The content of the article:
- API and SAE classifications
- The highest quality automotive oils in Ukraine
A feature of engine oils is that each composition was developed for a specific type of engine and a smear system that is individual for each class of engines. In the automotive industry, the order of work has never been disrupted: first, engineers come up with a motor, and only then chemists begin experiments with a lubricant.
To develop the optimal lubricant for a specific engine, engineers and chemists take into account the size of the lubrication system clearances, the temperature regime of the engine, the maximum heating of movable elements at certain points, and the type of fuel used. Automotive oils are classified according to SAE and API standards.
API and SAE classifications
The SAE marking system, created by American auto engineers, classifies automotive oils by viscosity, depending on temperature conditions.
The SAE standard currently includes 11 viscosity grades of oils: from SAE 0W to SAE 60. The letter W denotes the operation of the oil at low temperatures - these are the so-called winter oils.
Multigrade multigrade grease is marked with an additional number - for example, SAE 5W-40. Automakers always indicate in the owner's manual which viscosity range is suitable for a particular engine.
The API marking indicates the class of oil according to its performance properties, for which generations of engines and under which emission standards a particular lubricant is suitable. The ash content of the oil, the average consumption, etc. are checked.
Every year, experts develop new compositions of motor oils, using additional additives, in some oils their number exceeds 20, improve the ash content of the material, taking into account the growing requirements to minimize emissions into the atmosphere.
When choosing an oil, drivers should be guided not by the composition of the product, but primarily by the class of the engine of their car, the year of manufacture of the motor and the manufacturer's approval.
If the engine is designed for a lubricant in the 5W30 viscosity range, i.e. 9.3 to 12.6 mm2 / s. at an air temperature from -15 to +35, then replacing the oil with an improved 5W40 sample will lead to the fact that the oil pump will experience systematic overloads and will fail prematurely.
What car oils have earned the title of the best in 2019 in Ukraine?
The highest quality automotive oils in Ukraine
LIQUI MOLY Synthoil High Tech
One of the best 5W-40 class motor oils in 2019 was recognized as a synthetic oil from the LIQUI MOLY brand.
The High Tech brand is distinguished by good low-temperature performance and has a high viscosity index. The additives used provide the lubricant with thermal and oxidative stability.
Additional advantages of the oil include compatibility with all catalysts that are installed on cars, starting with the Euro 2 protocol. It is allowed to pour oil into engines that work with a turbocharger and an intercooler.
The cost of the lubricant is quite high, but thanks to the large replacement range and good protection of the working units of the motor, the price pays off.
SHELL Helix Ultra
The Shell Helix Ultra line of automotive oils is one of the best synthetic developments of the company, which is in the middle price segment. Ultra grades have one of the best performance in preventing sludge formation on engine working parts.
The oil has good emission figures in accordance with Euro 6 standards. It is recommended to use the lubricant for engines without turbines, it is suitable for filling both gasoline and diesel engines.
Additional advantages of Helix Ultra oil include a long drain interval from 20,000 km, high performance in aggressive, high-speed drive. In addition, the oil ensures smooth and smooth operation of multivalve assemblies.
Drivers consider unsealed cans to the disadvantages of the brand, therefore they recommend buying the composition only from an official representative.
TOTAL Quartz 9000
A universal synthetic compound was developed for different classes of motors, meets the highest standards both according to the scale of the European classification and the American one. Differs in high antioxidant properties and provides good engine start at low temperatures.
Due to the presence of an additive developed by TOTAL specialists, a molecular scum forms on the working parts of the engine, which prevents the rapid wear of parts, the total motor life of the unit increases by 15-19%.
It is recommended to choose the oil if the car is operated in difficult driving conditions, at critically low temperatures from -30 degrees, the oil will provide a smooth cold start.
MOBIL Super 3000 X1
Super 3000 X1 5W-40 grade oil is ranked in the top ten products due to the increased engine life.
The lubricant maintains the required viscosity values in a wide range of engine operating temperatures, does not form sludge, and prevents the rapid wear of catalysts and filters.
Due to the use of a large number of additives, it is recommended to fill in the oil if the car is operated in difficult conditions at critical temperatures, the composition provides a comfortable cold start.
Among the disadvantages of Super 3000 X1 are the washing effect and a large number of counterfeits.
Lukoil Lux
Synthetic motor oil from the Lukoil brand is consistently among the top ten lubricants in the country due to its versatile properties. The oil provides good engine operation both on the gasoline version of the VAZ 2108 and on the 3-liter LR-V6 installed on the 2013 Range Rover Sport.
The composition does not contain a large number of additives, therefore it is recommended to change the oil strictly according to diagnostic indicators. For owners of Lada with a mileage of more than 300 km, this is 7-8 thousand km. For new cars, it is recommended to replace it every 12,000 - 15,000 km.
Among the advantages of Lukoil Lux synthetic oil: low ash content, minimal sludge formation, high adaptation to the "Start-Stop" system, stable engine operation at low temperatures.
VOLKSWAGEN LongLife III
The rating of the best motor oils in Ukraine includes its own development from the Volkswagen concern. Auto engineers recommend using the oil for Audi and VW vehicles.
The unique composition is suitable for both diesel turbocharged engines and gasoline atmospheric engines manufactured after 1995.
The lubricant is based on synthetic and hydrocracking production technology, additional additives provide a wide range of viscosity and performance characteristics.
During operation, a protective film forms on the undercarriage of the engine, which prevents wear of the parts. Of the minuses of the composition, drivers note a high price - for 5 liters you will have to pay from 6,000 rubles. or 2300 hryvnia.
Castrol Magnatec
Synthetic oils of the Clastron company were recognized as the best in the 5W-30 category in 2017 and 2019 both among experts in Ukraine and in the EU. The lubricant contains a proprietary binder additive that ensures minimal wear on the engine working parts.
The increase in motor life by 22% is due to the molecular oil film that forms during operation and is retained on the metal surface without turning into sludge.
The oil is universal and is suitable for engines running on diesel fuel, gasoline and gas, the lubricant shows good performance in cold winter conditions at minimum temperatures.
ELF Evolution 900 SXR
The synthetic oil was developed using the Elf technology, which is used by engineers and chemists to make lubricants for motors of high-speed cars: racing cars, hyper and sports cars.
The Evolution 900 series oil is suitable for gasoline and diesel units with a capacity exceeding 250 hp. from. At the same time, the engines can be turbocharged, with direct injection and all modern power increase systems.
One of the main advantages of the lubricant is that the composition practically does not burn out, has a long replacement interval, and does not form a coking layer after the resource is exhausted.
Drivers point out that among the brand's shortcomings, one can single out a very large number of fakes in the Ukrainian market. If you buy a canister already in the Russian Federation, then it is almost impossible to buy a counterfeit product.
MOBIL 1 ESP
High-performance MOBIL 1 ESP oil differs from analogues in that it increases the engine life, designed for 5w30 oil class, by 20%.
Due to its low ash content, the oil is suitable for both gasoline and diesel engines.
The additives, which were tested before 2018 and were first used in 2019 oils, reduce the toxicity of emissions by 45%.
The only difficulty in using oil is the correct choice of the motor; the lubricant is not suitable for the VAZ line, produced before 2000. Recommended for European and Japanese cars manufactured after 2001.
The lubricant extends the service life of neutralizers, particulate filters, especially in BMW models, and prevents the formation of sludge.
GM Dexos 2 Long Life 5W-30
Universal multigrade engine oil, which was developed primarily for the entire line of General Motors vehicles and joint projects: Cadillac, Chevrolet, Opel.
The lubricant works equally well on both gasoline and diesel engines. Low ash content and low consumption are shown by turbocharged diesel units. This is due to the large amount of additives used in the Dexos2 Longlife brand.
In addition to good performance indicators, the oil provides less wear of engine components, has a long drain interval from 20,000 km. Additional advantages of the lubricating composition include the affordable cost of additives.
Conclusion
In order not to be mistaken when choosing an oil, it is necessary to read the marking correctly. Manufacturers in most cases indicate all three classes of the standard on the canister: SAE, API and ACEA. Drivers are advised to rely on the SAE index, which indicates the main characteristics of the oil: operating temperature and viscosity.
