When it comes to maintaining your vehicle’s engine, choosing the right oil is one of the most critical decisions. Engine oil serves multiple functions, including lubricating moving parts, reducing friction, and helping to regulate engine temperature. But with so many different oil grades available, how do you determine which one is right for your car? In this blog, we will explore engine oil types, decode the numbers on oil containers, and help you select the best oil for your specific vehicle and climate.
Understanding Engine Oil Grade
Engine oil grades are classified using a numbering system developed by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE). This system helps consumers and mechanics identify the viscosity of the oil, which is essentially how thick or thin it is and how well it flows at different temperatures.
You’ve likely seen oil labeled as 5W-30, 10W-40, or similar. But what do these numbers mean?
- The first number (e.g., 5W, 10W, 0W) indicates the oil’s viscosity at low temperatures. The W stands for winter, meaning the lower this number, the better the oil flows in cold conditions.
- The second number (e.g., 30, 40, 50) represents the oil’s viscosity at operating temperature (usually around 100°C or 212°F). A higher number means the oil maintains its thickness better at high temperatures.
For example, 5W-30 oil flows better in cold weather compared to 10W-30 oil, making it a better choice for colder climates.
These days car makers tend to specify very low viscosity oils, as these help improve fuel economy and reduce emissions. For example, grades as low as 0W-20 or even 0W-10 are not uncommon.
Types of Engine Oil
There are several types of engine oil available, each suited for different engine designs and driving conditions:
Mineral Oil: Mineral oil or conventional oil, is the most basic type, derived directly from crude oil. It is generally cheaper but requires more frequent changes and is less stable at extreme temperatures. It is best suited for older vehicles and engines that don’t require synthetic oil.
Semi-synthetic oil, which is a blend of mineral and synthetic oil. It provides better protection than conventional oil but at a lower cost than full synthetic. It’s ideal for drivers who want better performance without the higher price tag of full synthetic oil.
Synthetic oil. Synthetic oil is engineered for better performance, offering superior lubrication, reduced wear, and better high and low temperature performance. It lasts longer and provides better protection against engine deposits and sludge buildup. Most modern vehicles require synthetic engine oil.
Choosing The Right Engine Oil Grade For Your Vehicle
Selecting the best oil for your car depends on several factors:
1. Follow Your Manufacturer’s Recommendations
The best place to start is your owner’s manual. The manufacturer specifies the recommended oil viscosity and type based on the engine’s design and performance needs. Using oil outside of these specifications can reduce efficiency and even void warranties.
2. Vehicle Manufacturer Approvals
Many vehicle manufacturers have specific oil requirements and approvals that must be met to ensure optimal engine performance and warranty compliance. These approvals often go beyond the basic SAE viscosity grades and include industry certifications such as API (American Petroleum Institute) and ACEA (European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association) ratings. Some automakers, such as BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Volkswagen, have proprietary oil standards that must be followed. Always check your owner’s manual or oil container for manufacturer approval labels to ensure compatibility with your engine.
Here are some examples:
- 2020 Volkswagen Amarok 2.0 TDI CR 420: VW specify 5W-30 engine oil to VW specification 507.00. In this case we’d use Mobil 1 ESP 5W-30 as this oil carries VW 507.00 approval.
- 2020 Toyota Hilux 2.8 TDI: Toyota specifies either 0W-30 or 5W-30 to ACI/ACEA C2. We’d also use Mobil 1 ESP 5W-30 as this oil also meets the ACI/ACEA C2 specification. Although 0W-30 would provide a slight improvement in fuel economy, we prefer the heavier oil for its greater engine protection and slightly cheaper price.
- 2020 Mazda 3 Skyactiv-G 2.0: Mazda specify several weights from 0W-20 to 10W-30 (depending on temperature range) to ACI/ACEA SL. We’d use Mobil 1 5W-30 as it meets the ACI/ACEA SL specification, and the heavier weight makes it more suitable for our warmer climate.
- 2012 D22 Nissan Navara 2.5 dCi: Like Mazda, Nissan specify a range of weights from 5W-30 to 20W-50, but to specification API/ACEA CF/B1, B3, B4, B5. Nissan also specify a preferred weight of 5W-30. We use Mobil Delvac Modern 15W-40 Full Protection to provide better protection for these older engines at a more competitive price point.
3. Consider Your Climate
Oil behaves differently at different temperatures. If you live in an area with cold winters, a lower first number (like 0W-20) ensures that the oil flows easily when starting your car in freezing conditions. If you live in a very hot climate, a higher viscosity oil like 10W-30 may be more suitable to prevent thinning at high temperatures.
Final Thoughts
Understanding oil grades and manufacturer’s specifications when selecting the right engine oil is crucial for keeping your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently. Always follow your manufacturer’s guidelines, consider your climate and the age of the engine. The right selection will help prolong your engine’s life and improve performance. Regular oil changes and using the correct oil will ensure that your vehicle remains in peak condition for years to come. If you need more guidance with choosing the correct engine oil grade for your vehicle, don’t hesitate to contact our specialists at The Torque Team .
