The use of car chemistry for the engine is a necessary measure to extend the life of the unit in operation. A variety of oils designed to support the performance of the motor group often complicates the choice of motorists. For this reason, you should initially have an idea about the properties of this product, manufacturers and reviews of other users. It is important to understand that motor oils are able to provide not only the function of technical support of the engine, but also reveal in negative performance if the choice of composition was wrong.
Features of semi-synthetic oils
Typically, manufacturers distinguish two groups of oils of this type - mineral and synthetic. They represent the basic foundations on which the working properties of the chemical composition depend. Mineral oils are derived from petroleum feedstocks. In essence, this is a crudely made base of products remaining after refining oil into one or another type of finished fuel. Synthetic oils, in turn, are initially developed from individual components of petroleum products that have undergone more thorough pre-treatment in laboratory conditions.
Obviously, the question of which engine oil to fill is decided in favor of synthetic car chemistry. But the cost of such funds is much higher, so many turn to semi-synthetic oils. On average, 70-80% of such mixtures are formed from a synthetic high-quality base, and the rest is the mineral base. At the output, the user can rely on optimal viscosity, wear resistance, balanced antioxidant and detergent qualities.
Main characteristics of oils
The viscosity index is the main characteristic that is taken into account when choosing an oil. According to the SAE specification, this parameter is indicated by a double number - for example, 5W-40. The first figure indicates the dynamic viscosity of the composition, which manifests itself in conditions of negative temperature. The second number indicates the viscosity class of the composition, designed for summer operation. The letter W indicates the use of oil in the winter. The value of the figure itself should be considered as the temperature limit at which the composition will be optimally pumped, ensuring engine start.
A special characteristic with the HTHS marking was introduced to evaluate viscosity at elevated temperatures. For example, a semi-synthetic engine oil with a viscosity that corresponds to a rate of 3.5 MPa * s in this system belongs to the high class of HTHS. The higher this value, the thicker the oil film will be, and vice versa. But do not consider the indicator of the thickness of this layer as confirmation of the quality of the composition. Modern motor mechanisms no longer require a high ability to smooth out mechanical friction. In any case, minimization of this effect is achieved due to additive enzymes. And in this regard, the quality of the oil will most likely depend on its ability to distribute additives throughout the motor group at high speed.
Operational properties
Of primary importance is the lubrication property, due to which the fluid minimizes the effect of friction of parts. Accordingly, the resource of the element base is saved and heat emission during engine operation is reduced. Along with this, anti-rust and anti-foam properties can be of great importance. Such motor oils are usually selected for power plants operating in extreme conditions or under high loads. But to one degree or another, additives of this kind are provided for in all modern formulations. Add to this kit is also a washing function, thanks to which the engine and its adjacent components are kept clean.
Mobil Product Reviews
Among the semi-synthetic oils of this manufacturer, ULTRA 10W-40 has earned special trust. Motorists attribute optimal lubricating qualities to the product’s advantages, which also occur under conditions of a sharp change in temperature. This property is ensured through the use of a high-quality mineral base with improved additives already in the base filling. That is, according to the working properties, which again is confirmed by the users themselves, this composition is close to synthetics. And if many modern manufacturers of motor oils seek to optimize the component composition of semi-synthetics in order to offer an inexpensive, but relatively high-quality product, then Mobil Ultra calculated on the actual upgrade of the class while maintaining a moderate price tag.
True, there were some negative factors of oil exploitation. Users indicate that in conditions of prolonged use in the cold, the composition does not manifest itself in the best way, losing important physical properties.
ELF Product Reviews
In this case, the Evolution line is considered, in which the 10W-40 brand is also presented. To begin with, it is worth noting the versatility of the oil. It is calculated on operation by any engines - diesel and gasoline, including with direct injection. It is used by both car owners and van drivers with small trucks. Moreover, the oil demonstrates good working qualities both at short and long distances, which indicates the reliability of the composition. But, again, engine oils from the Evolution series should be used carefully in severe frosts. But if you need good washing qualities, then this option will be the best - users put this quality on the list of the main advantages of the product.
Shell Helix Product Reviews
The well-known brand in the release of the latest products in this category has achieved the greatest success in the HX7 10W-40 series. It has already been noted that high-quality modern motor oil is characterized by a circulation speed that ensures the timely distribution of active additives. This quality is also noted by users of Helix HX7. To this is added resistance to oxidative reactions and stability in operation against the background of shear loads.
In terms of viscosity and friction reduction, reviews of this family of motor oils are also generally positive. The composition can not be called revolutionary in terms of characteristics, but from the point of view of operation as an ordinary motorist, he fully justifies the claimed effect.
Castrol Magnatec Product Reviews
The oil of this company is suitable for those who expect to receive high protective qualities. However, as noted by users, this effect is achieved by lowering the energy-saving function. Good detergent properties also led to a modest indicator of deposits. But during prolonged use, many motorists also observe a decrease in the alkaline coefficient, that is, the working life of the composition is not so large compared to the above analogues. Synthetic motor oils demonstrate similar qualities, but they do not always become the optimal solution for long-term use. Especially considering their high cost.
Price issue
Automotive oils are available in the market with different volumes - in cans from 1 to 5 liters. The minimum volume is an average of 300 to 500 rubles. The following are containers from 3 to 4 liters, which can be purchased for 1-1.5 thousand rubles. Less often 5-liter cans are produced, sold on average for 2-3 thousand. If we talk about the relationship between value and brand, then the cheapest ones include Lukoil and Total QUARTZ. The middle segment is represented by original Shell Helix and Castrol engine oils . The most expensive products of this line are produced by Mobil, Motul and LIQUI MOLY. Although it must be borne in mind that under premium brands often come cheap formulations, which, however, in terms of operational properties do not look impressive.
How to choose a semi-synthetic motor oil?
The choice of car chemistry is largely dependent on the technical condition of the mechanism to which it is applied. That is, the condition of the motor, the requirements for its operation should be the main factor in the selection of the composition. This means that initially the driver must determine a set of properties that will become most important for the engine of his car. The right choice is engine oil, the characteristics, reviews and test results of which are fully consistent with the requirements of a particular power plant for lubricating, cleaning and protective qualities. Along with this, take into account the external conditions for the use of the composition, determining its labeling. In this part, the car owner must evaluate the temperature limits of oil operation, as well as make an adjustment for the seasonal factor.
Conclusion
Semi-synthetic lubricants for servicing the motor group cannot be called the best option for each case. High-quality synthetics are more likely to provide more reliable protection of parts and the engine as a whole from negative operating factors. Nevertheless, correctly selected recommended motor oils from the semi-synthetic segment from well-known companies can also guarantee the desired set of functions. The use of high-tech additives in the basic composition of such a liquid makes thorough preliminary cleaning of the oil product unnecessary.
Of course, there are cases when you can’t do without multi-level pre-treatment of oil in laboratory conditions, but this applies to the demands of ordinary motorists to a minimum extent. If we compare semisynthetics with mineral compositions, then the difference will be much more significant. The crude oil base obviously loses to the modified liquids in terms of their basic operational properties, therefore it is better to refrain from such a choice.