Good day, dear subscribers of our blog! According to your questions, back to the topic of engine maintenance. We have already spoken about the features of the use of motor oils more than once. But special attention deserves the operation of the car in the cold season. Therefore, now we will touch on the question of what kind of oil to pour into the engine in winter?
This issue is one of the most difficult, but also the most significant in the process of operation. It is necessary to take into account a number of parameters, among which one of the main roles is played by the viscosity of the lubricant used. It's one thing when the winter in your region is mild enough, and another thing - if severe hard frosts are by no means uncommon. Even working fluids can freeze, and in this case it will be much more difficult to start the engine.
The most important parameters that the driver should pay attention to are contained in the lubricant label, which is necessarily indicated on the package. The main task is to find the optimal combination, which would include the minimum and maximum operating temperatures, as well as the degree of viscosity, respectively. As evidenced by tests conducted by manufacturers, there are the following types of oil with the appropriate qualities:
- 0W-30, the oil with the lowest viscosity, which practically does not respond to low temperatures;
- , such a lubricant has a good viscosity, and it is prepared for temperature extremes;
- class 10-W30, used in climatic zones with relatively moderate temperatures in winter;
- 10W-40, is considered a universal lubricant that can be topped up both in the summer months and in winter, but is generally not recommended for modern powertrains.
In a word, the oil on the label of which the first digit is 0 has the lowest degree of viscosity. This means that it facilitates starting even in the most severe and severe frosts, since it practically does not thicken. Does this mean that it is better to fill it always with it? Of course not, since such a diluted liquid is not able to provide the necessary protection to the rubbing elements of the engine, which leads to their accelerated wear. 
The most famous brands
To choose one or another product, you need to pay attention to the brand. Many of them have been working for decades automotive market and have already established themselves as trusted manufacturers. Consider the most famous brands:
- Shell - enjoys well-deserved reviews from consumers, both here and in Europe;
- Castrol is one of the most recognized brands in the Eurasian market;
- Xado - not only their lubricant is in demand, but also an additive to engine oil, which improves its performance in the cold season;
- Mobil - produced in Germany, widely and widely sold in all European countries;
- Zic is a proven brand that is popular due to its loyal pricing policy;
- Lukoil is the most famous mineral and synthetic oil among domestic manufacturers. However, for operation in regions with miles of frost, it is difficult to call it the best choice for the consumer.
Despite the seemingly wide choice on the car oil market, you should carefully consider whether it is possible to use the products of a particular company. Otherwise, you run the risk of not starting your vehicle after parking during frost. Much depends on the storage conditions of the car: if in a garage, then the requirements for lubrication can be significantly lower. You can use a universal all-weather fluid without fear for the wear of engine parts.
Another problem during operation in cold weather is not even related to starting the power unit, but to the fact that with a high viscosity in the first minutes, cold lubrication causes increased wear of the piston group elements. Therefore, motorists have a completely logical question: how to heat the oil in winter in order to protect the engine. Too viscous substance does not go well to all the various nodes or it is simply not enough, as a result of which they work under conditions of increased friction.
The vast territory of Russia, and Europe, is also located in the northern hemisphere, which means that during the year at least five months is at the mercy of cold fronts. Undoubtedly, at first fluffy snow and ice slides give a lot of pleasure, but over time, winter joys are replaced by a decrease in mood and a breakdown. This is due to the short daylight hours and the effect of low temperatures on the body. Many people call such a depressed state "winter depression", which is easy to cope with, knowing the secrets of aromatherapy or smell treatment.
The advantages of aromatherapy are that it has a positive effect not only on the emotional background, but also on the general state of human health. Thus, using aromatic oils in winter, you can not only fill the house with the aromas of summer, but also create a cozy, favorable atmosphere in it.
Which of the methods of aromatherapy to choose depends only on your preferences and desires. You can use it, you can add a healing aroma to the bath with water, you can do a massage with it, or choose another way to use essential oils. This method of dealing with blues is not only effective, but also because it does not cause unpleasant consequences or addiction.
How to choose a winter fragrance?
However, not all oils have an anti-stress effect, so choose one (or more) of the following fragrances: oils of chamomile, grapefruit, mint, tangerine, lemon, basil, sage, geranium, jasmine, lemon balm, lavender, patchouli, neroli, sandalwood, ylang -ylang or rose. The most famous antidepressant in aromatherapy is, of course, bergamot essential oil. Thanks to its aroma, anxiety dissipates, mood improves and vitality increases.
The most important thing in choosing the right fragrance is your own perception of a particular smell. Whatever characteristics the essential oil is famous for, if its aroma does not touch you or is even unpleasant, then you should not stop your choice on it. And if suddenly you liked the whole composition of smells, then feel free to call it your own, since only a pleasant aroma can bring real benefit and satisfaction.
Benefits of aromatherapy in winter
AT cold period Essential oils can boost your immune system for general health and relaxation, and are a great addition to your daily routine.
Treated with aromas since time immemorial, and today modern science recognizes the healing effect of essential oils. This is due to the fact that scientists have established how, through the olfactory receptors, the aromas of essential oils quickly penetrate the body and have a direct effect on it. Smells affect the psycho-emotional state and the human nervous system. They can both invigorate and soothe. And those aromatic oils that are absorbed by the skin can serve as an excellent cosmetic product.
By acting to strengthen the immune system, aromatic oils help to increase energy metabolism in muscles and blood, they help to eliminate toxins. In moments of strong emotional stress, it is with the help of aromatherapy that you can reduce the negative burden on the body, improve mood and normalize sleep. With the help of some essential oils, you can even increase your own sensuality.
Ways to use essential oils in winter
Aromatic baths
Aromatic baths are one of the most pleasant ways to use essential oils, which is especially relevant in the winter season. If baths are contraindicated for any reason, then you can try to replace them with soft compresses. Depending on the oil you choose, its effect on the body will also change.
lavender oil. Helps to relax and calm down. It activates regeneration processes, helps to remove redness and peeling of the skin, get rid of acne.
cypress oil. This oil is especially useful for women, as it normalizes the hormonal balance in the fragile female body. It helps to cope with swelling and increased sweating.
Chamomile oil. It has bactericidal properties, relieves irritability, normalizes sleep. Great for soothing sensitive and dry skin.
Cedar oil. This oil gives confidence, helps to cope with nervous trembling. It has a wound healing effect and helps to narrow the pores.
Bergamot or camellia oil. It has a calming effect on the nervous system, helps to relieve excessive tension. It has antiseptic and cooling properties.
patchouli oil. The rather heavy aroma of this oil relaxes, gives confidence and strength. It has an anti-cellulite effect, the ability to smooth wrinkles and make the skin soft and velvety.
Massage creams
Before adding this or that essential oil to the cream, be sure to read the instructions in which the dosages are prescribed and strictly adhere to it, since the excessive use of aromatic oils will do much more harm than good.
In winter, it is very important to get a full-fledged moisturizing effect, which can be achieved with mimosa, lily of the valley, rose, jasmine or fern oils. It is in the cold season that you can fully engage in getting rid of cellulite, and grapefruit and orange oils will help in this. In order to renew the skin and give it more elasticity, use peppermint or violet oils.
Fragrant cocktails
If you like to experiment and do not want to enjoy just one flavor, then prepare an aromatic cocktail. The composition of such a cocktail can include no more than five different oils. First, mix 2-3 drops of each oil and be sure to add a neutral base - almond or olive oil.
Such aromatic mixtures should be used in the same way as single essential oils. They are good for massage, bathing and aromatization of rooms.
Fragrances for weight loss
Of course, it is in winter that the body is least of all inclined to lose weight, as it seeks to accumulate the maximum amount of fat reserves to fight cold and bad weather. But still, you can fight for beauty so as not to overgrow with excess fat and at the same time cleanse yourself of toxins. Aromas of essential oils of grapefruit, sweet dill and pepper will help in this. They contribute to the activation of the sympathetic nerve, which is responsible for the process of producing protein in the body.
Winter fragrances for the apartment
Here you can also experiment and create your own collection of fragrances. For example, in a living room, a combination of frankincense, ylang ylang, grapefruit, and mandarin oil can help create an atmosphere of peace and joy.
In the bedroom, a mixture of myrrh, neroli, sandalwood and frankincense oils will help you relax, fall asleep and fully relax.
And in the kitchen will get rid of unpleasant odors and will warm the combination of aromas of mint, lemon and rosemary.
Try to create your own unique composition and enjoy it on long winter evenings.
Romanchukevich Tatiana
for women's magazine site
When using and reprinting the material, an active link to the women's online magazine is required
Before the winter season, motorists think about what kind of oil to pour into the engine in winter. It all depends on what kind of oil you use and what climate you live in. Winter engine oil, in contrast to the summer counterpart, should be more fluid for better engine start to "cold". Summer oils have a thicker viscosity, so when severe frosts they freeze and prevent engine parts from turning, which not only harms the car, but also prevents them from being used in some cases.
Do I need to change engine oil in winter
The quality of consumables at low temperatures plays a big role. Winter engine oil is distinguished, first of all, by a different viscosity, it is more liquid and does not thicken up to a certain temperature, which makes it possible to effectively lubricate the nodes, allowing them to scroll. That is why you need to choose products with low viscosity. This is necessary so that, at startup, the oil can get to all even remote motor components, lubricate them with high quality and create a protective film. Otherwise, the motor will run dry, which will adversely affect its technical condition and lead to rapid wear.
If you pour oils with a high viscosity, in the cold they will thicken greatly and will not lubricate the parts, and it is also possible that they will stick to them, preventing them from moving. The car will either not start, or will work with large overloads, which is highly undesirable. With this start, the load on the battery also increases significantly, as a result of which it quickly loses charge. Due to frost, the battery already loses about 40% of its charge per night, not to mention the additional efforts that the starter expends, which is unable to turn the engine flywheel due to the high density of the oil. It is in order to avoid various kinds of problems that it is necessary to use winter engine oil. Not worth it in case of an attack winter season look back at the mileage, even if you change the oil earlier, it will only benefit the car.
Choose the oil to pour into the engine in winter
Be sure to pay attention to the viscosity of the product, not so much the brand of the product as its role. technical indicators. Pay attention to the temperature tolerance at which the oil can be used. If you live in a warm climate, then the viscosity used for summer oils will also work, but for a more severe climate, you have to choose the appropriate product.
Viscosity is understood as the ability of a product to form a protective film when exposed to certain temperatures. The higher the viscosity index, the thicker the lubricant, and the film, respectively, thicker. Viscosity is subject to the following requirements:
- Not too high. With an excessively thick layer of lubricant, sticking of parts can occur, because of this, the engine experiences increased loads, fuel consumption increases, regardless of whether you have a gasoline or diesel engine.
- Should not be excessively low. If the film is too thin, it may not be enough for good lubrication, which will lead to rapid wear of parts.
Engine oil viscosity index
Such a characteristic as the viscosity index is very important parameter. It should be noted that when the engine is running, the oil heats up and becomes more liquid. The viscosity index indicates how quickly the oil becomes liquid. You can derive the following dependency:
- With a high index, the density of the product is lost slowly. Parts are better lubricated;
- With a low indexation of the product, it liquefies quickly enough, due to which the wear of the motor increases;
- The index indicates the stability of the lubricant, determines its quality, shows at what temperatures it can work.
When choosing a winter type of lubricant, you need to look at products with a high indexation, this will make it easier to start the engine in cold weather. It is extremely rare that these values \u200b\u200bare indicated on the canister. Manufacturers usually don't do this. The type of oil will help you understand the maximum temperature values:
- Synthetic - 140-170 degrees;
- Semi-synthetic - 130-150;
- Mineral water - 110-135.
The last type has the lowest value, which means that such oil will look like jelly in the cold. However, for older vehicles mineral oils are not suitable, because they are designed for new types of engines that have a completely different design.
What kind of oil to fill in the engine for the winter according to SAE classification
This is the most understandable and common classification for drivers, which is indicated on canisters, for example, it may look like this:
- 10w40;
- 15w40;
Oils are divided into three types: summer, all-weather, winter. All-weather ones are of higher quality and are often applicable at any time of the year. This makes them the most popular, as you do not have to monitor the weather, which is important if you can suddenly catch frost. To summer stamps include oils whose index is 20-60: this figure is indicated before the letter W. winter types six, their number is from 0 to 25. All-weather fluid can be recognized by the designation or, for example, 5w30. The letter W in this case stands for winter, the value in front of it is an indicator of the temperature limit at which the oil will remain of sufficient viscosity, the second digit indicates the viscosity for summer. However, it is worth noting that the numbers indicated on the packaging are not the extreme limit at which the oil will work in a given temperature regime.
SAE marking is much more complicated and means the following:
- 5w30 - the lubricant will retain its properties until the external temperature drops below -30 degrees. This rule applies to a non-working car that is stored in the cold, that is, at lower temperatures, the lubricant will thicken and starting the engine will be much more difficult.
- The marking shows that the oil is designed for use at temperatures up to -40 degrees;
- 10w30 - up to -25 degrees;
- 15w40 - up to -15 degrees.
For some manufacturers, these figures may not match. Therefore, motor winter, brands should be studied separately and choose the one that, in terms of parameters, will best suit your car. It will not be superfluous to study which oil was recommended by the factory of your car brand.
So which engine oil for the winter is better
Before choosing an oil, you need to study its characteristics well. Several criteria will need to be taken into account:
- Lubricant recommended by car manufacturers;
- Which car has mileage, it is known that for engines with high mileage it is better to use special lubricants, as they are more demanding on quality;
- Under what conditions is the vehicle being used?
- driving style. The more aggressive the driving style, the better the oil is needed, since the engine is under more stress;
- Does the liquid have the appropriate certificates, for example, API ACEA, in addition, the products must have a variety of tolerances, without which it is impossible to give her a quality guarantee;
Many stores have special catalogs with which they can pick up oil according to the make of your car. To do this, you need to know the VIN code and the year of manufacture. In addition, you can choose products using the Internet, there are many catalog sites where you can quickly search for what you need.
You need to pay attention to the design of the engine. The best thing to do would be to listen to the recommendations given by the car manufacturer. However, you can deviate from them to a small extent, for example, if the service book indicates that you need to fill in 10w40 car oil, nothing bad will happen if you fill in 15w40, but you should prepare for the fact that the oil pump will be a little more difficult to work in severe frosts. Too thick lubricants should not be used, as the engine itself is designed for thinner ones. It is also worth paying attention to the fact that it is desirable to add products similar to the one you use, when changing the viscosity or brand of oil, it is better to flush the engine.
The mileage of the car, the technical condition of the engine plays an important role. If you have used synthetics but have reached 70,000 miles, it is better to switch to semi-synthetics, as they are softer in relation to details, performance characteristics which decreased slightly during the period of using the car. This rule applies to both gasoline engines and those that use diesel fuel for operation.
If the motor is sufficiently worn, oil with a high viscosity index should not be used. You should also not use a product with high fluidity, that is, you need to use a slightly thicker oil than the one that was standard for your car when it was new. Density begins to play important role, since with the development large gaps are formed that need to be closed with a lubricant. However, excessively thick oil can damage the engine. That is why, when choosing which oil is better to fill in the engine in winter, experts recommend paying attention to the following products:
- If the car's mileage exceeds 100,000, you can use the all-weather option, in winter it is better to switch to lubricants labeled 5w30 and 10w30.
- If the mileage exceeds 250 thousand, you can use off-season oil or winter oil 5w40, 10w40.
- If the condition of the engine is good, you can not change the oil to another, but if the mileage is low, but the power unit is dead, it is better to use oil for it as for old engines.
Approvals and standards
Should be flooded at any time of the year only quality oil, which is why it is required to study the markings and tolerances well. This will allow you to choose exactly the product that you need. Be sure to check the oil tolerance before buying it, if it is, then the car will work well on it, especially if the tolerance was issued by the same concern whose car you use.
Tolerance is a marking that must be on a canister of liquid. This is an automotive company certification that is awarded to a product as a result of independent testing by the automaker. Standards can differ from each other, most often these are API and ACEA, they are easy to understand. API is an American oil rating system. It has the following markings:
- "C" - such products are used for diesel engines;
- "S" - for engines running on gasoline;
- "SC" - universal.
In addition, there may be products marked SL / CI-4: this is also a universal lubricant for engines running on any type of fuel.
ACEA is a European standard. It's also easy to understand:
- "A" - means gasoline engines.
- "B" - diesel.
- "E" - for trucks.
- "C" - applies universally.
In custody
For the stable operation of the car at any time of the year, it is important to choose the right lubricant. It is necessary that it meets European or American standards, has high quality and sufficient viscosity.
In winter, when the air temperature is below zero, starting the engine is much more difficult. especially on diesel cars ah, it requires increased voltage of working systems and the patience of the driver. In order to make it easier to scroll the crankshaft, you need to clearly know what kind of oil to fill in the car engine for the winter.
First of all, when choosing a winter lubricant, you should refer to the manufacturer's recommendations. Each car is accompanied by an instruction manual in which the manufacturer clearly indicates which oil to pour into this model in winter (what brand and with what parameters). If, for some reason, the information is missing or the information in it is not relevant (for example, such brands are outdated and are no longer produced), the liquid will have to be selected based on the parameters and tolerances. If they are also outdated, and it is no longer possible to select a lubricant according to these criteria, then it is necessary to more carefully study the state of the chemistry market for cars, since you can only rely on yourself and your own knowledge. It’s worth clarifying in advance that you should not buy oil based on the seller’s hint or the reviews of friends. Unfortunately, an ordinary buyer cannot have confidence in the competence and honesty of dealers, and a friend may have a completely different car, so what suits him may be the worst option for your "swallow".
Types of engine oil by chemical composition
Initially, only mineral motor oil was used for cars. The name "mineral" speaks for itself - it means that the liquid is made from natural ingredients (oil). But mineral motor oil is categorically not suitable for the winter, especially in those places where the air temperature drops much below -10 degrees Celsius - it simply freezes in the engine.
Then synthetic motor oil was created by synthesizing molecules that provide more or less the same performance when changing operating temperatures.
There is another kind of semi-synthetic oil. This is a natural base with the addition of artificially created compounds.
Each type has its pros and cons. As mentioned above, a liquid with a mineral composition is not suitable for operation at low temperatures, but at the same time it cleans the engine of soot and sediment slowly and gradually, peeling off the “garbage” in small parts. Then, when replacing, it is simply output with processing.
Semi-synthetics are more resistant to temperature changes, but this oil is also not suitable for the engine for the winter, since the low temperature threshold is too high, if you look at the thermometer.
Synthetic fluid is the most popular, as it is designed for different temperatures (depending on the classification), but does not lose its working properties when the engine is heated or cooled, roughly speaking, synthetics "adjust". But if earlier low-quality or inappropriate lubricating “chemistry” was used in the engine, and it is covered with hardened sediment and soot from the inside, then when switching to high-quality synthetics, “garbage” can quickly peel off, as a result of which the oil channels and filter will be clogged. And after that, you will have to give the engine for repair, which is not at all cheap. Therefore, if it is not known what was filled in earlier and how many thousands of kilometers we drove without replacement, then it is better to first fill the engine with cleaning fluid, and only then new oil, and replace it more often for several subsequent cycles than recommended by the manufacturer.
Viscosity
When choosing which oil to fill in for the winter, first of all, you need to pay attention to viscosity - this is one of the most important indicators of the performance of a lubricating fluid.
The bottom line is that engine parts rub against each other at high speed during operation. Between them there must be an oil film, which, on the one hand, will reduce the friction force, and hence the heating and wear of parts, and on the other hand, will ensure tightness during friction (for example, in cylinders). If the engine oil is too thick in winter, that is, it will have an increased viscosity, then each movement will be difficult for the system, requiring an increase in effort, and the return will be low during hard engine operation. If the oil is too liquid, it will simply drain over the parts, without providing a layer between the pistons and cylinder walls, that is, during friction, the metal will be worn out and depleted.
Constantly changing. If the machine is stopped, the temperature will be equal to the ambient temperature. As the engine warms up before driving, the temperature rises slowly. When driving, it depends on the effort of the motor, it can rise and fall in the process. And then the question arises of which oil is better to use for the winter, if it thickens when cold, and becomes liquid when heated.
To provide comprehensive protection in cold weather at low temperatures, the oil must remain thin enough to make the engine easy to start and avoid oil starvation, and when the operating temperature rises, it must be thick enough to form an oil film.
by SAE
The American Society of Automotive Engineers created a classification that is now used around the world. We will talk about this further.
winter oil
Previously, the question of which oil is better to use for the winter did not even confront motorists. The answer was unequivocal - winter. According to the SAE classification, it was designated by the letter W after the digital value (winter - "winter"). The packaging said: SAE 0W or SAE 5W, 10W, 15W, 20W. The number in front of the W told the buyer what was the lowest temperature the oil could withstand without causing harm. power unit. Before winter, the motorist necessarily produced on a suitable one for the weather conditions of his region, regardless of how much he rolled on the previous lubricant. Winter oil did not thicken at low temperatures, but became too thin if the air temperature rose.
summer oil
According to the SAE classification, summer oil was simply designated by a number (5, 10, 15, 20, 30, 40). It meant the upper temperature threshold at which the liquid can be used. The higher the air temperature in the summer in a given region, the more it was necessary to buy oil so that it remained sufficiently viscous in the heat.
All-weather oil
Recently, such types of lubrication as summer or winter oil, have gone into oblivion, since all-season oil is used everywhere. It is much easier to handle, it does not need to be replaced before each new season, looking for oil with a different classification of the same brand as the previous one. All-weather oil is indicated by two numbers and the letter W between them. The first figure indicates the "winter" indicators of the liquid (it depends on which oil to fill in for the winter), and the second - about the "summer". This universal lubricant, of course, has both upper and lower temperature thresholds, but everyone can choose exactly the oil that fits into the desired range. At the same time, in winter it will remain quite fluid, and in summer it will retain its viscosity.
Selection of oil according to SAE classification for a specific climate
- SAE 20W-40 - from -10 to +45;
- SAE 15W-40 - from -15 to +45;
- SAE 10W-40 - from -20 to +35;
- SAE 10W-30 - from -20 to +30;
- SAE 5W-40 - from -25 to +35;
- SAE 5W-30 - from -25 to +20;
- SAE 0W-40 - from -30 to +35;
- SAE 0W-30 - from -30 to +20.
As can be seen from the above list, 5W40 oil is perfect for residents of temperate latitudes in winter, as it can easily withstand low temperatures and will not leak when warming. They can be safely used all year round.
API engine oil classification
The American Fuel Institute has created another classification that should be considered when choosing oil for the winter. As a rule, this indicator indicates the quality of the lubricant. Manufacturers are not required to check their product according to API and place information about it on the label, but most often it is low-quality liquid that does not pass this procedure. Since every motorist tries to fill in the best oil for the winter, it is worth looking for a lubricant with this indicator.
There are two main notations in the API system. The letter S tells the buyer that this oil is for gasoline engines, and the letter C indicates that the liquid can only be poured into a diesel engine. Sometimes on the packaging you can find a double designation that looks either like this - S ... / C ..., or like this - C ... / S ... In the first case, the oil is best suited petrol car, but the manufacturer allows its use in diesel car, in the second case - on the contrary.
Both the S classification and the C classification have additional parameters that are important when choosing which oil to pour for the winter.
For petrol engines
- SA, SB, SC, SD, SE, SF are obsolete classes that are no longer used. This is an oil that was suitable for engines from 1930-1989. release.
- SG - oil for engines manufactured since 1989. Protects the motor from carbon deposits and corrosion, as well as from oxidation.
- SH - oil for engines since 1994 of release. Improved protection against carbon deposits, corrosion and oxidation, reduces wear on parts. Suitable if grade SG or lower is recommended.
- SJ - oil for engines under 1996. It has all the previous qualities, improved anti-carbon complex, more accurate work in cold weather. Suitable if SH or lower is recommended.
- SL - oil for multi-valve and turbocharged engines manufactured since 2000. Increased quality control, suitable for motors that are recommended for class SJ and below.
- SM - oil for modern motors(since 2004). Improved protection against premature wear and carbon deposits. This engine oil is suitable for all engines where a lower grade lubricant is recommended. Today it is the best engine oil for the winter.
For diesel engines
- CA, CB, CC, CD, CE are obsolete classes.
- CF - for engines since 1990 with indirect injection. Contains additives to reduce carbon deposits, corrosion, oxidation and wear. Use with the recommended CD class is acceptable.
- CG - for engines after 1995 of release, which are subjected to increased loads. Car oil prevents the accumulation of soot and soot, oxidation and foaming.
- CH - oil for engines after 1998. It has all of the above qualities, but additionally meets exhaust gas toxicity standards.
- CI is a class adopted in 2002. The oil complies with all environmental standards, has a cleaning additive. Reduces the amount of soot and deposits, has increased fluidity. The best oil in the engine for the winter for new diesel engines.
The number 2 or 4 after the letter value indicates which engine - two-stroke or four-stroke - is suitable for lubrication.
ACEA engine oil classification
ACEA is an analogue of API, only European. The label, as a rule, indicates compliance with one of these classifications, but both can be found.
- The letter G indicates that the oil is suitable for a gasoline engine, and the numbers from 1 to 5 indicate its quality.
- The letters PD indicate that the oil is suitable for diesel engines cars, numbers 1 and 2 indicate quality.
- The letter D with numbers from 1 to 5 means that the lubricant is designed for diesel truck engines.
What to do before winter
Before you think about what kind of oil to fill in for the winter, you need to make sure that the car is ready for increased loads and low temperatures. This is especially true for owners of diesel cars, who often have to leave their "swallow" in the parking lot or near the house and run to a public transport stop.
The most important thing and the very first thing is that the battery and starter must be in good working condition! If there are minimal problems with the battery in the fall, then in the winter they will appear before you in an enlarged size. After checking these components, you can proceed to thinking about which oil to pour in winter, but this applies not only to engine oil, but also to transmission oil, lubricating fluid in the bridge and hydraulic booster (if present). They also change antifreeze for winter options. In the first case, so that the water does not freeze in the system, and in the second, to ensure good visibility while driving.
Once you have decided which oil is best to fill in your engine in winter, you should go to storm auto chemical shops. Lucky road!
Now all oils are considered all-weather, but in fact this is far from the case. Identical canisters stand side by side on the shelves in the same store, and only a specialist can distinguish their temperature resistance. So what kind of oil to choose for the winter, so as not to kill the engine?
Modern synthetic lubricants are made from crude oil by targeted molecular synthesis. Then, chemical additives are added to the boiled base, and as a result, it is possible to obtain a product with pre-planned characteristics. Synthetic oil thickens worse in cold weather and has high temperature resistance. It is noticeably ahead of the usual mineral in terms of operational properties. However, even synthetics are designed for different temperature conditions, and it is not recommended to operate summer oil designed for African countries at extremely low temperatures somewhere in the far north.
If, in a 30-degree frost, you try to start the engine with such a lubricant, then even a serviceable starter and a fully charged battery will have difficulty starting. In other words, if the so-called seasonality of fuel and lubricants is not taken into account, then the equipment will experience excessive loads in borderline operating modes.
Any lubricants, despite their all-weather catalog, have different viscosities, tolerances, base base and additive packages, and therefore differ in temperature operating conditions. There are oils recommended for high temperatures, as well as oils for cold and even extreme frosts. And all of them are recommended for our Russian climatic conditions and are sold on the same shelf in the store. How not to get confused here?
Summer oils for cars are made more viscous. These products include lubricants that have a viscosity classification from 20 to 60 SAE (Specification by the Society of Automobile Engineers). It resists better. high temperatures and liquefies less in the heat. However, in cold weather, they quickly lose their declared performance properties.
Winter oils, on the contrary, are recognized by the letter W (from the English. Winter-winter). These products are available in SAE viscosities from 0W to 20W. Modern synthetic oils can operate in an extended temperature range and are considered all-weather. Therefore, they are not changed, as before with the onset of cold weather. However, their temperature corridor is not unlimited.
For multigrade oils, the labeling always indicates two values. For example, from SAE 0W-30 or 5W-40. The first number indicates the viscosity at low temperatures (winter), and the second indicates the viscosity at high temperatures (summer). The SAE 0 index corresponds to a threshold of -30 degrees, and the SAE 30 viscosity index corresponds to an operating threshold at +20 degrees. Thus, such oil can be used at frosts not lower than 30 and at heat not higher than 20 gr.
Another very common multigrade oil is SAE 5W-40. This means that it will lubricate the motor well at temperatures from -25 gr. up to +35 gr.
Now technicians dealer centers when carrying out scheduled maintenance, they hardly think about the criteria of the oil. Craftsmen simply fill in lubricants recommended by the manufacturer with a viscosity of SAE 5W-30 or 10W-40, leaving the owners to solve problems with starting when severe frosts occur.
However, the winter is often colder than expected. We often have cold temperatures below 25 degrees, and such oils are no longer adapted to work at extreme temperatures.
Therefore, you can independently control the process of changing the oil and ask the service center masters to fill in oil more adapted to frost, namely 0W-30. It is better pumped by the pump through the lubrication system and does not interfere with crankshaft cranking. Such oil does not require a long warm-up of the engine.
But what to do when the frosts hit even more severely? There is no oil capable of working well below 30 degrees. If the frosts have dropped below 40 degrees, then it is better to abandon the use of personal transport and transfer to public transport. Any oil in the engine will begin to solidify and will not be able to be actively pumped through the lubrication system by the pump. This means that during a cold start, metal rubbing parts will experience increased wear.
There is even a special pumpability parameter. You need to look at it for oils that have zero SAE viscosity.
pour point synthetic oil is 48 degrees below zero. In this case, the lubricant turns into jelly and prevents the crankshaft from turning. The engine will not start.
Knowing this, automakers enter software bookmarks into the engine control unit that prevent the engine from starting at extremely low temperatures. How many do not twist the key in the ignition, and the computer will not give the command to start.
Thus, for frosty winters, SAE 0W-30 (-30° to +20°C) can be used, and for summer SAE 5W-40 (from -25° to +35°C).