Oil plays a key role in the operation of any internal combustion engine. There are different types of greases. Each of them has its own characteristics. Automobile oils, their properties and varieties - further in our article.
Types
There are three main types of automobile oils:
- Summer. Technical characteristics of this type of motor oil allow for reliable lubrication of ShKM mechanisms at high ambient temperatures (from 0 to +50 degrees).
- Winter. Have a less stable film. However, they provide confident cold start of the engine at a temperature below 0 degrees, which summer counterparts cannot cope with.
- All season. They have averaged characteristics. Not suitable for use in harsh climates.
Also, the characteristics of motor oils are determined by the presence of a number of additives. They are:
- Anticorrosive.
- Washing.
- Antioxidant.
- Antiwear.
Additives are added to the base oil. Without them, the product is not allowed for use. There is one more important parameter. We will talk about it below.
Viscosity
This is the most important detail in the classification of automotive oils. A change in viscosity defines the temperature range of the lubricant. So, for cold start at low temperatures, the oil should be as liquid as possible.
This will ensure easy rotation of the crankshaft and quick pumping of lubricant through the pump through the system. At high temperatures, low viscosity is harmful because it is not possible to maintain optimal pressure in the system for rubbing parts. The characteristics of the Castrol motor oil and many others are determined by the SAE classification.
What it is?
This is an abbreviated abbreviation, which means "Society of Automotive Engineers." SAE is an international standard that governs the viscosity and other characteristics of an oil. ZIK is also classified according to this scheme.
What is its feature? According to SAE, engine oils are made in 5 summer and 6 winter grades. In the designation of the latter there is the letter W. The first class includes products with a marking from 20 to 60. The second includes products with a designation from 0W to 25W.
Consider a small example using the 5W40 motor oil characteristic. The first digit means that this product is suitable for winter use. The higher it is, the thicker the oil will be. The next figure (40) is the viscosity index in the working medium. The higher the number, the higher the temperature at which the lubricant does not lose its properties.
note
Many motorists mistakenly think that the second digit is a parameter of summer viscosity. In fact, the temperature in the engine does not in any way add up to the ambient temperature. The second digit indicates the viscosity resistance of the product in a hot environment.
Universal
Many Russian motorists use just such oils. Are they harmful to the engine? When operating a car in a temperate climate, it is not at all, experts say. Universal products include 10W40 viscosities. The characteristics of this type of oil allow a smooth start at temperatures up to -20 degrees Celsius. As for summer operation, such a lubricant provides a tenacious oil film at temperatures up to 150 degrees Celsius. Such high heating can be in the area of the piston rings of the engine. The remaining components of the power unit rarely heat up above 100 degrees Celsius.
Thus, if in winter the thermometer does not fall below -20, universal oil is recommended for use. But viscosity is half the trouble. When buying, it is important to determine the type of product itself. Exists:
- Mineral
- Semi-synthetic.
- Synthetic oils.
What are their features, pros and cons? Below we will consider the properties of each product individually.
Characteristics of mineral oils
These products are now almost never found, as they have outdated properties. Mineralka is made from refined hydrocarbons. The boiling point of the product is +300 degrees Celsius. During operation, the oil quickly loses its properties, and therefore requires replacement after 5-7 thousand kilometers. After this period, the mineral water turns black and often burns.
What is the danger of the old mineral water? It can cause carbon deposits inside the engine, which not every wash can remove. The only plus of such oil is low cost. It can only be used on old trucks and VAZs until 2000. Usually produces such Lukoil motor oils.
Semisynthetics Characteristics
This product has higher characteristics. Boiling point - 400 degrees Celsius, replacement regulations - from 10 to 12 thousand kilometers. The product is a chemical mixture of petroleum products and additives. When replacing does not require flushing.
Synthetics
This is a completely chemical mixture. Synthetic oil has a mineral to artificial ratio of 1 to 5. The boiling point is 600 degrees Celsius. As for the cost, the product is 2 times more expensive than mineral water. For 1 liter of the cheapest (from Gazpromneft) will have to pay 275 rubles. However, the replacement regulations are considerable - 20 thousand kilometers.
Among the special characteristics, it is necessary to note the washing properties of synthetic oil. The product perfectly washes all dirt and deposits from the engine. However, it is impossible to switch sharply to synthetics from mineral water. As an intermediate, semisynthetics can be used. Otherwise, the product will accumulate all the dirt within 4-5 thousand kilometers. Such oil is not subject to further use.
Note! When replacing, a new oil filter is installed. It must have a bypass valve.API classification
There is one more standard - API. It was developed by the American Petroleum Institute. According to this classification, oils are divided into several categories:
- S - for gasoline engines.
- C - for diesel.
Each, in turn, is divided into several subcategories. So, the SF series products are designed for engines that were produced from the 80th to the 89th year. SG - for cars of 89-93th years of release. For vehicles of year 94-96, it is recommended to use the SH product.
Since 96th, a new standard has been adopted - SJ. But for modern cars, the properties of this oil were not enough. From 2001 to today, the United States adopted the SL standard. Products of this brand are distinguished by a sufficient resource and greater stability.
In Russia, such a classification is not used. Instead, they use the European SAE standard, which we talked about earlier. It is also used in the Korean and Japanese automobile markets.
Conclusion
So, we found out the types and properties of automotive oils. As you can see, in a temperate climate, the use of all-season products with viscosity characteristics of 10W40 is allowed. For northern regions, the oil should have a viscosity of 5W and lower.