While shopping for new engine oil, motorists often encounter mysterious codes. “High mileage” and “fully synthetic” are just two of the terms you might encounter. These terms mean different things to different motorists, and they all play an important role in the fuel efficiency of your vehicle. Understanding the importance of engine oil will make the process of replacing it easier. Read on to learn how to choose the best oil for your vehicle. Listed below are the three most important factors to consider: Price, Viscosity rating, and Base oils.
Viscosity rating
There are two types of viscosity for motor oils: absolute and kinematic. Absolute viscosity is the internal resistance of a fluid to flow. If you think of viscosity in terms of friction, you’ll understand why it’s important to select an oil with a higher viscosity rating. The lower the number, the more the oil is likely to thin when it’s hot and thicken when it’s cold.
Viscosity rating of engine oil is expressed in terms of resistance to thinning under certain conditions. Depending on the viscosity grade, a single winter grade oil’s dynamic viscosity will be specified in J300. These numbers are then converted to mPa*s or centipoise. There are two methods used to measure viscosity: the mini-rotary viscometer and the standard ASTM D4684. For coldest temperatures, oil grade 0W is used.
Base oils
The chemical composition of base oils differs in Group I, II, and III. Group I base oils are generally less viscous than Group II and III. Group II and III base oils are mainly used in engine oils and transmission fluids. Some manufacturers blend Group II and III base oils into their product lines. These blends are often classified as synthetic. This article provides an overview of the different types of base oils for engine oil.
The most common base oil is petroleum. Petroleum is refined to produce base oils. A 42-gallon barrel of crude oil can yield nearly 45 gallons of petroleum products, of which only a small portion (about.4 gallons) is used in lubricants. The rest of the crude oil goes to gasoline, diesel fuel, and kerosene-type jet fuels. The American Petroleum Institute classifies different base oils based on the degree of processing they undergo.
Additives
While motor oil contains many different chemicals, additives are essential for lubrication and engine longevity. Without proper additives, oil can break down, produce excessive heat, or fail to protect the engine’s internal components. Adding the correct types of additives to your engine’s oil will keep your car running at its optimum performance level, and will prevent problems from occurring. Additives are also very important for your car’s fuel efficiency, as they prevent the engine from overheating or causing other damage.
Although mass-market oils can reduce emissions, they do not provide long-term protection and performance. Instead, high-quality synthetic motor oil can offer the same protection as engine oils with no additives and no negative effects. Additionally, synthetic motor oils can provide greater durability than conventional oil, while being about the same price. Compared to the cost of oil additives, synthetic motor oils can also increase fuel efficiency and lower oil consumption. A few other benefits of synthetic motor oil include improved protection and durability for an equal cost.
Price
The price of engine oil fluctuates depending on many factors, including the quality of the product and brand. Manufacturers of engine oil often use different additives and mix them in different proportions, which affects the price per litre. By lowering the cost of engine oil, manufacturers can increase their profits and entice customers to buy their product. As engine oil is a lubricant, its price is not regulated by government. While petrol prices are closely monitored, the price of lubricants is not.
There are two main types of engine oils: synthetic and conventional. Conventional oil is produced by refining crude oil, while synthetic oil is manmade in a lab. Synthetic oil is generally more expensive than conventional oil, but it is more effective for high-performance engines and leaves less sludge. The cost difference between synthetic and conventional engine oil can be offset by the fact that synthetic oil will keep your engine running longer between oil changes.
Function
One of the most important functions of engine oil is to lubricate moving parts, reduce friction, and remove debris. Its other functions include dissipating heat and preventing corrosion. It also serves to cool and cleanse engine parts. It is a blend of base oils and additives that help meet the requirements for lubricant performance and application. It also prevents wear and tear by reducing friction, preventing the buildup of sludge, and providing lubrication over a wide temperature range.
One of the most essential parts of your car is its engine oil. Its proper maintenance can extend your car’s engine life. Using high-quality engine oil can help maximize your vehicle’s performance and improve its longevity. To better understand its role in car maintenance, here are some of its functions: