If you want to know more about engine oils, you have come to the right place. Whatever vehicle you might be using, engine oil is like the food for it. Without the right engine oil, a car might lag in smooth and efficient operation and ultimately stop working. With a diverse range of products available in this category in the market, it might get overwhelming to choose the most appropriate product for your car. We hope that you will understand this better once you have read through this article.
How Does an Engine Oil Make a Difference?
Irrespective of the brand you choose, any engine oil comes with a host of benefits for your vehicle. This can make the difference between having a good and great driving experience. Let’s understand some of the key benefits you can expect:
- Lubrication
With daily wear and tear due to continued usage, the internal parts of the engine start to deteriorate. Engine oil helps with lubrication, thus enhancing your car’s life.
- Cooling
This is one of the most obvious advantages of opting for a good engine oil for your vehicle. Because of the combustion of fuels and the resultant friction developed, a considerable amount of heat is generated, which reduces the engine’s lifespan in the long run. An engine oil promotes cooling of the engine, thus keeping it in proper condition for a long time.
- Protects Against Corrosion
Fuels have certain chemical compounds which are corrosive in nature. They get released during the engine’s operation and hampers the car’s performance. Engine oils contain special additives which protect/shield against corrosiveness and promote longevity.
- Acts As a Sealant
Engine oils act as a sealing agent between the various moving parts of the engine by forming a protective layer between them. This ensures that the individual components always stay spic and span.
Various Types of Engine Oil Grades
The choice of engine oil grade depends on the engine type and other factors, such as the type of car and the preferred terrain for driving. However, broadly speaking, here are the different oil types you can find in the market:
- Conventional or Mineral Oils
These oils are the most commonly used. They are generally suitable for a wide selection of vehicles and contain additives that serve the dual purpose of caring for the engine and the environment. They also reduce CO2 emissions.
- Synthetic Oils
Synthetic oils can operate in a much wider spectrum of temperatures compared to conventional oils and have improved efficiency. You can recognize them by looking for the letters ‘SYNTH’ or ‘SYN,’ followed by the viscosity rating.
- High Mileage Oils
As the name suggests, these oils are more focused on providing increased mileage and fuel efficiency while also promoting enhanced cleanliness of the engines.
- Energy Conserving Oils
Their primary purpose is to reduce emissions while improving fuel efficiency. You can identify them by the ‘EC-designated’ tag on the container. They have a lower friction coefficient compared to traditional oils and can greatly help in caring for the environment.
Understanding the Viscosity Grade of Engine Oils
The viscosity or, more simply, the thickness of the engine oil is an important factor in determining the right type of engine oil for your car. The terrain in which you drive your vehicle also has a binding on choosing the viscosity grade.
For example, if you drive in cooler climates, it might be beneficial to opt for a low viscous-grade oil. It flows more easily, thus helping you to start your car more quickly during the cold weather.
On the other hand, in hotter places, you should choose a higher grade. This will ensure that the vital parts of the engine will be protected, as the oil will create a protective film between them.
The grades are classified as follows:
- Low-Temperature Viscosity Grade
This effectively measures how fast your car will start up on a cold day. The number before the “W” (Winter) indicates the oil’s flow ability in cold conditions. The lower the number, the thinner the oil and the faster it will flow, making it easier to start the engine in cold temperatures. Thus, a 5W-30 will flow more easily than a 10W-30 oil.
- High-Temperature Viscosity Grade
This is denoted by the number after the dash. To illustrate this, let’s consider a comparison between a 10W-30 and a 10W-40 oil. While both these oils will offer quite similar performance on a cold day, the difference will arise as we move to hotter weather. In high temperatures, the 10W-30 will move more freely but will offer less resistance against friction. The 10W-40 oil, however, will take more time to start the car’s engine but will deliver better resistance against friction. It comes down to your preference- ease of use or better protection.
Conclusion
We thus had an overview of engine oils- their benefits and the various types available in the market. While it initially might feel confusing, with the right knowledge, you can choose the most appropriate four-wheeler engine oil for your needs. Keep in mind the grade when choosing, such as 5w 40 engine oil and so on, to ensure excellent engine performance.
