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This piece is necessitated by the unprecedented number of calls and subsequent enquiries that the speech I gave at a recent Nigerian lubricants blenders’ event, which was published on this page not too long ago, excited. Many who called wondered aloud what the fuss was about using any particular type of engine oil in their vehicles.

Let me start with a simple layman’s explanation of why you need to use the right engine oil, indeed the very grade that’s specified by the manufacturer, in your automobile (especially if the vehicle is a high-end one or if it’s not older than eight years). Modern automotive engines are not only finely cut in the intricacies of their design, but are designed with materials that should be fully treated as instructed by the manufacturers.

This is why the “religious” observance of the manufacturers’ stated grade of engine oil is very imperative. What is the meaning of the SAE, Society of American Engineers recommended, grading (like SAE 20-W-50, SAE 0-W-40, etc) that you see on the containers of engine oil?

The first numeral, specifically, say, the “20” in the 20-W-50, refers to the minimum environmental temperature under which the particular engine oil should be used. It’s obvious that with this temperature classification this blend of oil can only be used in a tropical environment like ours here. However, the “0” in 0-W-40 indicates that the engine oil with this temperature classification can be used in regions of the world where the temperature falls to as low as zero degree Celsius.

The “W” simply stands for winter; and this is why I tell motorists in Nigeria not to really bother about whatever you see between the SAE up onto the W. Our weather here cannot go below 20 degree Celsius, so none of the oil can freeze in our environment here.

The most important part of the engine oil grading that an average motorist must adhere strictly to in Nigeria is the last number after the wintry “W”. That number indicates the level of the refinement of the oil, which whether you use the oil in Nigeria or Siberia easily defines its discernible viscosity or thickness (“50” is obviously thicker than “40” and “30” is quite more viscous than “20”). So, if the manufacturer specifies that you must use an oil grade with SAE 5-W-20 (like most vehicles from 2012) because of the thinness of the cuttings between the moving parts of the internal fixtures of the engine and the crevices, and you decide to use the most popular synthetic oil in Nigeria, which is SAE 0-W-40, because of its brand allure.

What that means is that the thickness of the oil is such that your engine will not be properly lubricated because the oil of your choice is so thick it cannot pass through the thin spaces between the engine’s moving parts! This scenario will even be more stressful on your engine when you’re starting the vehicle either in the morning or after it has been parked for a while. This is usually the time when wear-and-tear occurs the most on engines.
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The oil would have settled in the sump at the bottom of the engine. So, when you’re starting the vehicle in the morning or after a long rest the speed at which the oil gets to all the necessary parts of the engine will be, amongst other factors, a function of consistency with the manufacturer’s specified viscosity grading. In conclusion, just look at it this way: water and palm oil are both liquid substances, but if subjected to the same pressure of movement, water, which is far less viscous or thinner than palm-oil, will move faster.

For further information and/or enlightenment, call Kehinde Ekisola on 08023025022.

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"The “W” simply stands for winter; and this is why I tell motorists in Nigeria not to really bother about whatever you see between the SAE up onto the W. Our weather here cannot go below 20 degree Celsius, so none of the oil can freeze in our environment here.

The most important part of the engine oil grading that an average motorist must adhere strictly to in Nigeria is the last number after the wintry “W”."

You're still misleading your readers that care to listen to you.

Every single component of the oil make up is important.

It doesn't matter if you live in the middle of the Sahara Desert or in Alaska, motorists needs to read their owners manual and go along with what the engineers specified for the engine.

That it doesn't freeze in Nigeria doesn't mean that 0W20 oil shouldn't be used.

For people that really want to educate themselves on oil, they should go to [url]BobIsTheOilGuy.Com[/url]

While recommending engine oil for their brand of vehicles, manufacturers are not region specific. Irrespective of country of assembly, they are aware that these vehicles will be used in different countries with weather variations including the hottest regions. These engines are also tested at maximum low-temperature cranking and pumping viscosities as well as a minimum high temperature or high shear viscosity at 150*C.

So the best option for car owners is to go with the manufacturer's recommended viscosity. Certainly, you would never go wrong.

bravolad: While recommending engine oil for their brand of vehicles, manufacturers are not region specific. Irrespective of country of assembly, they are aware that these vehicles will be used in different countries with weather variations including the hottest regions. These engines are also tested at maximum low-temperature cranking and pumping viscosities as well as a minimum high temperature or high shear viscosity at 150*C.

So the best option for car owners is to go with the manufacturer's recommended viscosity. Certainly, you would never go wrong.

Exactly and this is why I continue to take issue to what the OP continues to writes in this section.

I'm not a Mechanical Engineer but to the best of my knowledge, every Automobile has a recommend Engine Oil specification given by its manufacturer.
5W20/5W30 is good, ONLY for autos that their manufacturers recommend such for.
It will be WRONG to use a 5W20/5W30 for a Mercedes Benz automobile when its Manufacturer recommends 0W40 Engine Oil Specification.
Anyone has a contrary opinion?

Oga for our weather temperature....they are different kinds of Mobile 1 series..... OP made a solid point..

shoppyanno:
I'm not a Mechanical Engineer but to the best of my knowledge, every Automobile has a recommend Engine Oil specification given by its manufacturer.
5W20/5W30 is good, ONLY for autos that their manufacturers recommend such for.
It will be WRONG to use a 5W20/5W30 for a Mercedes Benz automobile when its Manufacturer recommends 0W40 Engine Oil Specification.
Anyone has a contrary opinion?

https://davesoilchange.com/motor-oil-for-hot-weather/


Make una learn....OP is right

megyucyautos:
https://davesoilchange.com/motor-oil-for-hot-weather/


Make una learn....OP is right

You just went to resurrect a 7 year old thread, on a topic that has been discussed here over and over again, abi you dey sell oil.