What's written on your oil bottle, and what does it mean?



This post may seem like going back to basics but I'm constantly surprised by the number of people who do not know, or understand, what is written on a bottle of oil, and therefore have no idea what they are buying/using.

To be blunt about the subject, if a bottle of oil does not contain the following basic information then DO NOT buy it! Look for something that does!

1) The purpose for which it is intended (i.e. Motor oil, Gear oil etc)

2) The viscosity (i.e. 10w40, 5w30 etc for Motor oils and 80w90, 75w90, etc for Gear oils)

3) The specifications that it meets (should contain both API and ACEA ratings)

4) The OEM Approvals that it carries and the codes (i.e. MB229.3, VW503.00, BMW LL01 etc)

Ignore the marketing blurb on the label - in many cases it's meaningless and I'll explain later what statements you should treat with some scepticism.

So, what does the above information mean and why is it important?

THE BASICS


All oils are intended for an application and in general are not interchangeable. You would not for example put an Automatic Transmission Oil or a Gear Oil in your engine! It's important to know what the oil's intended purpose is.

VISCOSITY

Most oils on the shelves today are "Multigrades", which simply means that the oil falls into 2 viscosity grades (i.e. 10w-40 etc)

Multigrades were first developed some 50 years ago to avoid the old routine of using a thinner oil in winter and a thicker oil in summer.

In a 10w-40 for example the 10w bit (W = winter, not weight or watt or anything else for that matter) simply means that the oil must have a certain maximum viscosity/flow at low temperature. The lower the "W" number the better the oil's cold temperature/cold start performance.

The 40 in a 10w-40 simply means that the oil must fall within certain viscosity limits at 100°C. This is a fixed limit and all oils that end in 40 must achieve these limits. Once again the lower the number, the thinner the oil: a 30 oil is thinner than a 40 oil at 100°C etc. Your handbook will specify whether a 30, 40 or 50 etc is required.

SPECIFICATIONS

Specifications are important as these indicate the performance of the oil and whether they have met or passed the latest tests, or whether the formulation is effectively obsolete or out of date. There are two specifications that you should look for on any oil bottle and these are API (American Petroleum Institute) and ACEA (Association des Constructeurs Europeens d'Automobiles) all good oils should contain both of these, and an understanding of what they mean is important

http://www.driverstechnology.co.uk/oils.htm



Oil Types, Weights & Viscosity FAQ

Is it ok to switch motor oil weights, for example, from a 5W-20 to a 10W-30?


It depends. Some vehicle manufacturers provide a range of recommended motor oil viscosity grades based on the outside temperature in which the car is driven. Other manufacturers recommend the use of only one motor oil viscosity grade. For best engine performance, always follow the manufacturer's recommendations found in your vehicle’s owner’s manual.

Is it ok to use 5W-30 in a car if the owner's manual calls for 5W-20?


It is not recommend to do this. Using a heavier grade than recommended may cause decrease in fuel economy, higher engine loads and eventually shortened engine life. Using a lighter grade than recommended may result in excessive mechanical wear and reduced engine life. For maximum engine performance, follow the recommended motor oil viscosity and maintenance schedule provided in your vehicle's owner's manual.

What does the "w" in a grade of motor oil stand for?


The "w" in motor oil stands for winter. The first number in the oil classification refers to a cold weather viscosity. The lower this number is, the less viscous your oil will be at low temperatures. For example, a 5W- motor oil will flow better at lower temperatures than a 15W- motor oil. The higher number, following the “w” refers to hot weather viscosity, or how fluid your oil is at hot temperatures. The higher the number, the thicker the oil at a specified temperature.

Is thicker oil better?


In some circumstances, thicker oil can be used to compensate for increased bearing clearances (gaps between bearing and rotating shaft) that have developed over the years. A large change in bearing clearances can result in poorer lubrication. For best performance always follow the recommendations for motor oil viscosity in your vehicle's owner's manual.

When does it make sense to use straight weight oil (SAE30) versus a multigrade oil (5W-30)?


Straight weight oil is never recommended for use in a system that requires a multi-viscosity oil. Straight weight oils are generally recommended for smaller engines or older vehicles that were made before multi-viscosity oils were produced.

Is switching types of motor oil (conventional, synthetic, etc.) harmful to my vehicle's engine?


Conventional, synthetic blend, synthetic and high mileage motor oils are compatible and will not harm your vehicle's engine. For maximum engine performance, follow the motor oil type recommendation provided in your vehicle’s owner’s manual.

Is it true that older cars must only use conventional oil?


No.

http://www.valvoline.com/about-us/faq/oil-types-weights-and-viscosity-faq

Nice write up. I encourage vehicle owners to read this thread and buy the recommended oil spec for their vehicles. Don't mess up your engines with cheap no-name and non-spec engine oil. It would cost you more at the end to replace your engines.

Am not yet a car owner



pls fellow nairalanders, am a student in my HND 1 Estate management. Pls the semester is just ending, I need any work either factory or office job I can do within two months before school resumes to have my school fees paid.
Pls help a striving brother, am currently staying in Abeokuta
This is my contact both what'sapp and direct call is allowed O7O 33 26 61 93

Nice

Cool

Ok

Very enlightening write up.

But Nigerian drivers pay little attention to what they pour inside their engines and transmission. One poured AP Visco 2000 into his transmission because it is same colour as ATF.

One more thing

Apart from using the right grade of engine oil, it is important to also use the right class of oil certification.

For example if your car specifies 5w30 API: SF. Using a 5w30 API: SE will be a bad choice. API SL, SM or SN or above will be even better.

Another damaging culture is using oil treatment for non faulty engine. I have seen a 2005 Tacoma using Ammasco oil with abro oil treament, i shook my head and left the location because i didnt want to insult the mechanic and probably cause enmity between him and I.

The major issue we have in Nigeria is availability and cost.

Great write up, and well elaborated

nice writeup, learnt something new today, but does changing a vehicles oil brand have any negative effect on the engine?? say you always serviced your engine with total oil,then you switched to sharlu or Mobil, does it shorten engine life?

luvinhubby:
Very enlightening write up.

Bit Nigerian drivers pay little attention to what they pour inside their engines and transmission. One poured AP Visco 2000 into his transmission because it is same colour as ATF.

lols,same way a guy poured an injection cleaner meant for the fuel tank into the master brake of a vehicle, all cause ts the same colour with that brands brake oil,ended up ruining a 25k spare part.

Very interesting. As a Science lover I really enjoyed reading this article.


I trust my naija Women they won't even click this thread lol

streetzdreamz:
nice writeup, learnt something new today, but does changing a vehicles oil brand have any negative effect on the engine?? say you always serviced your engine with total oil,then you switched to sharlu or Mobil, does it shorten engine life?

I have in few occasions change my engine oil brand and about to do so again in few days time due to cost and availability, I believe all you need to do is to get a similar spec in another brand.

Nice post...

Thanks for the info

domack99:


I have in few occasions change my engine oil brand and about to do so again in few days time due to cost and availability, I believe all you need to do is to get a similar spec in another brand.

cool, I asked cuz av heard countless tales of people saying otherwise,like it ruins the system or so, graciaz.

succintly and aptly captured! op one gala for you

Just bought a Mercedes Benz C Class and want to change the oil. Pls advice me on what to use both engine and gear oil. Thanks.

streetzdreamz:
cool, I asked cuz av heard countless tales of people saying otherwise,like it ruins the system or so, graciaz.

But need to be very careful when it comes to transmission oil, always stick to the recommended oil or range of oils.

MrTim0103:
Just bought a Mercedes Benz C Class and want to change the oil. Pls advice me on what to use both engine and gear oil. Thanks.

Check your bonnet or service manual, what does it recommend

MrTim0103:
Just bought a Mercedes Benz Class and want to change the oil. Pls advice me on what to use bother engine and gear oil. Thanks

Engine oil - Mobil 1!...Mobil 1!!...Mobil1!!! I don't care what your mechanic tells you, they're all the same blah blah blah...bros Mobil 1!

For the gear oil the tyranny of mercs work like nuclear plants & generate the kind of heat you don't want to imagine. Please for the sake of your investment stick to the original Mercedes type gear oil. Seahorse or whatever is NOT designed for use in such heated environments as the merc transmission system and this I guarantee will lead to the kaput-ing of your engine!

I lost the effectiveness of my E class cos of cutting corners and had to sell it off at a ridiculous amount cos of this.

Pls be advised!

Mobil 1 in naija is quite different from the one gotten from America ...if you can swing it bros try and see if you can get the American one...you'd be better for it.

Congrats on your new whip emi a lo o

refreshrate:


Engine oil - Mobil 1!...Mobil 1!!...Mobil1!!! I don't care what your mechanic tells you, they're all the same blah blah blah...bros Mobil 1!

Mobil 1 is always a good choice, kind of expensive right now.

refreshrate:


Engine oil - Mobil 1!...Mobil 1!!...Mobil1!!! I don't care what your mechanic tells you, they're all the same blah blah blah...bros Mobil 1!

. Thanks Man

domack99:


But need to be very careful when it comes to transmission oil, always stick to the recommended oil or range of oils.

sure, am not even changing my brand, just wanna satisfy my curiosity.

My Camry recommended SAE 5W30, I priced Mobil, they said 15k, omo I run go buy Total quartz 4k, been using it and it has been serving me. Change my engine oil every two months. Car used only for work and church on Sundays.

MrTim0103:
. Thanks Man

Edited the earlier post. Pls read and be guided

My own question is if the oil is 5W-30 and the W stands for winter...meanwhile we are in Nigeria and temperatures go as high as they do...does this not affect something somehow in the performance of the oil vs. engine?
Considering all that talk about heat and it's effects on chemical reactions Increase in temperature increases reaction rates because of the disproportionately large increase in the number of high energy collisions.

...I'm asking for a friend

domack99:


Mobil 1 is always a good choice, kind of expensive right now.

So far one can afford it,a good Synthetic engine oil is the best thing you can pour in your engine .It best for your engine !

adanny01:
One more thing

Apart from using the right grade of engine oil, it is important to also use the right class of oil certification.

For example if your car specifies 5w30 API: SF. Using a 5w30 API: SE will be a bad choice. API SL, SM or SN or above will be even better.

Another damaging culture is using oil treatment for non faulty engine. I have seen a 2005 Tacoma using Ammasco oil with abro oil treament, i shook my head and left the location because i didnt want to insult the mechanic and probably cause enmity between him and I.

The major issue we have in Nigeria is availability and cost.

That's the attitude of many Nigerian car owners,terrible maintenance culture,but it is getting better ,more people are starting to understand cars better and are trying to maintain there cars properly