How to choose the motor oil?

Administrator posted this 02 October 2018

It is obvious that the motor oil is necessary for your car, as it lubricates the parts, provides a cold and soft start of the engine, cleans parts, provides work at high temperatures. Thus, poor quality oil has an extremely negative impact on the condition of your car. For example, soot deposits are formed on the engine, oil residues stagnate, condensation is formed, and regardless of the quality of the oil, it must be changed regularly. Timely replace it, and using the appropriate vehicle motor oil can help to avoid trouble codes and emissions expansion.

How Motor Oil Works

Engine oil forms a lubricating layer between internal components, helping to lower friction and minimize mechanical damage during operation. It also helps dissipate heat, removes contaminants, and prevents corrosion. By maintaining cleanliness and minimizing mechanical resistance, motor oil extends the engine's life and improves fuel efficiency. This lubricant is also made from crude oil, but the refining process is more in-depth and thorough, which significantly complements the quality of type of motor oil, and as a result, better protects the engine.

What are the 3 types of engine oil and how to understand which one suits the best?

Conventional vehicle motor oil is Ideal for older or low-mileage vehicles under regular driving conditions. It typically requires replacement every 3,000 miles (4,828.03 km) to 5,000 miles (8,046.72 km), depending on usage conditions. It is made from crude oil.

Synthetic oil offers the best protection, especially for high-performance modern engines. Synthetic oils are more refined, offering enhanced performance in both high and low-temperature environments. Change interval ranges from 10,000 miles (16,093.44 km) to 25,000 miles (40,233.6 km). This lubricant is also made from crude oil, but the refining process is more in-depth and thorough, which significantly complements the quality of type of motor oil, and as a result, better protects the engine.

Synthetic blend oil or high-mileage oil. A mix of synthetic and conventional oil, offering improved performance at a lower price than full synthetic. It contains additives that reduce oil burn-off and leaks. Usually changed every 7,500 miles (ca. 12,070 km).

Different types of motor oil primarily depend on the quality of refining and chemical stability. Higher-quality oil is pricier, but problems with your vehicle can cost much more, so you need to choose a lubricant for the car carefully and responsibly. Consider the frequency of car operation, its age and region of exploration, then you can select the most suitable lubricant. Here comes the question: "What type of oil is best for my car?" To clarify the issue, follow further the article.

Understanding Oil Grades

The SAE grading system for motor oil is a classification standard developed by the Society of Automotive Engineers. It defines oil viscosity grades to ensure proper engine lubrication under varying temperature conditions. The SAE grading system differentiates types of oil for cars by their physical characteristics. A label like 5W-30 indicates the oil's viscosity: the ‘5W’ refers to how it behaves in cold temperatures, while the ‘30’ describes oil weight. Its thickness increases when the temperature rises. You can typically identify the recommended oil grade by checking the engine cap or consulting the vehicle’s handbook.

Cold Weather Performance (Low-Temp Viscosity)			High-Temperature Performance (Operating Temp Viscosity)
Grade	t°C range	Region	Grade	cSt at 100 °C	Suitable For
0W	−40 to +20	Extreme cold	20	5.6–9.3	Light-duty engines
5W	−35 to +25	Cold climates	30	9.3–12.5	Standard passenger cars
10W	−30 to +30	Mild winter	40	12.5–16.3	Heavy-duty or performance engines
15W	−25 to +35	Warmer zones	50	16.3–21.9	High-performance/towing
20W	−20 to +40	Warm climates	60	21.9–26.1	Racing/extreme

To conclude, the table: single grade (SAE 30) or multi grade oils(10W-40) are different types of oil that aim to perform best in a narrow temperature range or to work across wide temperature ranges.

How Often to Change and Fill

Refer to your vehicle’s owner’s manual or dashboard oil life indicator for accurate intervals. However, here are general guidelines about requirements for types of oil changes:

Conventional Oil: 3,000–5,000 miles (ca. 4,828.03 km - 8,046.72 km),
Synthetic Blend: ~7,500 miles (ca. 12,070 km)
Synthetic Oil: 10,000–25,000 miles (ca. 16,093.44 km - 40,233.6 km)

Driving conditions also matter—frequent short trips, heavy traffic, towing, or extreme temperatures may require more frequent oil changes.

Choosing the right oil types and avoiding fakes

Recommendations that to oil changes for cars are useful. However, low-quality fake oil can harm your car even in a short time. Counterfeit oils pose a real risk, and detecting them usually involves a careful inspection of the packaging, branding, and container features. Here are the key things to inspect:

1. The Container (Jerrican)

Color and Design: Original containers have distinct colors based on oil type or viscosity (depending on the brand). Fakes often use generic, uniform colors.
Print Quality: Labels should have high-resolution graphics. Blurry text, visible pixels, or faded print may indicate a fake.
Shape & Seals: Original containers frequently have unique molds, clear seams, and embossed branding. Compare with a previously purchased original if possible.

2. The Cap and Seal

Laser Engravings: Often, the company's logo and serial numbers (found on the top and side) are laser engraved on the caps of the containers.
Tamper-evident rings should stay secured to the container after opening — if the entire cap comes off, it may not be original. The side marking should lie across the cap and its sealing ring - incorrect alignment indicates a counterfeit.
Special Features: Some brands use security stickers with a QR code or 16-digit verification code. Some manufacturers use moisture-reactive ink that shifts in color when exposed to water as an added layer of protection against fakes.

3. Back Label and Holograms

Holograms and Removable Stickers: Some brands add holographic stickers or layered labels with hidden serial numbers.
SMS or Web Verification: Some oils allow users to text a code to verify authenticity. Rates vary by mobile provider.
Angle-Dependent Engraving: Some labels contain invisible engravings, only visible at certain angles or under bright light.
Fused Labels: A few manufacturers embed the label directly into the container during production — making it impossible to reuse them. These containers also often have a laser - engraved serial number.
Under ultraviolet light, some original labels will show hidden symbols or viscosity markers that glow under ultraviolet light.

Some believe that using less popular brands reduces the risk of fakes. While these oils may be of acceptable quality and less likely to be counterfeited. However, caution and verification are always advised, regardless of the brand.

What is the best oil for cars?

While lab testing is the only way to determine oil quality with 100% accuracy, you can make informed decisions based on your vehicle's needs, your driving conditions, and product authenticity. Not every expensive oil is right for every engine. What matters most is choosing certified, high-quality motor oil recommended for your car. Buy from reputable dealers, inspect the packaging carefully, and when in doubt—trust, but verify.