The main purpose of engine oil is to lubricate the moving parts of the engine. It should be selected based on the requirements of the manufacturer. In this case, one should take into account its compliance with standards, the level of viscosity, the operating conditions of the car, the temperature regime of the engine, and much more. Let's analyze what types of engine oil are found, how to choose the right one? Let's review the best options.
Content:
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Ranking table
| Place in the ranking / Name | Expert evaluation | Price range, rub. |
|---|---|---|
Rating of mineral motor oils | ||
LUKOIL Standard SF/CC 15W-40 5 l | 80 out of 100 | From 676 to 775 * |
IDEMITSU 10W-30 SM/CF 4 | 89 out of 100 | From 1429 to 1745* |
LIQUI MOLY Motorbike 4T 20W-50 Street 4L | 92 out of 100 | From 2205 to 2690* |
Rating of semi-synthetic motor oils | ||
MOBIL Ultra 10W-40 4 l | 90 out of 100 | From 839 to 1 399* |
SHELL Helix HX7 10W-40 4 l | 92 out of 100 | From 940 to 1 699* |
TOTAL Quartz 7000 10W40 4 l | 93 out of 100 | From 1 140 to 2 230* |
LIQUI MOLY Top Tec 4200 5W-30 5 l | 97 out of 100 | From 3 886 to 5 390* |
Rating of synthetic motor oils | ||
Motul 8100 Econergy 5W30 | 94 out of 100 | From 2 671* |
TOTAL Quartz 9000 Energy HKS G-310 5W30 5 l | 95 out of 100 | From 2219 to 3124* |
IDEMITSU Zepro Eco Medalist 0W-20 4L | 96 out of 100 | From 2270 to 2980 * |
SHELL Helix Ultra 5W-40 4 l | 97 out of 100 | From 1 980 to 3 090* |
MOBIL 1 ESP 5W-30 4 l | 99 out of 100 | From 2450 to 3640* |
* Prices are for August 2020
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Motor oil is usually divided into three types:
- Mineral;
- Synthetic;
- Semi-synthetic.
Mineral oil is made from petroleum. The production process includes its refining and distillation. In turn, such oils are usually divided into paraffin and naphtha. These two types differ in the structure of carbohydrates in the composition. Paraffin oils are considered the most suitable for use, since they have improved characteristics in terms of temperature and viscosity. However, all mineral waters are rarely used, since they contain a large number of additives. In this regard, their lubricating properties quickly disappear. The use of mineral oils is mostly limited to mild flushing. Also, such oils are mainly used in cars older than 1990.
Synthetic oils are made by synthesizing chemical compounds. Such a production process allows you to give the composition the necessary characteristics. Synthetic oils are characterized by extreme thermal and chemical stability, provide high quality engine protection.
- Synthetic oils have a number of advantages over mineral oils;
- High fluidity reduces friction, resulting in fuel savings, a slight increase in engine power;
- High evaporation temperature, in connection with this, synthetics tolerate overheating better;
- Low pumping temperature, thanks to which the engine can work without overloads even at low temperatures;
- The oil retains chemical stability during the entire period of operation.
The main disadvantage of synthetics is the high cost.
Semi-synthetic oils are a kind of compromise between price and quality. Among motorists, the product is most in demand. Such compositions are made by mixing a synthetic base and high-quality mineral oil. As a result, at a price, semi-synthetics are cheaper than synthetic oils, but in terms of performance they are much better than mineral oils.
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Engine oil viscosity grade
Viscosity class is one of the main characteristics of engine oil. It is designated by the abbreviation SAE. It is the level of viscosity that determines the ease of a cold start in winter. Based on this specification, it is customary to distinguish three types of motor oils: winter, summer, and all-weather.
Winter oils in the markings have the letter “W”, for example, SAE0W, SAE30W. The larger the number in front of the letters, the higher the temperature for which the oil is designed.
The viscosity index of summer oils is indicated by a number. For example, SAE20, SAE30 and so on. All-weather oil has a designation with both a number and the letter “W”. For example, SAE10W40.
When choosing winter oil, it is worth considering the indicator of average temperatures in the region of operation. It is worth considering that when starting the car, the oil engine pumps oil through the channels for some time. At this time, the motor operates in oil starvation mode with high wear and tear of parts. In this regard, the higher the fluidity of the oil at low temperatures, the faster it will be pumped through the system and will better protect the engine at the time of start-up.
When choosing summer oils, you should pay attention to the fact that most European automakers recommend using oil with an SAE40 index and higher. Modern engines are characterized by higher operating temperatures, shear rates and specific pressures. Under such harsh conditions, the oil must maintain a viscosity level sufficient to form a film. The same task remains relevant when operating in hot weather or standing in traffic jams for a long time. In Japanese-made cars, it is recommended to use oil with a viscosity of 5W-20, 5W-30 or 0W-20 (for modern ICE models). American and some European manufacturers (BMW, Volkswagen, Audi) have recently recommended 5W-30 viscosity grade oils for their cars.
When the engine wears out, it is recommended to choose an oil with a high temperature viscosity, such as 5W-40 or 5W-50. Cars with a turbocharged engine also have their own peculiarity. The fact is that during the operation of the turbine, it gains a large angular velocity, which causes significant heating. In this regard, it is recommended to choose viscous oils for use in such cars, for example, SAE 0W-40, SAE 5W-40 or even SAE10W-50.
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The selected engine oil must meet international quality standards. The three most common types of standards are:
- API;
- ILSAC;
- ACEA (CCMC).
According to the API classification, two types of engine oil are distinguished: C (commercial) and S (service). Oil of category S is intended for gasoline engines. At the same time, for cars manufactured from 1989, oil of class SG is intended, from 1993 - SH, from 1996 - SJ, from 2001 - SL, from 2004 - SM, from 2010 - SN .
For diesel engines, category C oil is used. In this case, there is also a division by year. For minibuses, commercial vehicles, as well as passenger cars with a diesel engine manufactured from 1990, it is intended for oil class CF-4, from 1995 - CG-4, from 1998 - CH-4, from 2002 - CI-4 or CI- 4+, from 2010 - CJ-4.
ILSAC - most often this classification is found on Asian, in particular, Korean and Japanese cars. The tolerance is indicated on the canister marked GF and a numerical value from 1 to 5. It is recommended to use GF5 oil, since it has resource-saving properties.
ACEA (CCMC) is a classification most often found on European cars. Usually, the oil tolerance is prescribed in the operating instructions for the machine. Oil marked for use in gasoline engines. Category B and E oils are used in diesel engines. Since 2004, another class has appeared in the ACEA standard - C. Oil in this category is suitable for gasoline and diesel engines.They are characterized by low ash content, which is why they are compatible with modern exhaust gas aftertreatment systems.
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motor oil rating
We offer the TOP 12 best motor oils of various types for gasoline and diesel internal combustion engines. The selection took into account the characteristics, as well as the cost, test results, ratings and customer reviews of car owners and experts.
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Mineral oils are not used so often in modern engines. They are usually compatible with domestic vehicles older than 1990.
LUKOIL Standard SF/CC 15W-40 5 l
Specifications:
- Price - 676 - 775 rubles;
- User rating - 5.0;
- Packing - 5 l;
- Viscosity class - SAE 15W-40;
- API SF certification;
- Suitable for petrol or diesel four-stroke engines.
Oil from the Russian brand LUKOIL Standard SF / CC 15W-40 5 l. It has proven itself well when operating with engines with high mileage, which are characterized by increased oil consumption. LUKOIL Standard SF / CC 15W-40 is distinguished by increased thermal and oxidative stability, retention of viscosity during operation, and good detergent properties.
IDEMITSU 10W-30 SM/CF 4
Specifications:
- Price - 1,429 - 1,745 rubles;
- User rating - 4.9;
- Packing - 4 l;
- Viscosity class - SAE 10W-30;
- API SM certified;
- Suitable for petrol or diesel four-stroke engines.
Mineral oil IDEMITSU 10W-30 SM/СF 4. It can be used in used cars, as well as with relatively new models. However, it is not recommended for pouring into cars with strained DPF exhaust aftertreatment systems.
LIQUI MOLY Motorbike 4T 20W-50 Street 4L
Specifications:
- Price - 2,205 - 2,690 rubles;
- User rating - 4.7;
- Packing - 4 l;
- Viscosity class - SAE 20W-50;
- API SL certification;
- Suitable for 4-stroke petrol engines.
Mineral oil LIQUI MOLY Motorbike 4T 20W-50 Street 4 l. It is suitable for protecting low speed, air-cooled motors. Often, such internal combustion engines are installed on classic and collectible retro models. The oil optimally lubricates both the engine itself and the gearbox. The mineral base is combined with modern additives, which provides high resistance to overheating, viscosity loss, as well as excellent antigenic characteristics. The oil protects the engine, reduces the noise of the operation of motor vehicles.
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Semi-synthetic motor oils are considered the most popular. They combine the characteristics of mineral and synthetic oils, are a compromise between an affordable price and high-quality protection.
MOBIL Ultra 10W-40 4 l
Specifications:
- Price - 839 - 1,399 rubles;
- User rating - 4.6;
- Packing - 4 l;
- Viscosity class - SAE 10W-40;
- API SN certification;
- ACEA A3/B3 certification;
- Suitable for petrol or diesel four-stroke engines.
Universal semi-synthetic oil MOBIL Ultra 10W-40 4 l. It can be used for various cars, trucks, and minibuses. The use of special synthetic additives provides high performance, as well as engine protection in different modes.
SHELL Helix HX7 10W-40 4 l
Specifications:
- Price -940 - 1,699 rubles;
- User rating - 4.7;
- Packing - 4 l;
- Viscosity class - SAE 10W-40;
- API SN certification;
- ACEA A3/B3, A3/B4 certified;
- Suitable for petrol or diesel four-stroke engines.
High-quality semi-synthetic oil SHELL Helix HX7 10W-40 4 l. This combination allows, while maintaining a low cost, to obtain maximum performance. The use of oil allows you to extend the life of the motor, protects against premature wear in daily use. Suitable for use with petrol, gas and diesel engines.
TOTAL Quartz 7000 10W40 4 l
Specifications:
- Price - 1,140 - 2,230 rubles;
- User rating - 4.8;
- Packing - 4 l;
- Viscosity class - SAE 10W-40;
- API SN certification;
- ACE A3/B4 certified;
- Suitable for petrol or diesel four-stroke engines.
Semi-synthetic oil for gasoline and diesel engines TOTAL Quartz 7000 10W40 4 l. It is perfect for use in gasoline and diesel engines. The oil is approved for Mercedes MB-Approval 229.1, VW 501.01 / 505.00, as well as PSA Peugeot CITROEN B71 2294 & B71 2300. It is suitable for use in internal combustion engines with multi-valve systems and turbocharging. The oil performs well under normal driving.
LIQUI MOLY Top Tec 4200 5W-30 5 l
Specifications:
- Price - 3,886 - 5,390 rubles;
- User rating - 4.8;
- Packing - 5 l;
- Viscosity class - SAE 5W-30;
- API SN certification;
- ACE certification A3/B4, A5/B5, C2, C3;
- Suitable for petrol or diesel four-stroke engines.
Semi-synthetic oil LIQUI MOLY Top Tec 4200 5W-30 5 l. The oil is recommended for use in Volkswagen Audi, BMW (excluding diesel models from 2008), Fiat, Mitsubishi, Mercedes, Peugeot / Citroen (from MY 1999). Also, the oil is suitable for most cars with a diesel engine from Korean manufacturers equipped with a particulate filter. The oil has a low ash content and can be used in conjunction with vehicles equipped with a dual exhaust aftertreatment system. It complies with the Euro-4 eco-standard fuel consumption, reduces the emission of toxic exhaust.
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Synthetic motor oils are considered one of the highest quality. They are recommended for use with new car models. Such oils can be poured into the engine of passenger cars and SUVs of different years of manufacture.
Motul 8100 Econergy 5W30
Specifications:
- Price - 2,671 rubles;
- User rating - 4.5;
- Packing - 5 l;
- Viscosity class - SAE 5W-30;
- API SL certification;
- ACEA A5/B5 certification;
- Suitable for gasoline and diesel four-stroke engines.
Synthetic motor oil Motul 8100 Eco-nergy 5W30. It is absolutely safe for gasoline and diesel engines. It is characterized by increased energy-saving properties, can be used in internal combustion engines with direct injection, as well as with exhaust aftertreatment systems.
TOTAL Quartz 9000 Energy HKS G-310 5W30 5 l
Specifications:
- Price - 2,219 - 3,124 rubles;
- User rating - 4.7;
- Packing - 5 l;
- Viscosity class - SAE 5W-30;
- API SM certified;
- ACEA A5 certification;
- Suitable for 4-stroke petrol engines.
Quality synthetic oil TOTAL Quartz 9000 Energy HKS G-310 5W30 5 l. It can be used for the first fill. High quality and excellent lubricating properties protect the engine from premature wear. The oil change interval has been extended to 30,000 km due to increased antioxidant stability.
IDEMITSU Zepro Eco Medalist 0W-20 4L
Specifications:
- Price - 2,270 - 2,980 rubles;
- User rating - 4.8;
- Packing - 4 l;
- Viscosity class - SAE 0W-20;
- API SN certification;
- ILSAC GF-5 certified;
- Suitable for 4-stroke petrol engines.
Synthetic energy saving motor oil IDEMITSU Zepro Eco Medalist 0W-20 4 l. It is suitable for gasoline four-stroke engines, including those equipped with a turbocharger. The oil is produced using the patented technology of Idemitsu Kosan Co Ltd. In this regard, it is distinguished by a high level of viscosity, lubricating characteristics at high temperatures and increased starting properties at low temperatures.
SHELL Helix Ultra 5W-40 4 l
Specifications:
- Price - 1,980 - 3,090 rubles;
- User rating - 4.7;
- Packing - 4 l;
- Viscosity class - SAE 5W-40;
- API SN/CF certification;
- ACEA A3/B3, A3/B4 certified;
- Suitable for petrol or diesel four-stroke engines.
Synthetic engine oil SHELL Helix Ultra 5W-40 4 l. It is formulated with Shell PurePlus technology. Thanks to him, the composition allows you to keep the engine clean. Thanks to the Active Cleaning system, active cleaning contributes to its action. The oil provides reliable protection against sludge, as well as a high level of cleaning even during long-term operation.
MOBIL 1 ESP 5W-30 4 l
Specifications:
- Price - 2,450 - 3,640 rubles;
- User rating - 4.7;
- Packing - 4 l;
- Viscosity class - SAE 5W-30;
- API SN certification;
- ACEA C2/C3 certification;
- Suitable for petrol or diesel four-stroke engines.
Synthetic oil for engine protection MOBIL 1 ESP 5W-30 4 l. It was created specifically to keep the engine clean and protect it from premature wear. In addition, the oil can reduce the amount of toxic emissions from gasoline and diesel internal combustion engines. It meets the requirements of leading automakers. The oil is made on the basis of high-tech components, it is fully compatible with modern designs of diesel particulate filters (DPF) and catalytic exhaust converters for gasoline engines (CAT).
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When buying engine oil, you should purchase products from trusted brands. In this case, pay attention to the packaging. This will check the originality. Check for stickers with a hologram, raised dots on the canister, qr codes. Many manufacturers provide packaging with a special digital code. It must be entered in the window on the official website of the brand. This allows you to check the originality of products. You can buy engine oil only in trusted stores, car services or salons.
When choosing, you should rely on the tolerances of your car, you can familiarize yourself with them in the operating instructions. Remember that the use of poor quality oil will lead to premature wear and failure.
And I use Japanese synthetics TAKAYAMA SAE 5W-30 for a passenger car, the characteristics are good and match the description! It does not leave residue on the engine, parts wear out less, the master at the service station confirmed.
Forget Takoyama! Excellent Japanese oil. IMHO, in terms of synthetics and semi-synthetics, one of the best for sure. Even in frost below -20 degrees, the engine starts normally with it, it does not knock, it is almost inaudible at all.