The basic job of engine oil is to prevent all metal surfaces in the
car engine from laboring together and thus tearing apart due to
friction. The oil should also be potent enough to resist all by-products
of combustion. All chemicals and acids collected in the engine are
cleared by the engine oil, and it also ensures all parts of the engine
are covered in oil. It also reduces oxidation at high temperatures. All
these tasks are performed under extremely high temperatures and pressure
levels. The difference in all the types of motor oils is based on the
way it is obtained, or on the conditions it is best suited for, as
explained below.
Basic Types of Motor Oil
Conventional Motor Oil
This is the least expensive of all three types. Conventional motor oil is mainly a byproduct produced during the crude oil refinement process. Since this oil does not have a complicated make-up process, it is liable for faster deterioration, when subjected to extreme heat. Conventional motor oil emits higher amounts of sulfur and other pollutants as well.
Synthetic Motor Oil
This is the most expensive of all three types of motor oils. Synthetic motor oil costs more as it is expensive to produce. It is developed from polyalphaolefins, a chemical compound. The total structure of synthetic oils is unique and hence it is considered to be cleaner and stable than conventional oil. Also, this oil can maintain its flow under almost all conditions regardless of the heat and pressure.
Synthetic Blends
This oil combines properties of both synthetic as well as conventional motor oils. The idea behind synthetic blend oil is to combine the price of conventional oil with benefits of synthetic oil. Synthetic blend oils are a more refined version of conventional oils, which burn better and also stay stable at high temperatures.
Different Motor Oils According to Gradation
Motor oils have been graded according to their viscosity properties by the Society of Automotive Engineers. The numerical code contains numbers followed by the letter W, like 0W, 15W and 25W. Viscosity is gauged by measuring the time taken by the oil to travel through a standard opening at normal temperatures. The more time the oil takes to travel, the higher is its viscosity, and consequently a higher grade. Depending on the grade, the various types of motor oil are explained below.
Single Grade
There are 11 grades of this type―0W, 5W, 10W, 15W, 20W, 25W, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60. Note that 'W' in these grades refers to 'winter'. Of these 11 grades, 6 of them are winter graded or a cold viscosity grade, indicating that these oils are to be used at lower temperatures. The ones without a 'W' can be used at higher temperatures, as they are hot viscosity grades. Single grade motor oil is useful in places where the temperature remains mostly constant throughout and there are not many variations between hot and cold temperatures.
Multi-Grade
The oil in most vehicles is subject to wide temperature ranges. This makes it essential to have a motor oil which does not have a fixed viscosity according to the temperature and can adjust to changes. For this purpose, certain special polymer additives are added to single grade oils to create multi-grade oil. This is the reason multi-grade oils have two viscosity grades, one each for cold and hot temperatures. For example, an oil coded as 20W-40 passes standards for both, 20W and 40 conditions.
Motor Oil Recommendations
All vehicle manufacturers state the kind of motor oil to be used in vehicles according to what they feel is most suited for the engines. However, a few recommendations for motor oils according to the viscosity and climatic conditions are given below:
10W-30: This is the best engine oil for constant driving, and lasts better over longer periods of time.
5W-30: This oil is used in most new cars and is very useful for starting the car in cold conditions.
10W: Works best for driving in cold weather conditions
Since
synthetic oil is very expensive, not many people use them. However, for
anyone who wants high performance and best protection for the engine,
this is the best option among all the types of motor oil available.
All vehicle manufacturers state the kind of motor oil to be used in vehicles according to what they feel is most suited for the engines. However, a few recommendations for motor oils according to the viscosity and climatic conditions are given below:
10W-30: This is the best engine oil for constant driving, and lasts better over longer periods of time.
5W-30: This oil is used in most new cars and is very useful for starting the car in cold conditions.
10W: Works best for driving in cold weather conditions
