicates the “winter” indicators of the fluid (it depends on it which oil to fill in for the winter), and the second - about the “summer” ones. This universal grease, of course, has both upper and lower temperature thresholds, but everyone can choose exactly the oil that fits into the desired range. At the same time, in winter it will remain quite fluid, and in the summer it will retain its viscosity.
Climate-friendly SAE oil selection
- SAE 20W-40 - from -10 to +45;
- SAE 15W-40 - from -15 to +45;
- SAE 10W-40 - from -20 to +35;
- SAE 10W-30 - from -20 to +30;
- SAE 5W-40 - from -25 to +35;
- SAE 5W-30 - from -25 to +20;
- SAE 0W-40 - from -30 to +35;
- SAE 0W-30 - from -30 to +20.
As you can see from the list, for residents of temperate latitudes, 5W40 oil is perfect in winter, as it can easily withstand low temperatures and will not leak when warming. It can be used without fear all year round.
API engine oil classification
The American Institute of Fuel has created another classification that should be considered when selecting oil for winter. As a rule, this indicator indicates the quality of the lubricant. Manufacturers are not required to check their product by API and place information about it on the label, but most often it is poor-quality liquid that does not pass this procedure. Since every car enthusiast tries to fill the best oil for the winter, it is worth looking for grease with this indicator.
There are two main notations in the API system. The letter S tells the customer that this oil is for gasoline engines only, and the letter C indicates that the fluid can only be filled into the diesel engine. Sometimes on the packaging you can find a double designation that looks either like this - S ... / C ..., or like that - C ... / S ... In the first case, oil is best suited for a gasoline car, but the manufacturer allows its use in a diesel car, in the second case - vice versa.
Both classification S and classification C have additional parameters that are important when choosing which oil to pour for the winter.
For gasoline engines
- SA, SB, SC, SD, SE, SF are obsolete classes that are no longer in use. This oil is suitable for engines from 1930-1989. release.
- SG is engine oil manufactured since 1989. Protects the motor from carbon deposits and corrosion, as well as from oxidation.
- SH - engine oil since 1994 of release. Improved protection against carbon deposits, corrosion and oxidation, reduces wear on parts. Suitable if grade SG or lower is recommended.
- SJ is engine oil under 1996. It has all the previous qualities, an improved anti-nagar complex, more accurate work in cold weather. Suitable if grade SH or lower is recommended.
- SL - oil for multi-valve and turbocharged engines manufactured since 2000. Increased quality control, suitable for motors for which SJ or lower is recommended.
- SM - oil for modern engines (since 2004). Improved protection against premature wear and deposits. This engine oil is suitable for all engines for which lubrication is recommended below. Today it is the best motor oil for the winter.
For diesel engines
- CA, CB, CC, CD, CE are obsolete classes.
- CF - for engines since 1990 with indirect injection. Contains additives to reduce carbon deposits, corrosion, oxidation and wear. Allowed for use with the recommended class of CD.
- CG - for engines after 1995, which are subjected to increased loads. Car oil prevents the accumulation of soot and soot, oxidation and foam formation.
- CH - engine oil after 1998. It has all of the above qualities, but additionally meets the standards of exhaust gas toxicity.
- CI is a class adopted in 2002. The oil meets all environmental standards, has a cleansing additive. Reduces the amount of soot and soot, has a high fluidity. The best winter engine oil for new diesel engines.
The number 2 or 4 after the letter value indicates which engine, two-stroke or four-stroke, is suitable for lubrication.
ACEA engine oil classification
ACEA is an analogue of the API, only European. On the label, as a rule, information on the conformity of one of these classifications is indicated, but both can be found.
- The letter G indicates that the oil is suitable for a gasoline engine, and the numbers 1 to 5 indicate its quality.
- The letters PD indicate that the oil is suitable for diesel engines of cars, the numbers 1 and 2 indicate quality.
- The letter D with numbers from 1 to 5 means that the grease is designed for diesel engines of trucks.
What to do before winter
Before you think about which oil to fill in for the winter, you need to make sure that the car is ready for increased loads and lower temperatures. This is especially true for owners of diesel cars, who often have to drop their "swallow" in the parking lot or near the house and run to the public transport stop.
The most important and the first thing - the battery and starter must be in good working condition! If there are minimal problems with the battery in the fall, then in winter they will appear in front of you in an increased size. After checking these components, you can begin to think about what kind of oil to pour in the winter, but this applies not only to the oil in the engine, but also to the transmission, lubricating fluid to the axle and the hydraulic booster (if present). Also, winter antifreeze and windshield washer fluid change . In the first case - so that the water does not freeze in the system, and in the second - to ensure good visibility during movement.
Only having decided which oil is better to pour into your engine in the winter, you should go to storm the shops with auto chemicals. Happy road!