There are so many motor oils on the market today that it’s not at all easy to figure them out and distinguish them from each other. This article will focus on one of the oil bases, a semi-synthetic form of oil. A very important indicator of lubrication is viscosity. There is a classification that separates oil by this indicator. What is semi-synthetic 5W40? And how is it different from others? Let's talk about this in more detail.
Oil base
The base for motor oils is:
- mineral;
- semi-synthetic;
- synthetic.
Mineral is a natural product obtained by distillation of fuel oil. The manufacturing technology of such a lubricant is simple. Therefore, their cost is low. They are effective and do not have a strong destructive effect on the elements of the motor. Additives with various functions are added to all oils, including mineral ones. The main one is the reduction of friction of parts. However, due to high temperatures, they quickly burn out.
The problem was solved in synthetic oils, which are obtained by molecular synthesis. They are characterized by much greater stability compared to the previous type under any conditions. Such an oil is expensive, since the technology for its production is completely artificial.
Semisynthetic grease
5W40, 10W40, 20W40 or any other viscosity index can be both on a mineral, as well as on a synthetic and semi-synthetic basis.
Semisynthetics are obtained by mixing two bases: synthetics and mineral water. Moreover, the first component is added from thirty to fifty percent, and the second from fifty to seventy percent. It represents a certain middle ground, a compromise between natural mineral water and fully artificial synthetics.
This base has better stability compared to mineral, but inferior in quality to synthetic oil. Nevertheless, under different conditions, it is the semi-synthetic look that is preferred to the synthetic version.
Advantages of a semi-synthetic base
For example, semi-synthetics will be better for the engine if the car has significant mileage. Such a view for the engine will be more useful, because synthetics give a high carbon content. In addition, a semi-synthetic base is chosen for highly accelerated desil and gasoline units, as well as for turbocharged engines. It will also show its worth in cold starts.
This grease can be easily used at low temperatures. The only inconvenience that arises is that semi-synthetics (5W40) should change more often. But prices are much lower than synthetic oils.
Viscosity
This indicator means the ability of the lubricant to remain on the surface of engine parts and remain fluid at the same time.
Thus, dry friction of the individual elements should not be allowed, and with enhanced operation of the cylinders it is necessary to ensure minimal friction.
The oil must be stable at different temperatures. Of course, one species simply cannot work equally well in extreme heat or severe cold. But the working temperature of the oil in the engine is very different.
In this regard, a special classification of motor fluid by viscosity parameter was developed, which was called SAE. Thanks to her, it is easy to determine the temperature range where the motor will be absolutely safe for him. This indicator has synthetics, and mineral water, and semisynthetics.
5W40
Deciphering these numbers on the label of any motor oil is easy. The letter W means winter grease. But if at the same time another number is indicated through the dash, then this indicates the all-weather nature of the lubricant. For example, the semisynthetics 5W40 considered by us is deciphered as follows.
5W means low temperature viscosity. A cold start will be possible at a temperature of thirty-five degrees below zero (that is, forty need to be taken away from five). This is the minimum temperature at which the engine can operate in a safe mode for itself. But this only applies to starting, since this characteristic does not apply to a heated engine.
Based on this, we can conclude that, if in the region where the vehicle is operated, the temperature does not drop below twenty degrees, the car owner can purchase grease with any number in front of the letter W.
A number on the other hand means a high temperature indicator. It is clear that the higher this indicator, the higher the temperature the engine is able to work. It is necessary to strictly follow the viscosity index, which is provided by the manufacturer of a particular machine. The motorist can ignore the recommended brand of oil, but the viscosity must be strictly observed.
Consider a different oil 5W40 (semi-synthetic). The characteristics that manufacturers give are interesting. But also interesting are the assessments of independent experts conducting experiments with different brands.
Lukoil 5W40 (semi-synthetic)
On this basis, excellent characteristics are announced by the manufacturer of Lukoil Lux 5W40 oil. This grease can be used for gasoline and diesel units installed on cars, vans and light trucks.
The company claims that the brand "Lukoil 5W40" (semi-synthetic) provides intelligent protection for the motor, thanks to the new current formula. Under different operating conditions, various lubricant components are activated.
For example, at low temperatures “cold” components come into operation, and at extremely high, on the contrary, “hot” components are able to maintain optimal viscosity.
This brand has the following advantages:
- provides maximum protection of parts against corrosion and wear;
- makes safe cold start possible at low temperatures;
- reduces motor noise;
- prevents the formation of deposits in the motor.
Independent Expert Evaluation
According to the results of the experiments and the reviews of the drivers, this oil, along with recognized brands of foreign production, showed rather good results. It is characterized by excellent energy saving, and in other properties also turned out to be at a high level.
The oil has medium volatility and provides excellent protection in extreme conditions. However, due to the high content of sulfur impurities, it does not fully comply with European requirements.
But "Lukoil 5W40" (semi-synthetic), there are numerous reviews from motorists, most of which are positive.
Semisynthetics Rosneft
Among the lubricants on this basis, Rosneft Maximum oil stands out. This is a semi-synthetic 5W40.
The company positions the product as having high anti-corrosion properties, as well as showing stability when working with the stated temperature, excellent antioxidant and dispersant characteristics.
The oil is designed to work with gasoline turbocharged units and diesel engines of passenger cars of both domestic and foreign production.
This Rosneft 5W40 lubricant (semisynthetics) is excellent for use in Russian climatic conditions, as evidenced by numerous reviews by experienced motorists.
The oil will reliably protect the engine at temperatures from minus thirty to plus thirty-five. It also provides a “cold” start of the engine, wear resistance to the oxidation process, maintains the necessary pressure under different operating conditions and prevents deposits inside the motor at high and low temperatures.
Independent Expert Evaluation
Lubrication tests also showed good results, and in terms of the cold start parameter, the oil produced impressive results. Reviews motorists say the same thing.
Semisynthetics Shell
Of the oils in this category of the company, Shell Helix HX7 5W40 can be distinguished . This oil is more effective than the mineral base of the same manufacturer. The active additives contained in it provide protection to the motor and such cleanliness that the operation of the unit, according to the developers, is equivalent to a machine that has just come off the assembly line.
You can refuel both gasoline and diesel units with Shell oil. Semi-synthetic 5W40 fulfills its resource almost twice as long as mineral-based. And its cost is several times lower than synthetic lubricant.
In addition, it provides 5W40 oil with protective anticorrosion properties to the engine and low viscosity at low temperatures. Semi-synthetics will prove especially good if refueling in a used car that will not work in extreme conditions.
Car Owners Rating
These indicators explain the good demand that this lubricant uses in the Russian consumer. In addition to low consumption, drivers note an easy engine start at low temperature.
These are the interesting characteristics and ratings of motor oil 5W40, semisynthetics. For a particular type of transport, it will become the optimal choice, surpassing even synthetic-based lubricants in its data.