What are the features of 15W40 oil ? What are its characteristics, how to decipher the marking correctly? All these questions are of interest to drivers who are recommended at the service station to pour such oil into the engine. Any packaging has a marking, so this information will not be superfluous for the driver. Marking determines the viscosity of the oil, its purpose. Let's understand the labeling and try to understand which engine oil to choose for the motor.
Oil performance
The most significant characteristic is the viscosity grade of motor lubricant. Depends on it how intensively the oil will spread over the oil system of the car, as well as how it will change as a result of the increase / decrease in temperature. Note that the viscosity class does not indicate the quality of the product itself. There are many oils of the same viscosity from different manufacturers on the market. All of them are different in quality. However, quality cannot be determined - there are no corresponding indicators. It is determined in practice.
Labeling
In the marking of 15W40 oil, the manufacturer gives us 2 parameters: 15W and 40. The first parameter says that the oil is winter (letter W means Winter) and is intended for operation at a temperature not lower than -15 degrees. That is, at a temperature of -14 degrees it will retain its viscosity and characteristics, which means it will allow the engine to start without any problems, providing effective lubrication of friction pairs. However, at a temperature of -16 degrees its viscosity increases, it becomes difficult for the pump to pump too viscous lubricant, and it may not reach friction pairs. This contributes to the rapid wear of the engine as a whole.
Note that the number 15 in the title does not mean at all that the lower temperature limit is at the level of -15 degrees. In this case, this is just a coincidence. Oils marked 10W40 can be used in the range from -20 to +40 degrees. The lower the first digit in the labeling of all-season oils, the lower the lower temperature limit and the more fluid the lubricant. When working in the winter, this parameter is extremely important, but in the summer it is advisable to use a thicker oil. Semi-synthetic engine oil 15W40 is one of the most popular.
The second digit in the marking (40) indicates the upper temperature limit of the outside air, at which the oil does not lose its properties. In our example, 15W40 oil can work in the temperature range from -15 to +40 degrees, without losing its lubricating properties.
Winter, summer, universal oils
If only one of the values is indicated in the marking, then this indicates that the grease is not universal. For example, oil labeled 15W is winter and should not be used at positive temperature, as can damage the engine.
Summertime oils are indicated by only one number. For example, summer oil may be labeled 40, which indicates the upper temperature limit. Such oils can not be used if the temperature in the street drops below zero degrees. This is the lack of seasonal oils - they must be changed every season, and this is quite expensive.
15W40 oil is universal, as indicated by the marking indicating both designations. It is universal lubricants that are popular in Russia because of seasonal temperature fluctuations, because in summer the air temperature can reach +30 degrees, and in winter it can drop to -20 or even lower. At this time, many drivers can observe problems with starting the engine, which is associated with an increase in the viscosity of engine oil.
Viscosity classes are shown in the figure below.
Please note that SAE 0W40 oils are the most versatile, as can work with aggressively negative and positive indicators of air temperature. However, you must be careful with them. Pouring such lubricants is only necessary if they are recommended by the manufacturer. Otherwise, they may harm the motor. In Russia, the most popular are 15W40 and 10W40 oils. Certain brands of this oil are ideal for engines with mileage of 100 thousand kilometers or more. They also work well in both winter and summer. Of course, in very severe frosts they cope poorly, but this does not stop drivers.
In general, today universal oils completely replace seasonal ones. It is logical, because changing the lubricant every season is not only problematic, but also very expensive.
Which engine oil to choose?
The best oil for your motor is that indicated in the car's instruction manual. Manufacturers always indicate the viscosity and even the brand of lubricant that needs to be poured into the engine. The fact is that the manufacturer himself creates a power plant, taking into account a certain level of oil viscosity. The power of the oil pump, the size of the passage channels and other features - all this affects the speed of movement of the lubricant in the motor. The wrong choice can be a headache for the driver and hit hard on his wallet.
Also, when choosing a lubricant, you need to take into account the climate in which the car will be operated. If severe frosts occur, the oil should be more liquid and intended for use at low temperatures. In this case, 15W40 oil is excellent and is actively used by drivers in all regions of Russia.
It is also worth considering the condition of the engine into which the grease will be poured. The degree of engine wear plays an important role. The fact is that with strong wear of the friction pairs, the gap between them increases, and too liquid oil will simply leak. Therefore, it is recommended to pour more viscous oil into old motors. At the same time, old engines may have deposits and various deposits in the oil system. For cleaning, masters are advised to use oils with detergents. In this regard, Shell Helix Ultra has a good reputation, which protects the motor and prevents the formation of pollution and precipitation.
Also, when choosing a lubricant, you need to consider the driving style. For racing driving (sharp starts and high speed) it is desirable to select a more viscous oil, which forms a strong film between the friction pairs. It will protect the motor from the effects of heavy loads.
Misconception regarding viscosities
There is an opinion among car owners that the larger the temperature range of the lubricant, the better. That is, they believe that 10W40 is better than 15W40 oil. The price of the latter may be higher (or lower), although for some reason this is not taken into account. This is absolutely not true, because the viscosity class is not related to its quality. The viscosity class does not even determine the basis of the lubricant. Any oil, including semi-synthetics, mineral water or synthetics, can have a viscosity grade of 15W40.
The best lubricants with a given viscosity
There are many products from different manufacturers on the market. Given that the viscosity of 15W40 is popular in Russia, almost every brand is trying to market its product with this characteristic. Some lubricants are most popular.
Shell Helix Ultra
Quite a popular product that is actively used in Russia and is ideal for passenger cars, including models of the domestic VAZ brand. Similar oil can also be used in diesel and gasoline engines where API SG / CD specification is required.
The Shell Helix range generally includes low-cost, good value for money oils. They have good antioxidant properties and also have detergents, which makes them ideal for used engines.
Lukoil 15W40
A product from Lukoil with this viscosity is a fairly high-quality liquid, and it is made on a mineral basis. Its use is appropriate for forced engines that run on diesel or gasoline, but do not have a turbocharger. Also used on cars and trucks, buses.
Pros:
- Lack of oxidative reaction.
- There is no carbon deposits in the engine.
Automobile manufacturers VAZ and ZMZ approve the use of this oil.
Shell Rimula 15W40
There are 2 types of grease from this manufacturer and with the specified viscosity: Shell Rimula R4 L and Shell Rimula R4 X. They differ in specifications and tolerances of automakers. Both products are actively used in cars of domestic and European brands, have high compatibility with exhaust gas purification systems, and their use reduces the cost of servicing engines. If you believe the reviews, then the Shell Rimula products are high-quality oils, but there are often fakes on the market, so you should pay attention to the canister when choosing.
However, to distinguish a fake today is quite difficult. Fraudsters have learned not only to fake the packaging, but also the product itself. As a result, many drivers exploit fake oil without even realizing it. That is, there are no signs of poor quality at all, and the engine feels great.
Conclusion
Oils marked 15W40 are very popular in Russia, and the reason for this is the climate. The above brands of motor greases are not the only ones. You can list them for quite some time. Find out at the service station exactly which brand suits you, and always use it in your engine. And in no case do not interfere with the oil! Then the motor will last a long time.