How to choose the “right” lubricant for your car? 90% of car owners ignore these details!
Lubricant is known as the engine's “blood”, its importance is self-evident. However, in the face of a wide range of lubricant products on the market, many car owners are caught in the choice of difficult: in the end is to choose the expensive, or choose the right? Today, we will talk about how to choose the most suitable lubricants for your car, so that your engine is always in the best condition!
1. Understand the lubricant's “identity card”: viscosity grade
The viscosity grade of a lubricant (e.g. 5W-30, 10W-40) is the key to choosing a lubricant. It consists of two parts:
Low Temperature Viscosity (the number before the W): indicates the fluidity of the lubricant at low temperatures. The smaller the number, the better the low-temperature starting performance.
High Temperature Viscosity (number after W): indicates the viscosity of the lubricant in a high temperature environment. The higher the number, the better the high temperature protection.
How to choose?
Cold regions: Choose a lubricant with a low low low-temperature viscosity (e.g. 0W-20, 5W-30) to ensure smooth cold starts.
Hot areas: Choose a lubricant with high high temperature viscosity (e.g. 10W-40, 15W-50) for better high temperature protection.
New vs. Old: Low viscosity lubricants (e.g., 5W-30) are often recommended for newer vehicles, while higher-mileage vehicles may need a higher viscosity lubricant (e.g., 10W-40) to fill engine wear gaps.
2. Focus on the “quality” of the lubricant: API and ACEA standards
The quality of a lubricant is defined by international standards (e.g. API, ACEA). These standards represent the performance and range of application of the lubricant:
API standards: The most common are SN, SP (for gasoline vehicles) and CK-4, CJ-4 (for diesel vehicles). The later the letter, the more advanced the performance.
ACEA standard: European standard, common A3/B4, C3, etc., suitable for European models.
How to choose?
Check your vehicle's owner's manual to choose a lubricant that meets the manufacturer's recommended API or ACEA standards.
If you are driving a high performance or luxury car, it is recommended to choose a higher grade of lubricant (e.g. API SP or ACEA C3).
3. Synthetic vs. mineral oil: which is better for you?
Mineral oils: less expensive, suitable for ordinary family cars or vehicles with low loads.
Synthetic oils: Better performance, oxidation resistance and low-temperature fluidity for high-performance cars, turbocharged engines or extreme weather conditions.
How to choose?
Synthetic oils are a better choice if your vehicle is often operated at high temperatures and high loads, or if you want to extend oil change intervals.
For ordinary family cars, mineral oil or semi-synthetic oil is sufficient.
4. Don't ignore the environment in which your vehicle is used
High-temperature environment: Choose high-temperature viscosity lubricants (e.g. 15W-40, 20W-50).
Low-temperature environment: choose low-temperature lubricants with lower viscosity (e.g. 0W-20, 5W-30).
High-load operation: If you frequently tow heavy loads or drive at high speeds for long periods of time, it is recommended that you choose a higher viscosity synthetic oil.
5. Don't let your lubricant “expire” by changing it regularly.
Even if you've chosen the best oil for your vehicle, it's important to change it regularly. Lubricants degrade in performance over time and expiration dates can lead to increased engine wear. Change your lubricant and oil filter according to the recommended oil change intervals in your vehicle's manual.
To summarize: The Golden Rules of Lubricant Selection
Look for Viscosity: Choose the right viscosity grade for your climate and vehicle conditions.
Look for standards: Choose a lubricant that meets API or ACEA standards.
Look at the type: Choose mineral, semi-synthetic or fully synthetic oils according to your budget and needs.
Look at the environment: choose the right lubricant for the environment in which it will be used.
Choosing the “right” lubricant for your car not only protects the engine, but also enhances the driving experience! If you still have questions about lubricant selection, welcome to leave a message in the comments section, we will discuss together!
