Classification of oils

The oil is used to lubricate the engine in the car. It can be of different kinds. The choice of this or that type directly depends on the engine and all conditions in which the vehicle is operated.

Today, car oils are divided into three bases: by type, by viscosity, by purpose and quality.

1. Type. In this case, mineral, synthetic and semi-synthetic oils are distinguished . Mineral form is obtained by mixing distillate base and residual oils. It has a low cost and is suitable for most engines. Synthetic type is more expensive, but at the same time it has high performance indicators. Such oil can be used in any climatic conditions and during any season. Semisynthetic type is obtained by mixing the two previous ones, so it has better indicators than the mineral variant, as well as a lower price than the synthetic one. This oil can be used for all types of engines.

2. Viscosity. This is the most important indicator. It is based on the classification of oils SAE J-300, it has five summer and six more winter options. The latter are reflected by the letter "w" (25w, 20w, 15w, 10w, 5w, 0w). The smaller the first digit, the viscosity of the oil is lower at minus temperature and the engine cold start is easier. For example, if the viscosity is 0w, then the pump will be able to pump oil at 35 ° C below zero, and the starter will be able to scroll the engine at -30 ° C. At the same time, the viscosity index is 3.8 mm2 / s. If the SAE viscosity is 25W, the pumpability is possible at -10 ° C, and the crankability at -5 ° C (kinematic viscosity is 9.3 mm2 / s). Summer oils are denoted by the numbers 60, then 50, 40, 30 and 20. There are also all-season products having a double designation: the first one is winter, the second is summer class (SAE 10W-30, for example).

3. Classification of oils by design divides them into those used for gasoline engines and those used for diesel engines. There are also universal products. In quality, they all have either a low or a high level. By designation motor oils are classified by several systems: American and European, which determine the area of their use. The European system is considered more strict. Depending on the properties of motor oils (antiwear, antioxidant, anti-corrosion, washing, etc.), their belonging to a certain class is also established.

The American API system divides the oils into the following categories: "S" for gasoline engines and "C" for diesel engines.

Classification of oils for this system is as follows:

- for gasoline engines - SM (2004), SL (2001) and more SJ (1996), SH (1993), SG (1989);

- for diesel engines - CI-4 (2002), CH-4 (1998), also CG-4 (1995), CF (1994) and, of course, CF-2 (1994), CE (1987), CD-II 1987).

The letters after S and C indicate the quality of the product. It is better if the letter is further in alphabetical order. Today, oils labeled "B" and "A" are not produced, as they have low performance.

The European system describes in more detail the properties and area where motor oils are used . The ACEA classification has exactly three categories: it is "A" for gasoline, and "B" and "E" for diesel engines. Since 2004, the class "C" has appeared, the oils of which are suitable for both types.

Classification of oils according to the European system is as follows:

- for petrol engines (cars and minibuses) - А5-2002, А4-98, А3-96, and also А2-96, А1-96;

- for diesel (cars and minibuses) - В5-2002, В4-98, В3-96, В2-96 and, finally, В1-96;

- for the engines of trucks and road trains - E5-99, E4-99, E4-98, E3-96, E2-96, as well as E1-96.

The larger the number in the marking, the better the oil (automotive). The year indicated through the hyphen is the year of the specification approval.

Each motorist can choose the engine oil that he thinks fit. However, in his preference, he, one way or another, will rely on the above classification.