Every responsible driver knows that engine oil plays a pivotal role and has a big impact on the engine. The 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.
Choice engine oil wide enough, 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 is mineral oil for the engine, 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, however, 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 at high speeds, 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, increased fluidity synthetic oil often leads to. 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 oil, since the climate of this country (lack 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 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.
Mineral or synthetic - which of these motor oils is better and why? In general, many motorists ask this question, but comparing these completely different lubricants is not very correct. In reality, these are two of the three main types of lubricants that are sold in all car dealerships and car markets.
Of course, which oil is better than synthetics or mineral, or maybe semi-synthetics - it is said in the instruction manual for a particular car. At the same time, you can pour any liquid into the lubrication system and the engine will start and run on it, but for how long? All motor oils are divided into three categories:
- mineral;
- semi-synthetic;
- synthetic.
When selecting a lubricant composition, it is important to consider the properties of the working fluid.
What to consider when choosing an oil?
To help you decide between mineral water and synthetics, we will look at the main characteristics that must be considered when choosing a lubricant composition. First of all, take into account the recommendations of the automaker, which indicates the appropriate oil for the engine in the instruction manual. It denotes specifications lubricant composition for summer and winter periods. Also, the manual always indicates what type of oil is needed - mineral water or synthetic?
When choosing oil, experienced motorists always take into account the degree of engine wear and personal preferences for choosing a brand. Long-term operation of the motor on the same type of lubricant will affect its technical condition. For example, if the motor runs on mineral fluid for a long time, traces of it will remain on gaskets and in nooks and crannies. If you fill in synthetic oil, it will corrode the stubborn remains of mineral water and this will lead to through damage to the seals.
Be sure to listen to the opinions of the mechanics you trust to service your car. Among experienced specialists, there is an opinion that only synthetics need to be poured into new motors - it tolerates high revs when driving aggressively. As for mineral water, it is better suited for older engines. The only requirement is more frequent replacement of the lubricant composition.
If you want to choose a compromise, pay attention to semi-synthetic lubricants. They are made from mineral water by chemical hydrocracking. We recommend reading more in a separate article. This technology improves the performance of the mineral composition. Semi-synthetics are always cheaper than synthetic oils, and for a motor that used to run on mineral water, such a transition will only be a plus.
There are other motives for using this or that type of engine oil, but they are too subjective. For example, some motorists are categorically against mineral oils, especially owners of Hondas, Subaru and the "Japanese" in general. They do not name objective reasons, but refer to many years of experience, but this is not an argument.
It is important to consider not the make of the car, but its technical condition and mileage. Operating conditions are also important. For example, under normal conditions, mineral oil can be changed every 8-10 thousand kilometers, and in harsh conditions this is done twice as often.
If the engine is turbocharged, the oil also needs to be changed more often. In this regard, it is better to fill in synthetic lubricants in such engines.
Characteristic differences between mineral and synthetic oils
- Synthetics thicken and harden at lower ambient temperatures than mineral water.
- The properties of synthetic fluids are less sensitive to temperature changes. This is especially true of additives responsible for viscosity.
- Synthetics burn out less and almost do not evaporate, so less slag and deposits form on the inner surfaces of engine parts.
- The service life of mineral water is less than that of synthetics, about half.
- Synthetic fluid provides better protection of the motor against wear.
There are many other advantages of synthetics over mineral oils, but in contrast to them, mineral water has a more affordable price. The difference can be fivefold, so there must be really good reasons for buying synthetics. These include recommendations from the automaker. If you want to save money, choose a mineral lubricant for the engine.
Subtleties of oil selection
The most important rule that you must consider is that never mix synthetic and mineral oils in the engine. In addition, after synthetics, you cannot immediately fill in mineral water, but on the contrary, it is not forbidden to do so. To avoid problems when changing the type of oil, flush the lubrication system with flushing fluid.
All petroleum products differ in quality and viscosity parameter. There is an international SAE parameter, according to which lubricants are divided into 11 types of viscosity:
- six for winter operating conditions;
- five for summer.
Universal lubricants are most common and are labeled with two indicators at once. For the winter, engine oil is chosen according to rule 35, according to which the winter viscosity index must be subtracted from the number 35, and you will find out the pour point of the liquid. You can also use special tables.
The quality of oils for automobile engines is evaluated according to the API scale, which was developed in America. According to this scale, oils are classified according to the type of use:
- S indicates that the fluid is suitable for gasoline engines.
- C - confirms the applicability of the fluid with diesel units.
- S / C is a universal fluid suitable for diesel and gasoline engines.
The letter following this index indicates the quality category of the fluid. The higher the letter in the alphabet, the higher the quality of the liquid.
In order not to waste money in vain, grease for used engines should be chosen in a higher class than the automaker recommends. This rule also applies to units operating in harsh environments.
So we figured out which oil is better - synthetic or mineral, what characteristics differ in different fluids and which one to choose for a particular car engine.
When choosing an engine lubricant for your favorite car, most motorists have to make a choice. Which is better for a car: mineral or synthetic oil? Let's help many motorists with the selection of the most effective lubricant product.
Why were synthetic lubricants created?
Even from the name you can understand that mineral products are something natural. These oils are obtained directly from petroleum. Synthetic products are special substances that are made by synthesis from some raw material. What is needed for the synthesis to take place and why did the specialists create these lubricants?
To work in unstable environments
Car engines operate in unstable conditions. The engine heats up after starting, after stopping it cools down. The operating modes of the internal combustion engine are also constantly changing.
For the reliable operation of the engines in these conditions, it was decided to develop such a composition so that the properties and characteristics of the oil do not change and are stable regardless of the conditions. But this is practically impossible. After all, any liquid after it hardens will become thicker. If the friction speed increases, the lubricant will overheat.
That is why, when the automotive industry began to develop rapidly, the question was raised of creating a lubricating fluid that would have more stable properties. Since the mineral base in mineral products is somewhat limited in creating stability, specialists have been able to obtain a special base by synthesizing certain molecules. It differed from mineral oils in greater independence from external factors. This is how synthetic oil was born.
For lubricating aircraft engines
For the first time after the invention, this type of oil was used in aircraft engines. Standard mineral oil "refused" to work in extreme conditions at very low temperatures. It just froze.
Synthetic oil then had a rather high cost and was not available to motorists. Over time, with the development of technology, these products have become cheaper. And today these lubricants are used in automobile engines.
What to choose?
Synthetics differ from their mineral "brother" in more stable properties and characteristics even in operation under extreme conditions and temperatures. How can this be applied to a car? What are the benefits of synthetic oil for a car enthusiast?
Firstly, synthetics work confidently at extremely low or high temperatures. Secondly, these oils are able to keep their characteristics and performance properties longer. And for some car models, mineral substances are simply prohibited, because compositions based on mineral components do not have the necessary properties that are relevant for modern engines.
Key Benefits of Synthetic Oil
Quality oils have higher flow characteristics. This minimizes friction between engine parts. As a result, a reduction in fuel consumption and an increase in traction can be achieved.
As already mentioned, these oils show themselves well even on severe frost and overheating. The internal combustion engine will not feel overloads. Synthetics often retain their chemical stability much longer, since oxidative processes practically do not occur in it.
Synthetics are pure motor
When the lubricant circulates in the lubrication system, a residue remains. If mineral-based oils are used, serious sludge deposits can form in the engine after some time of use. This significantly reduces the efficiency of the internal combustion engine and leads to increased wear.
Synthetic engine oil, unlike mineral products, does not contain impurities and effectively protects against sludge deposits. This is serious and maximum protection.
Protects against wear
Engine components constantly work in close contact with other parts or assemblies. This can result in wear or serious damage. To reduce the wear rate of parts, a lubricating fluid works between them. Mineral oils quickly lose their properties and lubricating effect. Synthetics retain their abilities for a long time, and its lubricating characteristics are much higher.
How to "feed" the transmission?
It is probably unpleasant to see mountains of "dead" checkpoints at some service station, and the make of the car from which the box was removed is not even important. Modern manufacturers are trying to make this knot disposable. Modern boxes are not repaired. They are simply changed. Do you know how much it costs to replace a box? That is why it is important to constantly pamper your gearbox with good lubricants. Synthetic gear oil is best suited for this. Viscosity is better to choose 75W, and the quality class should be at least GL-4. Such products are perfect for manual transmissions.
The only pity is that domestic manufacturers of synthetics for transmissions do not produce. Everything that is offered in car dealerships is imported from Europe. Prices start from 350 rubles. per liter up to 775 rubles.
Various oils have been tested. So it turned out a certain rating. During the checks, the lubricants were tested for some characteristics, such as operation in extreme conditions, stability of properties, and the ability to quickly warm up.
Motul Gear 300 was named the best among the best. It is this product that protects the gearbox as much as possible at maximum load. Two types of oils are best protected against wear. These are Energear gear oils and ADDINOL products. In the energy saving rating, the Gear line from Motul and Mobil. In third place is ADDINOL. For those cars that stand all night in the cold, SRS products, the Shell Spirax and Energear line, are best suited. The best price/quality ratio is in NGN oils.
And the winner in this test was the company that provides maximum protection even in sports conditions. This is Motul.
Choosing the best synthetic engine oil
Presented in stores big choice various lubricant products. What to choose for those who need synthetics? There is a rating that is compiled based on the characteristics of lubricant products from different manufacturers.
Specialists-researchers from the Russian laboratory are true professionals. You should trust the results of this test. During it, experts tested some types of synthetic oils.
Zic QX
This product can be called quite high quality. Oils can be used in severe frosts and in the summer heat. Lubrication is able to work on both gasoline and diesel engines. According to the results of testing the characteristics, this liquid fully complies with the standards of the class in which it is presented.
In addition, the composition has better stability and acidity indicators. Motorists in reviews of this oil write that there are no complaints about it. Recommended mostly for those who use the machine in cold regions. The product contains special modifiers that reduce wear on parts. This synthetic has a minimum consumption. The ratio of quality and price is good.
Mobil Sint S
The liquids of this manufacturer are known to all motorists without exception. A series of oils works great both on diesel engines and on petrol units. The product is fully compliant. Special polymer based thickener, works great. It is designed to reduce oil wear.
AGA
it domestic manufacturer. According to experts, the liquid has good performance. It must also be said that this synthetic allows the engine to start perfectly "cold".
But at high performance, the lubricant quickly ages. The average mileage on this fluid is about 6000-8000 km, its price is 600 rubles.
Mannol Elite
This is a Belgian synthetic motor oil. Manufacturers claim that the liquid has the maximum performance in terms of thermal and oxidative stability. This is a guarantee of longevity.
In general, tests have shown that this consumable is suitable for use. One of the disadvantages is the slow response of polymers. Other than that, it's a good liquid. Its cost is about 2 thousand rubles.
Shell Helix
According to the experts who conducted the tests, this manufacturer produces the best products. These greases have excellent, long service life. It must also be said that universal grease has good level resistance to oxidative processes. This is perhaps the best synthetic oil. Reviews about him are only positive.
Mineral motor oil is not very popular on the modern market; many motorists prefer synthetics or semi-synthetics. However, most buyers are unaware that some famous brands sold under the brand of synthetics, a processed mineral mixture.
Mineral motor oils are a product of the processing of petroleum hydrocarbons. Their structure consists of molecules that are inhomogeneous in shape and structure - this leads to instability of the characteristics motor fluid under various temperature conditions.
Mineral water, unlike synthetic and semi-synthetic lubricants, is of natural origin; natural additives are used for its manufacture. Engine oil manufacturers improve the structure of mineral mixtures in two ways:
- Removal of impurities from the liquid of harmful resins, acids, sulfur compounds. This method makes it possible to obtain an oil base without harmful substances, but the viscosity of the mixture at high and low temperatures will change.
- More effective method Processing of mineral liquids is considered hydrocracking technology. Thanks to it, not only harmful substances are removed from the base, but also the length of hydrocarbon chains changes. Thus, the hydrocracking technology makes it possible to obtain products with stable viscosity characteristics to temperature differences. Hydrocracked oil will retain its properties better throughout the entire operating period (than pure mineral oil), it will practically not differ from synthetic mixtures.
Synthetic lubricants are obtained using the synthesis of hydrocarbon compounds, their cost is much more expensive than hydrocracked products. If you are looking to purchase a fully synthetic automotive oil, and not a mineral base processed product, synthetics differ in the designation in the classifications, and also note: the inscription on the canister “Full-synthetic” is fully synthetic.
Advantages and disadvantages
The main and most important difference between a mineral oil and a synthetic or semi-synthetic one is the resistance of the mixture to various temperature conditions of the power unit. In winter, mineral water begins to crystallize at very low temperatures and cannot ensure normal pumping of fluid through the lubrication system, as well as starting the drive without warming up. In summer, this engine oil liquefies at high temperatures outside the car and cannot form a stable protective oil film on the engine elements.
Unlike other base stocks, mineral fluids do not contain the additives needed to normal operation most modern engines.
Synthetics and semi-synthetics differ from mineral water in the following characteristics:
- Fluidity. The mineral water is too thick to be used in modern motors.
- Molecular structure. The heterogeneity of the molecular structure of mineral mixtures leads to a decrease in their resistance to crystallization and liquefaction.
- Additives. In synthetics and semi-synthetics, additives are better; they do not break down at high temperatures overboard. In contrast, for mineral water, additives of natural origin are used, which burn out when high temperature.
- The difference in terms of replacement, synthetics changes much less often.
- Mineral water forms more deposits during engine operation.
Among the advantages of mineral motor oil should be highlighted:
- These fluids work best in high mileage engines. Unlike synthetics, which have great detergent properties, mineral mixtures do not lead to detachment of soot from drive units and do not cause clogging of the lubrication system and motor channels. Mineral water washes carbon deposits from the internal elements of the motor gradually.
- Mineral water, unlike synthetics and semi-synthetics, interacts less aggressively with the rubber surfaces of the lubrication system and drive units, and does not lead to their destruction.
- Improves performance of worn power units. Mineral oils are quite thick, they are able to fill the increased gaps in the friction units of motors with high mileage.
Conclusion
Mineral motor oils in terms of viscosity characteristics lose to synthetic and semi-synthetic fluids. But there is power units, in which only the use of mineral water is possible, for example, only mineral oil has been poured into the engine for several years or the drive has a significant escape. In such situations, the use of synthetics or semi-synthetics is unacceptable due to the large amount of carbon deposits inside the motor.
When choosing mineral oil, consider the requirements of the car manufacturer, the type of engine, the base mixture that was previously poured into the engine.
On the onset winter season car owners pay special attention to the engine of their car, which runs on mineral oil. This is explained quite simply. It is in winter in cold weather that motorists face several important problems: an increase in efficiency, compression ratio, engine plant.
When frosts come, the mineral oil becomes thick, the engine starter is fully "given out" to crank the engine once.
However, when replacing mineral oil in the engine with high-quality synthetic oil, the situation changes radically, and positively - the engine starts the first time, and the battery charge is consumed very economically and lasts longer.
Therefore, motorists are faced with such a problem as how to correctly transfer the engine to semi-synthetic or synthetic oil. At the same time, some naively believe that this is elementary: you just need to drain the mineral oil, and instead fill in semi-synthetic oil, which, based on its name, is something between synthetic oil and mineral oil. But what is the right way to transfer a car from mineral oil to synthetic?
Mineral oil
This is not as easy a task as it seems at first. If a car engine already drove on mineral oil, then special oil layers form everywhere on the rotary-piston group, the oil seems to be “washed out”. But synthetic oil works on a completely opposite principle, i.e. synthetic oil does not form a layer, but on the contrary, it washes away all these deposits, and then the oil spurts from all gaskets and seals. In order not to encounter this, you need to learn how to correctly switch from mineral oil to synthetic.
The transition to "synthetics"
The most important thing is to change the oil. Just draining the mineral oil is not an option. You can not pour out the old oil and immediately fill in new synthetic or even semi-synthetic. After draining, there will still be some old oil in the engine in the oil channels, which, when mixed with new synthetic oil, can give an unexpected reaction: foam will appear that will block all oil channels in the engine. Then the engine will have to be sorted out, and this is very expensive.
The oil must be changed according to the following scheme: first, the old mineral oil is drained and completely washed off, then a special car shampoo is poured in, designed specifically for the engine and specifically for washing - it will help remove the old mineral oil without residue. Remember, this is very important. After all, if the oil remains in the engine, when pouring "synthetics" it can boil and stop working due to lack of lubrication. And even more significant and costly can be an overhaul of the engine. Then the shampoo is drained, and only after that new synthetic oil is poured.
You can do it in another way. So that an oil change does not come as such a surprise to your engine, first, instead of the old mineral oil, they fill in very high quality mineral oil and drive from 500 to 1000 km on it, and only then change to synthetic oil. This method is most often used by car owners and is more gentle for switching to "synthetics".
Oil seals and seals
Oil seals and valve stem seals are also an important element when changing oil.
First of all, pay attention to the oil seals and valve stem seals. If they are made of nitrite conventional rubber that is exposed to synthetic oil, this will only mean one thing - synthetic oil will make them soft, blur and form holes from which expensive synthetic oil will ooze.
To avoid oil leaks under the hood, all old valve stem seals and seals must be replaced with new ones made of fluororubber or acrylic rubber. But if the oil continues to whip out of all the gaskets and seals in the same way, check the gas pressure in the crankcase. At high pressure, the installation of new seals and valve stem seals made of acrylic, which are mounted on the crankshaft and camshaft, will not help - high pressure will squeeze the oil through the seals and pour out of all the cracks. It threatens overhaul engine, and only then it will be possible to change the oil.
Synthetic oil has the ability to blur everything. This must be taken into account when changing the oil. First of all, this concerns compression, the engine will become cleaner, as well as the cylinder walls, so a slight gap is formed. But this is easily solved - the cylinder head opens, new compression oil scraper rings, which will help increase the compression to required level and decently save expensive synthetic oil in the engine.
Questions and problems that arise when switching from mineral oil to synthetic
To begin with, the condition of your engine is assessed.
1. Is there an oil leak? If the answer is yes, then it is necessary to deal with the reasons that cause these leaks and eliminate them, and only then switch to "synthetics".
2. Is there any deposits on the engine? With significant deposits oil system flushing is required.
3. Is oil leaking at the place where gaskets and seals are installed? If it leaks, it means that their seals have lost their elasticity and tightness. First you need to carry out general repair engine, replace oil seals and gaskets, and then change mineral oil to synthetic.
If the condition of your engine does not give one hundred percent certainty and causes anxiety and fear, then you must first switch to semi-synthetic oil. It is necessary to drive on this oil a certain number of kilometers before it complete replacement. If when using semi-synthetic oil no smudges were found, the engine behaves perfectly, you can switch to "synthetics".
Typically, the instructions for use of the machine give information about the requirements for the use of lubricants. Using this information, you can choose the appropriate brand of "synthetics" for the engine.
The choice of "synthetics"
The choice of synthetic oil is a troublesome business. Here you need to take into account some points. Pay special attention to abbreviations.
The most common synthetic oil in our country is 10W40. The number 10 at the beginning according to SAE standards means the thickening index. Accordingly, the smaller this figure, the faster the engine will start in the cold. For our climate, the use of synthetic oil with an index of 0-15 is most acceptable. The second digit reflects the viscosity of the oil temperature at an engine operating temperature of 100 degrees. The figure rises in line with the increase in viscosity. The optimal oil viscosity for our country is from 40 to 60 units. And the letter W means "Winter" type oil.