Depending on the technical features engine and the requirements imposed on it by the manufacturer, the recommended type of engine oil is indicated in the vehicle operation manual.
To date, all lubricants for internal combustion engines can be divided into three main groups. The main criterion of which is the type of oil base. Fig 1
- mineral;
- synthetically;
- semi-synthetic.
Each group of oils has its own characteristics: composition, scope, characteristics, performance. Consider mineral oil.
Production technology
After separating light fractions from petroleum products, the remaining fuel oil is used to obtain oil bases as a result of several step-by-step steps.
What is the difference between mineral oil and synthetics and semi-synthetics
In order to understand what mineral oil is and how it differs from synthetic and semi-synthetic lubricants, consider its production process and features.
Mineral engine oil
Obtained as a result of the purification of petroleum products and the addition of active additives that increase performance. The amount of additives in mineral oil can reach up to 15% of the total volume of the lubricant.
How oils are produced in production and how they differ in the end - video
High viscosity makes the use of oils of this classification difficult and undesirable at low negative temperatures.
Since oil aging occurs primarily as a result of the loss of its properties by additives, the resource is reduced due to the high content of additives that make up mineral oil. The recommended interval for changing lubricants is 6-8 thousand km.
Due to the increased base viscosity, mineral lubricants are good for use in high mileage engines. Possible risks of leaks from under the seals are reduced, and a thicker oil layer provides maximum protection for worn parts. Small cost.
Synthetic oils
Obtained by changing the basic basis at the molecular level. The process allows to obtain an oil base of a sufficiently high level.
Compared to mineral lubricants, detergent, lubricating, anti-corrosion properties are an order of magnitude higher, which allows the use of much less active additives. The value can reach up to 5% of the total volume.
The insignificant content of active additives increases the resource of synthetic motor oils in comparison with mineral ones. A more advanced oil base allows you to achieve high performance in conditions of increased loads.
Good manifestation of qualities in low-temperature conditions due to the low viscosity of the product. 
Even a slight oil layer between the rubbing elements of the engine reliably protects new engines. It can also be used in internal combustion engines with low mileage. The recommended replacement interval is 12-15 thousand km. Relatively high cost of production.
Semi-synthetics
It is obtained by mixing a mineral and synthetic base with the addition of a package of active additives. An alternative between the above oils.
The mineral component can reach 70% of the total volume, synthetic up to 30%. The amount of additives is not more than 8%. Due to the moderate viscosity of the product, its use is possible both in hot climates and at low negative temperatures.
Suitable for engines with high mileage and internal combustion engines with low mileage. The recommended replacement interval is 9-11 thousand km. The cost of production is higher than that of mineral oils, but less than that of synthetic ones.
Output
Mineral engine oil differs from synthetic and semi-synthetic lubricants in its base, the amount of additives, viscosity, resource, application area, operating temperature range, replacement interval and cost.
Mineral Oil Testing
Lubricants are tested according to the following parameters.
Lukoil 15w-40 mineral oil test, video
- . The measurements are carried out using capillary viscometers immersed in a thermostat at 40 °C and 100 °C. After the oil has reached the required temperature, the time interval required for the oil to pass through a given area is measured. Viscosity is calculated from the formula.
- sulfate ash. It is measured by the amount of residue after burning the grease. The greater the weight of the residue, the greater the amount of additives. The indicator should not be more than 1.3% of the total for gasoline, and 1.8% for diesel internal combustion engines. Increased ash content is the cause of increased carbon formation.
- Alkaline number. In other words, this is the oil resource. During the operation of the vehicle, oxides are formed in the engine oil, which cause corrosion of engine elements. During production, active additives containing alkali are introduced into the composition of the oil. The higher this figure, the greater the durability of the oil.
- Flash point. The temperature of the lubricant placed in a special device rises no faster than two degrees per minute. Upon reaching a certain temperature and in the presence of fire, the oil flares up. The data is fixed.
- Freezing temperature. The thermometer value at which the lubricant loses its fluidity. After placing the sample in a thermostat, upon reaching a certain temperature, the flask is set at an inclination of 45 degrees. When the oil is not solidified, it shifts. To ensure pumpability in internal combustion engine system, the pour point of the lubricant should be 5% lower than declared.
- Pollution coefficient. The amount of dissolved and suspended oxides in the lubricant.
- Viscosity change indicator. A smaller percentage indicates more stable qualities of the oil to temperature changes.
According to the results of laboratory tests and consumer reviews, the following mineral motor oils can be distinguished.
- LIQUI MOLY MoS2 Leichtlauf 15W-40
- Lukoil Standard 10W-40 SF/CC
- MOBIL Delvac MX 15W-40
Is it possible to mix synthetic and mineral water
From the above, we can conclude that mineral, synthetic and semi-synthetic lubricants have different oil bases and different volumes and compositions of additive packages. Excellent viscosity characteristics and temperature ranges. 
What happens when synthetic oil is added to an engine lubricated with mineral grease and vice versa? Mixing different bases with different molecular structures and different viscosities will not make it possible to achieve uniformity of the lubricant without loss of protective properties.
The interaction of different additives and volumes of one lubricant can lead to precipitation of additives of the second lubricant. This can happen due to the impossibility of dissolving "mineral" additives in a synthetic base and vice versa.
Perhaps the formation of a viscous mixture that can clog the oil channels, the oil pump. Oil starvation and expensive repairs as a result.
Another reason is the destruction of the oil film by additives of one or the second oil. Lubricating functions are reduced, increased wear of engine elements occurs.
In cases of emergency, it is possible to mix oils of different bases, but only in order to get to the lubricant change point.
Advantages and disadvantages of mineral oils
pros
Minuses
- Poor manifestation of qualities in conditions of low negative temperatures.
- Not suitable for vehicles with high-tech internal combustion engines and low mileage.
- Small resource. Rapid loss of properties due to the high content of additives.
When choosing engine oil, it is very important to pay attention to the manufacturer's recommendations, as well as take into account the condition of the engine and operating conditions. Compliance with engine oil to all tolerances and standards will provide maximum engine protection and extend its service life.
Every responsible driver knows that motor oil plays a primary role and has a great influence on the engine. power unit consists of a large number of parts that are subjected to serious loads during operation, both mechanical and thermal.
As for the oil lubricating fluid forms a protective film on the mating surfaces, avoiding dry friction and accelerated wear. The lubricant also performs a washing function, and also cools the surfaces of parts in the friction zone.
The choice of engine oil is quite wide; today you can find a large number of different products. In this case, oils are mineral,. Also, in some cases, synthetics are further subdivided into fully synthetic PAO oils and hydrocracking.
Let's take a closer look at what mineral engine oil is, the characteristics and differences of this product from other analogues. Also in this article we will talk about what advantages and disadvantages mineral water has in comparison with semi-synthetic or synthetic lubricating fluids.
Read in this article
What oil is better to fill in the engine
First of all, we immediately draw your attention to the fact that best oil for the engine there will be a lubricant that is suitable for a particular internal combustion engine, taking into account all the tolerances and recommendations of the car manufacturer. Such recommendations are separately spelled out in the instruction manual.
We go further. It is important to understand that any engine oil is a base oil base to which an additive package is added to provide the necessary performance properties and characteristics. Such a base can be either mineral or synthetic. Semi-synthetics are actually a mixture of mineral and synthetic bases in a certain proportion.
Regardless of which base was used, the engine oil must first of all be well pumped through during cold starts, and the oil film must remain stable under high loads and temperatures. Also, the oil must protect the parts not only from wear, but also from corrosion, have the ability to “wash” the engine from the inside and not lose the declared properties throughout the entire service life.
Pros and Cons of Mineral Engine Oil
As for mineral oil, the peculiarity is that this product is natural. In other words, the mineral base is obtained from petroleum by distillation and refining. This technology for the manufacture of engine oil is the simplest, as a result of which mineral oil differs in the most affordable price compared to semi-synthetics, hydrocracking or synthetic lubricants.
Mineral petroleum oils form a stable oil film, which is characterized by good stability. You should also highlight the ability to delicately clean engine parts from various deposits and contaminants. Mineral oil, like any other, contains a package of active additives that improve the anti-wear and detergent properties of the lubricant, protect the engine from corrosion, neutralize by-products of fuel combustion, etc.
The main disadvantage of "mineral water" is considered to be the fact that under conditions of low temperatures, the viscosity of mineral oil changes to a large extent. In simple words, in cold weather, such a lubricant becomes too thick and.
As a result, the engine becomes difficult to start, as it is “hard” for the starter to spin in thickened grease. Also, after starting, the viscous lubricant does not reach the parts in full, which causes severe wear of the power unit.
Also, after the motor reaches operating temperatures, the additives added to the mineral base quickly burn out and work out. This means that such oil ages faster and loses its properties. In other words, the service life of mineral oils is noticeably shorter than that of synthetics and semi-synthetics; such a lubricant needs to be changed more often.
Synthetics and hydrocracking: what you need to know
Now let's take a look at the properties of synthetic oils to compare them with mineral oils. Let's start with the fact that such products are manufactured using a special and rather complex technology. We also note that in the case of hydrocracking (HC), oils are often positioned as synthetic, but this is not entirely true.
In fact, hydrocracked oil is also made from petroleum, but it undergoes complex processing, which allows the initially natural base to be as close as possible to synthetic at the molecular level.
If we talk about pure synthetics (PAO oils), this is a product of high-tech synthesis of base oil from ethylene gas. As a result, PAO oils are largely best performance compared to basic mineral lubricants, and also outperforms hydrocracked products.
In other words, fluidity remains in frost, such a lubricant does not burn out when heated, antifriction properties are also improved, an increased service life and a lower tendency to oxidation and aging are noted.
If just performance characteristics synthetics last longer, this type of lubricant is not afraid of both low temperatures and high heat.
Given the above information, it would seem that the best option is an exclusively synthetic PAO base. Note that in many cases, even for modern engines there is no need to top up with fully synthetic engine oil. Moreover, for some internal combustion engines, such a lubricant is not at all suitable.
The fact is that the need to use pure synthetics arises only when:
- low-viscosity oil is prescribed by the manufacturer of the power unit;
- the engine is operated in conditions of extremely low temperatures;
- the motor constantly experiences heavy loads, operates in modes high speed etc.
In other cases, if in winter the temperature does not drop below -30 degrees Celsius, it is quite possible to fill in hydrocracking, when the temperature drops below -20, semi-synthetics will do, up to -15 you can also use high-quality mineral water.
By the way, if the engine already has some wear and the mileage is about 120-150 thousand km, instead of "liquid" synthetics or hydrocracking in the summer or taking into account the "mild" winter, many use semi-synthetics or even a mineral base.
First of all, if the engine is worn out, the increased fluidity of synthetic oil often leads to the fact that. Also, low-viscosity oils form a stable but thin oil film. A motor with such oil can wear out more.
The pressure in the lubrication system can also be low, causing oil starvation and breakdown of the internal combustion engine. For this reason, mineral oil for used engines or semi-synthetics is preferred. We also add that synthetics clean the engine more aggressively, washing away deposits from parts. As a result, the risk of clogging the oil channels with dirt increases. Mineral oils "wash" the engine more slowly and do it in stages, retaining washed deposits, which are then removed from the engine when changing the oil.
Summing up
As you can see, high-quality semi-synthetic or mineral oil is quite suitable for many motors. Moreover, many drivers note that even from the factory, some automakers quite often pour “mineral water” into the engine rather than expensive synthetics.
For example, this situation occurs with Japanese cars which are also operated in Japan. Technological and sufficiently forced Japanese engines they work quite normally on mineral and semi-synthetic oils, since the climate of this country (the absence of frosty winters) allows the use of such lubricants in internal combustion engines while maintaining the planned one.
As for the CIS countries, the issue of oil selection must be approached differentially, that is, take into account the individual characteristics of the operation of the vehicle (adjust for oil change intervals, fuel quality, degree of temperature drop in winter, etc.). We also add that in Europe, the USA or Japan, synthetic oil, on average, can be changed every 20 or even 25 thousand km. Cheaper "mineral water" is also quite capable of reaching up to 10 thousand rubles.
At the same time, it is important to understand that in the CIS, low-quality fuel often “kills” any oil much earlier than the stated period, both mineral and high-quality synthetics. This means that under our conditions, expensive synthetic lubricant will still need to be drained after a maximum of 13-15 thousand km, it is advisable to replace mineral oil after 5-6 thousand, semi-synthetics after 7-8 thousand km, hydrocracking hardly reaches 10 thousand
It turns out that if the manufacturer allows the use of mineral oil in the engine, it may turn out to be the most rational choice in terms of quality and price. The main thing is to change such a lubricant in time. Finally, we note that when buying lubricants for the engine, transmission and other components,.
Read also
How to choose the right engine oil for an old internal combustion engine or engine with a mileage of more than 150-200 thousand km. What you need to pay attention to, useful tips.
Two different types of oils are currently used in the automotive industry: mineral and synthetic. Both options have advantages and disadvantages, as well as dedicated supporters. In fact, the answer to the question of which oil is better - mineral or synthetic, must be given based on the characteristics of the car and driving characteristics.
Mineral oils are produced by processing fuel oil or agricultural oilseeds. These methods are relatively simple and have long been used by people to create technical oil blends. Mineral products are characterized by low cost, high efficiency and hydrolytic stability.
Proponents of the use of mineral oils often note the weak mechanical interaction of the solution with engine parts. This reduces wear and improves engine performance. Another common argument in favor of mineral solutions is a good coefficient of anti-corrosion formation.
However, all these positive traits the oil mixture demonstrates during operation at temperatures from +10˚ to +25˚C. To expand this range, it is necessary to add synthetic additives to the natural product. However, these inclusions burn out when high temperature and increase the viscosity of the oil - at low.
To expand the operating temperature range, semi-synthetic oil is now actively used. In it, natural and artificial bases are mixed in proportions of 50 to 50 or 70 to 30.
Synthetic engine oil
These technical fluids produced by organic synthesis of petroleum products. Unlike mineral, to obtain synthetic mixtures, raw materials undergo deeper processing.
The wide possibilities of organic synthesis allow the creation of synthetic oils with very different compositions. There are products based on polyalphaolefins, synthetic hydrocarbons, glycols, polyorganosiloxanes, esters, etc. Regardless of this, they have high viscosity-temperature properties, are chemically stable and resistant to oxidation when heated. No less important is the fact that synthetic oils practically do not settle on engine parts after high-temperature decomposition.
Characteristic advantages of a synthetic oil product:
- increased anti-friction qualities;
- stable operation at low temperature;
- the evaporation coefficient is lower than that of mineral analogues;
- functional additives are added during production.
Despite the high price, synthetic oils are a more practical and reliable option for vehicles that operate at low ambient temperatures.
Which oil is better, can they be mixed
A thrifty, experienced driver knows what to say directly about which is better: synthetics or mineral oil, it’s strange. If there is no need to drive a car at temperatures below +5˚-+10˚C, it is not necessary to overpay extra money for synthetics. Because a significant difference in the operation and wear of the engine will not be noticeable. Even with more frequent replacement, mineral mixtures are more economical.
In some conditions, it is even advisable to give preference to semi-synthetics. For example, with a high engine mileage, a synthetic product quickly burns out due to wear of the sealing glands. Semi-synthetic oils, in most cases, work confidently at temperatures not lower than -10˚- -15˚C.
One of the advantages of "mineral water" is the gradual "laundering" of deposits from engine elements. Synthetic grease “scrapes” them with large particles, and because of this, they quickly become clogged. oil filters and oil lines.
The question of admissibility of mixing arises, as a rule, in emergency situations when it is not possible to fill the engine with oil of the appropriate type and marking. On the one hand, experts unequivocally say that this is a bad idea. First, due to mixing, an insoluble precipitate is formed. It increases the wear of engine parts and clogs filters. Secondly, the components of the additives can enter into a chemical reaction and completely spoil your lubricating solution.
On the other hand, the presence of semi-synthetics on the market is a clear example of the opposite. Therefore, in special cases it is possible to mix the two products. The main thing is to drain this mixture as soon as possible and replace it with normal oil.
- When choosing a lubricant for internal combustion engines, it is recommended that you first of all rely on the recommendations of the car manufacturer.
- To preserve the physical and chemical properties of the oil, it is necessary to prevent the access of moisture, air, dust and foreign objects, using a sealed storage vessel.
- Lubricant changes depending on the mileage of the machine and in accordance with the recommendations of the mixture manufacturer. At the same time, worn engines require a slightly more frequent replacement due to operation in harsher conditions and the formation of a large volume of friction products.
- A new oil filter must be installed every time the oil is changed.
- The current lubrication level should always be within the limits set by the car manufacturer.
- To maintain the working level of lubrication, it is necessary to keep a can of the same oil in the car.
An article on how to choose oil for a car engine. Types and classification, recommendations for selection. At the end of the article - a video on how to choose engine oil.
The content of the article:
ABOUT right choice oils for a car engine are not always known even by experienced motorists. The article will discuss how to choose the right oil for the “heart” of a car so that it matches the wear of the vehicle, the current season, etc.
Indeed, how to choose engine oil? It is important to know that the right choice of engine oil and its change at the right time are very important conditions that determine the stable operation and durability of each internal combustion engine.
However, such a huge variety of lubricants in the modern market can confuse even an experienced driver, and it is doubly difficult for beginners.
A special problem for buyers is created by advertising booklets, where “every sandpiper praises his own swamp”, that is, each manufacturer guarantees the reliability of their products, and here, when choosing engine oil, it’s really easy to get confused.
And after you are completely at a loss, you have no choice but to contact the seller, relying entirely on his opinion. And this will be your mistake, because any seller will always pursue their own commercial goals, not thinking about the further fate of your car. In order not to be deceived in your expectations, continue reading the article further.
Lubrication types
To better understand all the subtleties in choosing engine oil, let's first look at the basic basis of all engine oils. This basis is:
- mineral;
- semi-synthetic;
- hydrocracking;
- synthetic.
synthetic oil, called “synthetics” by drivers, is obtained by synthesizing gases.
Semi-synthetic oil, or the so-called “semi-synthetics” by drivers, results from mixing synthetic and mineral oils in the calculated parts.
Hydrocracked oil, like mineral, is also made from oil, but it goes through a rather complicated processing procedure and therefore, in its structure, it becomes more like a synthetic substance than a “mineral water”.
Mineral oil
It is also called oil, because such a liquid is obtained directly from oil. For the production of such oil, a distillation method or a refining method is used. It is further subdivided into:
- paraffin;
- naphthenic;
- aromatic.
The main advantage of mineral oil is the relatively low price. However, those who are used to saving money need to understand that it does not last long, and it will have to be changed more often. Experience has shown that mineral-based oils are often used for low maintenance applications. Only under such conditions, filling oil into the engine will not cause problems for the unit.
synthetic oil
It is obtained in the process of the most complex synthesis of certain chemical compounds and due to this it can retain the quality obtained for a long time. And it is expressed, first of all, in the lowered viscosity.
Good fluidity of "synthetics" in cold conditions ensures easy starting of the engine in winter. On the other hand, this oil has a rather high evaporation temperature, which makes it more resistant to heat.
Stable properties, as well as a considerable service life, indicate the unchanged quality of synthetic oil, and the reason is that it does not oxidize too much during the operation of the internal combustion engine. This is why synthetic oils are not only considered to be of the highest quality, but are also much more expensive than even the highest quality mineral oils.
Semi-synthetic oil and hydrocracking
Lubricants in this category occupy a middle position between cheap "mineral water" and expensive synthetic fluid. Consider semi-synthetic types of lubricant.
They are produced by mixing synthetic and mineral bases. This solution significantly increases the performance of mineral products, while keeping the cost quite acceptable.
That's why semi-synthetic oils for a long time they were the “golden mean” for car owners both in terms of price and quality. But today, as an alternative, many motorists prefer to use hydrocracked oil.
Hydrocracking - unique technology processing of mineral oil base. As a result of this processing, the natural molecular structure of the oil becomes artificial. In other words, hydrocracking is significantly different from a simple “mineral water”, and in terms of quality it becomes identical to “synthetics”.
The hydrocracking process itself consists in a kind of "alignment" of hydrocarbon compounds due to the movement of atoms, when isomers are eventually obtained. The main advantage of these oils is their higher performance compared to "synthetics" and a relatively low price.
The main disadvantage of hydrocracking- relatively fast aging. In other words, such an oil loses its desired properties too quickly.
Choosing engine oil based on classification
So, we figured out the oil base, and now it's time to move on to choosing the oil according to its classification in order to know exactly what kind of oil should be in the engine. This point is quite important, because here it is necessary to follow the recommendations of the car manufacturer.
The main problem is that the use of oils of a class lower than that specified in the manufacturer's recommendations often leads to premature wear of the motor, and even to unexpected breakdowns. On the other hand, when using an oil with a class higher than recommended, it may not be compatible with the internal combustion engine of the machine.
Therefore, it is necessary to take into account all the wishes of the manufacturer, which are reflected in the instructions for the machine. Let's look at this issue in more detail.
SAE is an international standard that defines the degree of viscosity. Do not forget that viscosity is generally considered one of the most important characteristics of any lubricant product.
After all, it is the viscosity that determines the fluidity of the oil in cold conditions when it comes to starting and operating the engine in the winter season. In addition, it is the viscosity of the oil that makes it clear how thin it will be when the engine reaches the optimum temperature after starting.
So, we now know that the lubricant is divided according to the season: winter, summer and all-weather oil. A canister containing winter grease has a designation in the form of an index "W" (from the German winter - winter), as well as certain numbers that are placed in front of this index. On canisters, you can see SAE markings from 0W to 25W. Warm season oil is also indicated by an SAE number from 20 to 60.
However, let's say right away that winter and summer oils in a separate form today it is quite difficult or even impossible to find, because they have almost been replaced by all-weather lubricants. This is easy to explain - few drivers will enjoy changing the oil according to the season. Much nicer than not doing it at all.
All-weather oil is indicated in combination, reflecting combinations of winter and summer types: SAE 0W-20, 5W-30, 10W-40, etc.
Note: the degree of viscosity of the oil should be selected from the list that is indicated in the instructions of the manufacturer that produced the machine.
Experienced motorists are aware of these features and therefore choose a lubricant for use in any season. For example, for modern Vehicle will be very good choice 5W30 or 5W40.
API is the American Petroleum Institute. ACEA - Association of European Automobile Manufacturers. These organizations test oils, check performance. After verification, the product is assigned the necessary document.
The American system of analysis (API) is recognized as more loyal. And the European testing system makes tougher claims to lubricants. The main task of testing is to analyze the most important qualities of the oil, and after that it is assigned to the appropriate class.
Tests are carried out in motors directly or on special stands. Experts analyze the ability of the oil to protect engine parts from corrosion, detergent, anti-acid properties, etc.
Here, the oil is divided into two varieties, which are indicated by the corresponding indices S and C. The S index denotes oils that are used in gasoline engines. Index C is put on the lubricant used in diesel units.
If you carefully examine the packaging, then near the indicated indices S and C, you will notice another Latin letter used to additionally indicate the quality of the oil. Moreover, the distance of this letter from the beginning of the alphabet indicates the degree of quality - the closer, the worse, and vice versa.
For example, SA or SB grease is made for gasoline unit, but SA is worse in quality than SB. At the oil for diesel engines also has its own designations - CA, CB, etc.
Founded in 1996. The main difference compared to the API is a more specific and accurate analysis of the area of use of the lubricant product. Particular attention is paid to its anti-wear parameters.
The designation of oils of this classification is carried out in the form:
- letters A for gasoline internal combustion engines passenger cars, small vans and minibuses;
- letters B for diesel engines of the same types of cars;
- letter E for heavy truck and bus diesels.
Note: in 2004, another class appeared in this classification, which is indexed by the letter C. This is the designation of universal lubricants that are equally used in both gasoline and diesel engines.
Now we know how to choose good oil for engines running on both petrol and diesel fuel. The main thing is not only to take into account the oil base and viscosity of the lubricant, but also the compliance of the oil with the manufacturer's instructions.
Oil brand selection
Based on the huge range of lubricants on the modern market, sometimes even experts will not be able to advise exactly which manufacturer to give preference to. Someone uses Shell or Mobile, someone prefers Castrol or Total, others advise filling in Lukoil or Liquid Moli, etc.
Attention: it is highly undesirable to select a lubricant, referring only to the manufacturer. The engine has nothing to do with the manufacturer. For him, the timing of the oil change is important, taking into account the quality of the fuel and the nuances of using the machine.
If your car has a worn engine, do not rush to fill it with expensive "synthetics" - gaskets and seals of such units may not be compatible with synthetic oils. And then expensive lubricant not only will not bring benefits, but also harm, causing oil leakage and many other troubles.
As for the use of oil with a higher viscosity for a car with high or medium mileage, this is not prohibited, but, nevertheless, the driver must be experienced enough to take into account the degree of engine wear, seasonality and much more.
Video on how to choose engine oil for a car: