Motor Oil Function, Types, Lifespan, and Common Viscosities
Motor oil is essential for keeping your vehicle in good condition. It protects internal components, reduces wear, cools the engine, and improves performance. To choose the right oil, it’s important to understand its function, the types available, its lifespan, and especially its viscosity grade, which determines how the oil behaves at different temperatures.
What is motor oil and what is it for?
Motor oil is a lubricant designed to:
- Reduce friction between engine parts
- Dissipate heat generated by combustion
- Clean out sediments and particles
- Protect against corrosion
- Maintain internal compression
In short, oil is the lifeblood of the engine: if you don’t change it on time or use the wrong type, wear will increase and you could face serious failures.
Types of Motor Oil
- Mineral: Derived from crude oil, economical, ideal for older engines. Lifespan: 3,000 – 5,000 km
- Semi-synthetic: A blend of mineral and synthetic, balanced between price and durability. Lifespan: 6,000 – 8,000 km
- Synthetic: Chemically engineered, offers better protection and longer life, recommended for modern engines.
Common Viscosity Grades (SAE)
Viscosity indicates how fluid the oil is at different temperatures. It’s regulated by the SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) and represented like this:
Example: 10W-40
- First number (before the “W”): Cold behavior (Winter)
- Second number: Hot behavior
Common Viscosity Grades (SAE)
Viscosity measures how fluid the oil is at different temperatures. It's expressed with two numbers, like 10W-40:
- The first number (before the “W”) indicates how the oil behaves in cold conditions (“W” stands for Winter).
- The second number shows how it performs when the engine is hot.
Here are the most common viscosity grades and their recommended uses:
- 0W-20: Designed for extremely cold climates (−40 °C to 20 °C). Best for modern engines focused on fuel efficiency.
- 5W-20: Suitable for cold to mild temperatures (−35 °C to 25 °C). Common in small cars, hybrids, and newer models.
- 5W-30: Works well in cold to warm conditions (−30 °C to 30 °C). A very popular choice offering excellent protection.
- 10W-30: Ideal for mild climates (−20 °C to 35 °C). Recommended for light vehicles used in both city and highway driving.
- 10W-40: Performs in mild to warm temperatures (−20 °C to 40 °C). Widely used in gasoline engines, especially mid-sized and modern ones.
- 15W-40: Built for warm climates (−15 °C to 45 °C). Common in diesel engines and high-wear gasoline engines.
- 15W-50: Handles extreme heat (−10 °C to 50 °C). Recommended for high-performance vehicles.
- 20W-40: Suitable for very warm conditions (0 °C to 45 °C). Often used in older vehicles and motorcycles.
- 20W-50: Also for very warm climates (0 °C to 50 °C). Ideal for tropical regions and engines with high mileage.
Important Oil Tips
- Change the filter too: Always replace the oil filter when changing the oil to avoid contamination.
- Check the level monthly: Low oil levels can damage the engine.
- Don’t rely on color alone: Dark oil doesn’t necessarily mean it’s bad—mileage matters more.
- Monitor consumption: Some engines are designed to consume more oil; check levels regularly.
Conclusion
Motor oil is vital for your vehicle’s proper operation. Using the right type and respecting change intervals extends engine life, improves fuel efficiency, and prevents costly repairs.
If you’re unsure which oil to choose, it’s best to follow the manufacturer’s recommendation and consider your local climate.
