Which oil is best in winter. Rating of motor oils for winter

Hello everyone! With the advent of cold weather, the question of how to choose the right winter oil for the engine. On the one hand, it is simple, but on the other, there are some nuances. If you pour the first liquid that comes across or thoughtlessly follow the advice of a neighbor, you can harm the motor. Why is that? Let's figure it out.

Do I need to change the oil in the winter

At subzero temperatures, the engine is most demanding on the quality of the oil. The lower the viscosity of the grease during cold start, the better. Just in winter time the effect of engine oil starvation is observed. What it is?

As you know, at start-up, oil must be pumped through the engine. The sooner this happens, the better. Because for some time, the motor has to run almost dry. And when, inside the engine, metal rubs against metal, nothing good will happen.

Naturally, the thicker the engine oils, the harder it is for them to spread over all the details. In addition, the load on the battery also increases. No wonder, most failures rechargeable batteries falls precisely in the winter. Not only does it itself lose up to 40% of its capacity in severe frost, but also an additional load in the form of a thick lubricating fluid.

To combat this, you need to use high-quality winter or all-season grease that will be stable at low temperatures. Therefore, all experts recommend changing the oil before the onset of cold weather. Even if there are still several thousand left before the planned replacement, this will be justified. Especially if a liquid with a low low-temperature viscosity is poured under the hood.

What is oil viscosity

- this is its main characteristic. It defines the maximum allowable temperatures at which the lubricating fluid retains its properties. If the car is operated in a gentle mode, in a warm climate, you can ignore the viscosity. The engine will feel good on any multigrade grease.

But, when the machine is used at extremely low or high temperatures ah - viscosity needs to be paid Special attention.

What is viscosity? In fact, it is the ability of the oil to create a lubricating film between the engine parts. There is a simple relationship here:

• high viscosity- the film is thicker;
• low viscosity - the film is thinner.

Basic viscosity requirements:

• it should not be too high - the lubricant layer on the parts will be too thick and the engine will work harder - as a result increased consumption fuel;
• it should not be low - the layer of the lubricating film will turn out to be thin - as a result, grinding of engine parts and its rapid wear is possible.

Therefore, the viscosity of the oil must be optimal. It should be understood that the concept of optimality for each engine will be different.

Viscosity index

A very interesting and most importantly important parameter that determines the performance of a lubricant. Let's take a closer look at it.

When the engine is running, it heats up and the oil viscosity drops. Those. it liquefies. The dependence of the rate of oil dilution is the index of its viscosity.

From here you can get the following dependence:

• the higher the index, the more slowly the oil loses its density, and, accordingly, the engine parts are better lubricated;
• the lower the index, the faster it liquefies. In this case, the lubricating film becomes thinner and engine wear increases.

In a sense, this parameter is a characteristic of the stability of the lubricant. Those. determines how well it performs at extreme temperatures. For choosing a winter oil, this means that the higher the viscosity index, the easier it will pass cold start engine.

Unfortunately, manufacturers do not indicate these values ​​on the canister. But, it will not be superfluous to know their average characteristics for different types oils:

1. Synthetic - 140-170.
2. Semi-synthetic – 130-150.
3. Mineral - 110-135.

As you can see, this indicator is the lowest for mineral water. Which is not surprising - it's not a secret for anyone that these lubricants turn into jelly in the cold.

Synthetics have the highest rate, but unfortunately, they can be used on new engines. Motors with high mileage no longer tolerate it so well.

SAE classification of engine oils

Each canister of oil has an SAE viscosity mark. For instance:

• 10w40;
• 15w40;
• 5w30, etc.

What do these numbers mean, and how to understand which oil is best to pour into the engine for the winter? Let's figure it out.

There are 3 types of lubricant in total:

1. Summer.
2. Winter.
3. All-season.

It should be said right away that all-season fluids have practically supplanted summer and winter oil. Still, it is inconvenient to depend on the weather and change the lubricant when winter or summer comes. Moreover, all-season fluids provide stable work over a wide temperature range.

In fairness, it is worth noting that there is:

• 5 summer stamps – 20, 30, 40, 50, 60;
• 6 winter - 0w, 5w, 10w, 15w, 20w, 25w.

All-season fluids are marked like this: 10w40, 5w30, etc. The number in front of the letter w (winter) denotes the lower temperature limit at which the engine is lubricated during a cold start. The number after - refers to work at freezing temperatures.

By the way, do not assume that these figures are equal to the extreme operating temperatures of the oil. Things are a little more complicated. And we'll figure it out soon.

Temperature regimes

Let's see what the SAE markings mean, and in what temperature conditions they can be used. For clarity, let's take several brands of oil:

• Mobile Super 5w30 - provides engine lubrication at temperatures down to -30 degrees;
• Lukoil Genezis Polar Special 0w30- a real extreme, the liquid is able to withstand temperatures of -40 degrees;
• Zik A + 10w30 is a universal multigrade oil that will provide a good cold start at temperatures down to -25 degrees
• Mobil Ultra 10w40 - a fluid with a higher high temperature viscosity, best used in warmer regions;
• Castrol GTX 15w40 - no longer suitable for cold winters, the cold start temperature is up to -15 degrees.

Thus, you can easily determine which engine oil is best for the winter.

Oil selection criteria

To determine what kind of oil to fill in the engine for the winter, several criteria must be taken into account. Among them:

• recommendations of the car manufacturer;
• mileage of a car;
• terms of Use;
• driving style;
• API ACEA fluid specifications and tolerances.

In order not to get into the technical jungle, you can use the selection of oil for the make of the car. We will not dwell on this. It is enough to know that there are a lot of services on the Internet on which you can make such a selection.

Motor to motor strife. All units differ in their structure and nuances of work. Therefore, first of all, you need to pay attention to the recommendations of the plant - the manufacturer knows best of all what oil to pour into the car. Well, for tolerances, if any, of course.

For example, the recommended oil for a car is 10w40. If you fill in 15w40, it will be more difficult for the pump to pump liquid in cold weather. If you change it to 0w20, the motor will start to work for wear, because grease that is too fluid will not provide good lubrication to the motor.

Mileage and condition of the motor

As you know, when a car crosses the mark of 60-70 thousand, it is recommended to switch from synthetics to semi-synthetics. It is caused by the decline performance characteristics motor. Therefore, in order to determine which oil is best for the motor, you need to take into account its condition.

With an increase in mileage, the requirements for the density of the lubricating fluid change for the engine. And it is recommended to use an oil with a higher high temperature viscosity index. In simple terms, you need to fill in the liquid thicker than before. In worn out motors, it is also better not to pour too much liquid oil- due to the increased gaps, the lubricating film will drain from the parts.

But, here is a double-edged sword. Too thick grease will kill the engine in cold weather. Therefore, a good engine oil for the winter should be a compromise solution.

If you listen to the experts, they advise:

• with a car mileage of more than 100 thousand, all-season use 5w40, and in winter 5w30 and 10w30;
• with a mileage of more than 250 thousand, all-weather use 5W50, and specifically for winter - 5w40 and 10w40.

But, again, even with high mileage, the engine can be very good condition, as well as being killed after 50 thousand. Therefore, the mileage should be considered only in conjunction with the general condition of the motor.

API, ACEA standards and approvals

Everything is simple here - in order to understand which oil to fill, you need to check the tolerance. If the liquid has it, then it is suitable for the car. If you do not know what a tolerance is, then I will explain. This is a special marking on the canister, which means that the oil has passed internal certification from the car manufacturer and is approved by them for use in motors.

As for the API and ACEA standards, it is not difficult here either. These standards determine the compatibility of the motor with the lubricant brand. So, by API (American standard):

1. Marking "C" - for a diesel engine.
2. Marking "S" - for gasoline engines.
3. "S \ C" is a universal liquid.

For example, the SL / CI-4 marking indicates a universal oil suitable for both diesel and gasoline engines. The second letters on the label speak of quality. The closer to the end of the alphabet, the later the specification was adopted - and therefore the liquid is better.

ACEA is a European standard. In it, everything is almost exactly the same. Only the letters are different:

• "A" - gasoline;
• "B" - diesel;
• "E" - trucks;
• "C" - universal class (analogue "S \ C")

Instead of the second letter, a number is indicated to decipher the specification. The larger it is, the better. For example, B5-2002 indicates a fluid for lubricating passenger diesel engines, and the specification was adopted in 2002.

So which oil is best for the winter? Naturally more fluid. Such a liquid will avoid oil starvation during a cold start and will not cause problems in severe frosts. At the same time, it is worth considering other criteria described in the article. Still from the right choice oil directly depends on the operation of the car.

That's all, leave your comments and read other blog articles.

Many experienced car owners know that how stable and easy the engine will start in cold conditions depends on the quality of the car oil and its certain indicators. If in the summer months the oil should only protect the engine parts from high temperatures and loads, then in frosts it is necessary to take into account other characteristics. It should be said that the division of oil products into lubricants for winter / summer is now irrelevant. Today in auto oil stores there are mainly all-season products.

In other words, today universal lubricants are sold that can be used all year round. Also, over time, the border between oil fluids for gasoline / diesel engines disappears. There are more and more consumables that can be poured both in diesel engines and in an internal combustion engine with gasoline. So far, it has not been possible to create a truly universal lubricant that is effective in any engine. This is due to the peculiarities of the functioning power units and the fuel used. Any car enthusiast should know what kind of lubricant should be used in winter conditions, how the markings on the cans are deciphered, how to control the amount of car oil and refill it in the engine in winter.

What kind of lubricant to pour into the motor in winter

For the most part, petroleum products in stores are considered universal. However, many drivers are in a hurry to change the oil fluid before the beginning of winter. It must be said that it is very useful to replace the car oil in the engine in winter, especially when the old oil has used up at least one-half of its own resource.

How to choose a consumable for winter, taking into account the viscosity index and other indicators that are quite significant for the proper functioning of the engine and a comfortable ride? The engine should be filled with those lubricants recommended by the manufacturer of the machine. Recommendations can be read in the operating manual. The list is not limited to a couple of items. Not only power depends on the characteristics and quality of the used car oil. Lubrication affects the elasticity, engine noise, fuel consumption, ease of starting in cold conditions, and so on.

1. It is common knowledge that the thick oil liquid forms a strong lubricating film. This allows the engine to function with less noise. The chance of leakage of oil seals, linings, and other sealing parts is reduced. In view of this, drivers, especially those who have traveled more than one hundred thousand kilometers, pour viscous car oil into the internal combustion engine in the summer, observing the tolerances and recommendations of the automaker). This is due to the fact that with mileage, the gaps between the contacting parts increase. In other words, if oil was first used in the engine, for example, 5w30, then after a run of hundreds of thousands of kilometers, it is advisable to switch to the "forty". It should be borne in mind that thick oil products in winter become even more viscous, poorly pumped. As a result, the engine, which could be easily started with grease in the summer season, is difficult to start in cold weather. In such a situation, you must immediately replace the car oil.
2. You need to understand how the lubrication check is performed in the motor. Pull out the special dipstick before starting the engine without warming up. Check the condition of the grease, how quickly it collects into a drop at the tip of the dipstick. If you notice that the oil product is too viscous, then it needs to be changed.

Considering that the lubricant becomes thicker in winter, you need to understand how the correct filling of the motor oil into the engine is carried out, in which there is no overflow / underfilling. The oil must be poured exactly at the level.

If you check the amount of oil with a cold engine, then the data may turn out to be inaccurate, since the lubricant level decreases at low temperatures. In order to accurately determine the volume, a good warm-up of the engine is performed. Then they turn off the motor, wait a quarter of an hour. During this period, the finally liquefied car oil will leak into the pallet. The reading on the dipstick will provide an objective assessment of the lubricant level.

Obviously, the thinner the car oil, the easier it is to start the power unit in winter. If you find that the frost oil you are using is not suitable, choose a different one.

Choosing a car oil for winter

The key indicators of the lubricant, which must be taken into account before purchasing, can be recognized by the special marking. For winter conditions, an oil with the appropriate viscosity and temperature parameters is required. The following foods are best choices:

• 0w Very liquid. Even at very low temperatures (up to forty degrees) it retains fluidity, perfectly passes through the oil complex;
• 5w Recommended for use in regions with harsh winters;
• 10w Optimal for vehicles operating in mild winter conditions;
• 10w Multigrade lubricant, optimal for both warm winters and for a sultry summer.

Temperature regime motor oils

It must be remembered that the smaller the 1st number, the thinner the oil product will be after the power unit warms up and reaches high temperatures. A low-viscosity consumable less effectively lubricates mating parts than a thick oil product. Liquid lubricant forms a thin film, therefore, engine wear increases. It turns out that for a stable start and the least wear, you need to pour liquid oils, which are not able to protect the engine when heated. It is advisable to follow the recommendations prescribed in the operating manual, to maintain a balance. For example, the manufacturer wrote that it is possible to fill the motor with both "thirty" and "forty". In this case, make your choice based on the ambient temperature.

If in the winter season the temperature usually does not drop less than seven degrees, then the "forty" is considered the best choice... If the cold reaches minus twenty, choose 5w30. Remember that with the arrival of summer, the car oil will have to be changed to a thicker one in order to better protect the internal combustion engine. In view of this, some experts advise pouring liquid oil into the power unit in winter and thick in summer, that is, to replace the consumable seasonally.

Specialists and experienced drivers pay attention to the fact that the approvals of the motor manufacturer are most important. When choosing a lubricant, first of all, it is necessary to take into account the temperature and viscosity indicators, then the tolerances of the automaker. Only then the type of car oil is established (mineral water, synthetics, semi-synthetics) and attention is focused on the brand of oil product, its characteristics and price.

It turns out that it doesn't matter if you use Liquid Moli, Castrol or Mobile. The main thing is that the filled oil is not a fake, is suitable for a specific motor, has the required viscosity index, and is in accordance with the manufacturer's tolerances.

Conclusion

Considering that many types and brands of lubricants are freely sold today, you should not stop your own choice on the most inexpensive products. It is advisable to buy consumables in trusted stores. This reduces the chance of acquiring a fake. If you know for sure that a very low temperature will soon be established, do not choose mineral water. Better to use a semi-synthetic petroleum product.

If the car usually stands in a warm room, and on a cold street is idle for no more than three hours, then you can not use liquid lubricant in winter. It will only be necessary to insulate the space under the hood, the power unit. This will make it possible to reduce the cooling rate of the engine. Another way to reduce the likelihood of increased wear, to facilitate starting without warming up is installation. preheater, the use of automatic warming up of the motor and so on.

Most of today's car alarms are equipped with a function that makes it possible to automatically warm up the engine in cold conditions. If there is no such option, it is possible to install a special autorun module. The power unit can be started from a distance, that is, it will be warmed up in advance. Autostart can be configured in such a way that the car will start, for example, once every 2 hours. This prevents the machine engine from cooling too much when the machine is idle, and reduces the likelihood of problems with starting without preliminary warming up.

With the onset of the winter season, most motorists think about. When it becomes necessary to ensure a stable engine start in cold weather, the task arises of choosing the optimal lubricant. Even with the use of a familiar all-season product, the efficiency of the motor will be noticeably increased due to fresh lubrication, therefore, replacing the composition before the cold snap and the temperature drop to minus marks is quite justified. The issue is especially acute for owners who operate cars in cold regions. Motor oils are made on synthetic, mineral and semi-synthetic bases. Immediately, we note that a product made from natural ingredients in our case is absolutely unsuitable for use. Mineral oil is not resistant to negative temperatures, so you will not be able to start the engine even in ten-degree frost.

The best motor oil for winter is synthetic. The structure of the composition of synthetics is homogeneous, due to which reliable protection of the rubbing elements of the motor is provided. Engine oil, created by the method of molecular synthesis, is characterized by stability of characteristics in conditions of low temperatures and sharp jumps in the thermometer column. Good semi-synthetic lubricants can be used at medium subzero temperatures, but for severe frosts the best option there will be pure synthetics. If the oil is incorrectly selected, problems arise with the cold start of the unit. The reason for this is the thickening of the liquid, which provokes poor cranking. crankshaft, and in cold weather, when starting, the load on the motor increases significantly. Such unpleasant moments contribute to the rapid wear of structural parts, therefore, overlooking the most important role lubricant composition it does not follow.

Let's consider how to choose the right engine oil for the winter in order to ensure easy starting and normal engine operation at subzero temperatures and what product characteristics are important to consider when choosing.

Selection by degree of viscosity

The main parameter that determines the seasonality of the composition is viscosity. International SAE classification all formulations are divided into summer, winter and all-season classes. Information on the belonging of a product to a particular group can be found from the index indicated on the package. The winter engine oil label has the following meaning:

• the letter W in the index indicates the possibility of using the product in winter;
• the figure in front of it (0,5,10,15) indicates the low-temperature limit at which the composition works properly without losing its qualities;
• products marked 0W are used at temperatures from -10 to -40 ° С, 5W - from -10 to -35 ° С, 10W - from 0 to -35 ° С, 15W - from +5 to -25 ° С.

Today, summer and winter lubricants have sunk into oblivion, they have been completely replaced by multi-grade oils with the properties of products of both categories. For such mixtures, the upper and lower temperature thresholds are indicated. The ranges in which universal motor oils operate are represented by lubricant manufacturers in the range. The number after the letter W in the viscosity marking of all-season compounds means the permissible maximum positive temperature. Winter engine oil is selected taking into account the region of operation. For the winter of a temperate climatic zone, they are suitable, which ensure the stability of the engine in frosts down to -35 ° C, for the northern regions where the temperature drops to -50 ° C, it is recommended to use special arctic lubricants.

Winter grease rating

With a huge range of lubricants on the market, it is quite difficult to navigate in the choice the right oil... Accept the right decision the recommendations of the automaker specified in the manual for your car will help. Ratings based on long-term testing determine the best winter engine oil based on test results, but must be considered when purchasing a product.

Synthetic compounds

Choosing which oil to pour into the engine for the winter modern car, it is important to pay attention to its viscosity index and base. The most suitable for operation in cold weather are fully synthetic compounds that withstand low temperatures, have good fluidity, enveloping structural elements, and reduce friction between them. A large number of added additives give the formulations additional properties that allow to increase the engine resource, ensure the cleanliness of parts, reduce fuel consumption and perform other useful functions.

Despite the maximum number of advantages of using synthetics, it cannot be used in old models of units, as well as in motors with high mileage.

Universal option

Based on test results best performance winter oil showed a Shell brand product. The synthetic mixture is rightfully recognized as the first among lubricants for the cold season. The composition does not change the viscosity even at a temperature of -40 ° C, which ensures excellent engine start in cold weather, while the load on the starting mechanisms is minimal. Engine oil is suitable for various types of units, including those equipped with modern systems decline harmful emissions and runs on any fuel. The high quality of the product is evidenced by the certificates of the most famous Bentley concerns, Ferrari and Lamborgini.

Maximum resource

With viscosity indicators 5w40 has established itself as a composition with excellent antiwear characteristics, increasing engine resource and capable of operating under different load conditions. The mixture envelops the rubbing parts with a viscous protective film, while the lubricant remains liquid in the rest of the system. According to the results of research on the use of Castrol, experts noted an increase in the resource Volkswagen engines on 10%. A good winter oil with a fully synthetic base is the best option for different types motors passenger cars and light commercial vehicles, has many approvals from global automakers, including domestic VAZ... The product is not suitable only for turbocharged engines operating at high speeds.

For our roads

In the case when the car is operated in difficult conditions, you should pay attention to engine mixture ZIC XQ LS. Among other winter oils, Zeke is distinguished by the ability to work even on high-sulfur fuels, reducing the level of harmful deposits. The product does not change its viscosity even in severe frosts, it is suitable for various types of engines.

Semisynthetics

Oils of this group contain both mineral and synthetic components. If the question is about what kind of oil to pour into the engine of an old car before winter, a worn-out unit with high mileage or a low-powered diesel engine, the best solution would be to choose a semi-synthetic product. There is an abundance of products from well-known and proven brands on the lubricants market, therefore, looking at the manual for your car, you will find a recommended manufacturer and characteristics that you should rely on when buying a composition. Semi-synthetic mixtures Mobil Ultra 10w40 have good characteristics. The oil is suitable for foreign cars with injection motors, and is also successfully used on VAZ and GAZ vehicles.

Another option for all-season semi-synthetics is the domestic product Lukoil Lux 10w40. Is different excellent performance, allowing the machine to be operated in winter, and can be used for different types of engines.

The use of all-season compounds greatly simplifies the life of the car owner. If the temperature range of the used oil mixture corresponds to the climate, you will not have to bother with which oil to pour into the engine in winter.

Before making a purchase, you must make sure that the product specifications are in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations. Remember, the vehicle manufacturer is your main advisor in choosing the engine oil for the unit. The operating manual of the machine clearly states which compounds should be used for the motor installed on the car and what viscosity they should have. You just have to check the information obtained from the manual with the one that the oil manufacturers write on the canister label. Because the SAE parameters are one of the main selection criteria, the viscosity of the composition must be optimal. At the same time, you need to understand that not every mixture is suitable for a specific modification of the motor, the ideal product for your unit will be its own, and it is not at all necessary for it to occupy the top lines of the ratings.

If the characteristics of the motor allow, it is better not to save on lubricant and choose synthetics. Due to the fact that popular brands with a worldwide reputation are often counterfeited, it is worth purchasing oil only from trusted dealers who have certificates for the products they sell, in order to exclude the possibility of buying counterfeit products. It is preferable to adjust the replacement intervals in such a way that before the onset of cold weather, the fluid is renewed. Fresh lubrication will help the engine better cope with particularly severe winter operating conditions.

Every motorist should regularly check the level and add oil as needed. Ignoring this rule, you run the risk of getting such a nuisance as "oil starvation", fraught with serious consequences for the motor. It is highly discouraged to mix different compositions, and when switching to another oil, it is better to flush the system special composition or the lubricant that will be used in the future. The same should be done if you buy a car on secondary market, especially when winter is approaching, because it is not known which product was used by the previous owner in terms of quality and characteristics.

In the marking of any engine oil, the first digit before W (the letter means that the lubricant can be used in winter) contains information about the extremely low temperature at which the oil retains its characteristics and does not thicken. If it is "0", then it can be poured in at frost temperatures not lower than 35-40 ° C. The number "20" is indicated - it is better not to start the engine at a lubricant temperature below -10 ° C. The second option is suitable for winter in the Krasnodar Territory, and for the northern regions it is better to choose "zero". What kind of oil to pour into the engine in winter is decided by the owner himself, taking into account the climatic features of his region. It should also be remembered that the lubricant must correspond to the recommended parameters of the motor - upon reaching working temperature high fluidity can lead to increased wear of parts due to a too thin oil film.

In our review, we will consider the best frost resistance lubricants presented on domestic market... To participate in the rating, oils were selected on the basis of not only characteristics. The information obtained during the testing of the product by independent experts was taken into account, as well as consumer reviews.

The best engine oils for winter: economy class

Thanks to the use of innovative technologies, refiners are able to reduce the price of motor oil. Domestic manufacturers are also pleased, which provide Russian car owners with high-quality consumable for the engine.

3 TNK Magnum Motor Plus 10W-30 4 l

Favorable cost
Country Russia
Average price: 461 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.8

All-season mineral oil TNK Magnum Motor Plus 10W-30 has improved performance. By affordable price motorists are offered a modern product that can be poured into the power units of domestic cars and foreign cars. Confident start of gasoline and diesel engines occurs at temperatures down to -25 ° C. It is allowed to use not only in cars, but also in minibuses, light trucks. Thanks to a unique additive package, a high resistance to oxidation, wear and corrosion is achieved. The development took into account the operating conditions in Russia and the CIS countries.

Motorists in the reviews mention the soft operation of the engine both in summer and winter, on the preservation of the properties of the oil throughout the entire period of operation. Among the shortcomings, car owners mention increased waste consumption.

2 Gazpromneft Premium N 5W-40 4 l

The most affordable synthetics
Country Russia
Average price: 1081 rub.
Rating (2019): 5.0

For regular winter trips, the motor requires synthetics that retain their viscosity at low temperatures. Oil Gazpromneft Premium N 5W-40 is an inexpensive but high-quality material with an increased service life. It is recommended to pour it into gasoline and diesel engines of domestic and foreign cars. The use of modern technologies has made it possible to reduce the consumption of lubricant for waste, to increase the resistance of parts to corrosion.

Domestic car owners are advised to choose this oil for several reasons. First, consumers are pleased with the affordable price. Secondly, the manufacturer has provided reliable protection for its product from counterfeiting. Thirdly, the engine starts up confidently in a harsh winter. Some owners note the disappearance of such a problem as waste.

1 LUKOIL Lux semi-synthetic SL / CF 10W-40 4 l

Best semi-synthetics
Country Russia
Average price: 820 rubles.
Rating (2019): 5.0

The Russian company Lukoil produces high-quality semi-synthetic oils... LUKOIL Lux SL / CF 10W-40 is a multigrade lubricant for gasoline and diesel power units. Oil can be filled into motors domestic cars VAZ, imported cars, minibuses and commercial trucks. The use of semi-synthetics from Lukoil increases the service life of engines due to easy starting and reliable protection against corrosion. The combustion products do not have a damaging effect on the automotive catalyst.

The opinions of domestic motorists agree that this semi-synthetics has excellent quality at an affordable price. Only at frosts below -20 degrees is the thickening of the product noted.

Best motor oils for winter: mid-range

Many domestic and foreign manufacturers of motor oils operate in the middle price segment. They can be used for both summer and winter. Most often such lubricants owners of new VAZs and inexpensive foreign cars are poured into the engine.

3 MOBIL Super 3000 X1 5W-40 4 l

A great option for VAZ cars
The country: USA (made in Finland)
Average price: 1653 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.9

One of the engine oil manufacturers recommended by the VAZ plant is the American company Exxon Mobil. An excellent choice for owners domestic technology that spend the whole winter on the road is the Super 3000 X1 5W-40. Thanks to the synthetic base, the viscosity remains at low temperatures throughout the entire service life. The oil is suitable for intensive use of cars, both on highways and in metropolitan areas. The use of unique additives reliably protects engine parts from wear and corrosion.

The car owners who decided to pour this oil into the power unit immediately appreciated the high consumer qualities. It is easier to start the engine in cold weather, the oil level remains unchanged until replacement. In the summer, there is an increased burnout when driving at high speeds.

2 SHELL Helix Ultra ECT C2 / C3 0W-30 4 l

The best winter diesel oil
The country: UK, Netherlands
Average price: 2383 rub.
Rating (2019): 5.0

The most suitable oil for low-cost diesel vehicles is a product SHELL Helix Ultra ECT C2 / C3 0W-30. Chemists from Great Britain and the Netherlands have created an advanced formula that reliably protects engine parts from the harmful effects of diesel fuel combustion products. Innovative synthetics are able to improve technical specifications engine, reduce the toxicity of the exhaust. The power unit starts up without problems in the most severe Russian winter.

Many owners are encouraged to fill in this oil by the recommendations of the car manufacturers. They do not regret it, since the reviews show that the SHELL Helix Ultra ECT C2 / C3 0W-30 product fully copes with its duties.

1 TOYOTA SN 5W-30 4 L

Most popular specialized product
Country: Japan
Average price: 2610 rubles.
Rating (2019): 5.0

Specially for TOYOTA cars an oil of the same name has been developed. TOYOTA SN 5W-30 is recommended for the entire range of cars with gasoline engines. Its popularity is due to its high technical characteristics... Among them, one should highlight the possibility of operating the machine at low temperatures, the presence of unique antioxidants, and energy-saving properties. The oil prevents carbon deposits on parts, preserves the life of oil seals and other sealing products. The product comes in metal cans, making it difficult to counterfeit.

Toyota owners in Russia, who regularly fill this oil, are pleased with the easy start of the engine and the cleanliness of the power unit. The engine runs quietly in any weather. Some buyers are not happy with the price.

The best motor oils for winter: premium class

The highest quality is capable of ensuring trouble-free operation of high-speed and turbocharged engines on expensive foreign cars. lubricants... Many car owners prefer to pour elite engine oils in order to avoid costly repairs of the power unit in the future.

4 LIQUI MOLY Synthoil Longtime Plus 0W-30

Easy start in severe frosts
Country: Germany
Average price: 7557 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.5

What kind of oil should you put in your car in order to start it calmly when the air temperature approaches -40 ° C? Most drivers on such days will stay at home, and only those using LIQUI MOLY Synthoil Longtime Plus 0W-30 (or another lubricant presented in our review), wrapping themselves up warmly, will go to warm up the engine.

Equally suitable for diesel and gasoline units, this engine oil provides:

• Easy engine start in winter;
• Fuel economy;
• Suppression of oxidative processes, low waste consumption and slow aging;
• Protection against motor overheating (has a high thermal capacity).

In addition, the owners in the reviews note excellent cleaning qualities and the absence of new deposits in the engine. Also, when using, many drivers recommend making sure not only the compatibility of the product with the engine, but also the authenticity of the engine oil.

3 Ravenol Arctic Low SAPS ALS SAE 0W-30

The lowest freezing point
Country: Germany
Average price: 4251 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.8

The pour point of this oil is at around -52 ° C, which allows it to be used in engines operating in harsh climatic conditions. The grease has a high viscosity index and forms a strong oil film on the rubbing surfaces of engine parts. Good pumpability in the system and safe start of the power plant is possible even in severe frosts, when the thermometer mark drops below -35 ° C.

This best lubricant, which one can only imagine - such characteristics are given in their reviews by motorists who have become in winter conditions to fill in Arctic Low SAPS ALS engine oil. With its help, it is possible not only to reduce fuel consumption (even at high operating loads). The oil ages very slowly (high quality synthetics with minimal impurities), prolongs the life of particulate filters or TCW catalysts (three-way) and has low volatility.

2 Motul 8100 X-cess 5W40 5 l

The best synthetics for powerful motors
Country: France
Average price: 3536 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.9

It is better to fill in cars equipped with powerful motors in winter synthetic oil Motul 8100 X-cess 5W40. The French product has excellent resistance to the corrosive effects of combustion products. The oil film reduces the friction of parts in loaded diesel and gasoline engines. This oil is recommended for use by such well-known auto giants as GM, BMW, Porsche, MB, Renault and VW. It is allowed to use during warranty period auto.

Car owners recommend choosing this type of oil not only for expensive foreign cars. Some caring owners of VAZ cars pour Motul 8100 X-cess 5W40 into the engine, which has a positive effect on work in winter. Of the shortcomings, users indicate a high consumption of material and its price.

1 Castrol Turbo Diesel 0W-30 4L

Least economical turbo engine oil
The country: Germany (produced in Belgium)
Average price: 2896 rub.
Rating (2019): 5.0

Castrol Turbo Diesel 0W-30 synthetic oil is specially formulated for heavy duty diesel engines with turbines. It reduces the level of emission of hazardous compounds into the atmosphere, ensures the cleanliness of the exhaust tract. Meets the stringent requirements of such car manufacturers as BMW, Mercedes, Volkswagen. In the manufacturing process, the latest TITANIUM FST ™ technologies are used, which make the protective film durable. It can withstand extreme loads by forming a shock absorbing layer.

Domestic car owners in the reviews confirm the high quality of the product. The engine runs quietly, it starts even in Siberian frosts; from replacement to replacement, additional portions are not required to pour. Doesn't get dark over time.

Many people are familiar with this picture: a frosty morning and two motorists make their four wheeled "friends". One, the owner of a well-deserved "pensioner" started, as they say, "with half a kick", and his neighbor in a brand new car frightens those around him with the ineffectual howl of the starter up to full discharge battery.

How so? The car is new, the manufacturer guaranteed a confident start even at lower temperatures! And the thing, in most cases, is in the engine oil filled in for the winter. Not in the vehicle itself.

The main parameters that you should pay attention to when choosing an engine oil for winter

When operating a car in winter, a motorist, when choosing an engine oil, should pay special attention to three of them, which are directly responsible for starting and trouble-free operation of the engine in Russian winter conditions.

Viscosity

The main parameter is viscosity. Everyone, without exception, has heard about him. But hearing this is one thing, but understanding what it is is quite another. In a nutshell, viscosity is the ability of an oil to maintain its properties within a certain temperature range. Simply put, to lubricate, to reduce the force of friction between parts, is equally good, both at minus twenty and at positive temperatures. And if it's quite simple - do not freeze or boil.

Video - which engine oil is the best:

It is the viscosity index that the manufacturer indicates when labeling its products, in SAE system... For example, take one of the most common multigrade oils SAE 5W40, where the number five is responsible for the viscosity at negative values, and 40 at positive values.

It should be remembered that this is exactly a "number", and not an indicator of the temperature regime!

Understeer and pumpability

But there are two more parameters that directly depend on the viscosity, but are no less important when choosing an engine oil for winter. Namely: understeer and pumpability. But the manufacturer does not directly spread about this. Let's talk about them in more detail, a little later.

Table of oils for cars by temperature

In the meantime, let's see which SAE markings correspond to different temperature conditions.

Remember we asked you not to confuse the number of marking with the temperature of the environment at which the oil is allowed to be used? The table below clearly shows which of the values ​​corresponds to a certain threshold.

The lower the value of the first marking number, the higher the possibility of using the car in winter.

The first four oils are purely winter oils; their use in summer is prohibited. They are followed by four of their comrades, but already in the neighboring summer "workshop". Both the first and second groups in our time are used only by very meticulous motorists.

Most people prefer what is known as multigrade engine oil. And as you can see, some of them are able to seriously compete with their "pure" brethren. And don’t tell me - it’s convenient. Therefore, in the future, we will focus on multigrade oils.

Video - what kind of engine oil to fill in the engine:

So what is the best engine oil for pouring in winter? The answer to this question is very easy to find in the owner's manual for the car. There the manufacturer answers it quite categorically. But there are two problems here. The first is mentality. Almost any resident of our country will look at the instructions only when something breaks. The second - there is simply no such book at hand.

Therefore, we will figure it out ourselves and it's time to remember the parameters mentioned above: oversteer and pumpability. The essence is clear from the names themselves. Pumpability - the ability of oil to pass through the engine system under the influence of the oil pump, and cranking, respectively, is responsible for cold start at low ambient temperatures.

But how do they relate to viscosity? The table will help us.

And what can be seen from it? The above parameters, superimposed on the temperature scale, differ significantly from the viscosity values.

Consider oil labeled 5W40. The minimum pumpability is minus thirty-five degrees, the maximum is plus forty. Oversteer - minus twenty-seven. And what do we have in the viscosity table? Operation at minus thirty is allowed. Here it is the first underwater pebble. Look, only oil with the number zero has the best performance in these indicators.

Therefore, a preliminary summary can be drawn.

Which oil is better than 5W30 or 5W40 in winter?

For most regions Russian Federation there is absolutely no point in purchasing oils with a lower viscosity limit of less than 5. The ideal option is a pair of 5W30 and 5W40.

Well, you say, they sang "war songs" here, and now we have to choose one of the two? Quite right, but we propose to do it together by a simple comparison of the discussed parameters.

Oil 5W30, according to the parameters declared by the manufacturer for the winter period of operation, surpasses its "fortieth" competitor 5W40!

But we remember that both of these products are like twins in terms of pumping and cranking parameters. And which one to choose?

It sounds a little paradoxical, but it happens quite often in life. When choosing engine oil for the winter, you should pay attention to the summer characteristics. Our winter is long, but not endless, and if you are not planning to change your oil in the spring, you should think about the upcoming warm days. Agree, autumn, winter, but remember the sun, the sea, rest ...

And here we see that SAE 5W40 is confidently in the lead both in terms of viscosity (work at +30) and maximum pumpability (the indicator reaches +40). The winner is determined: out of this pair of oils (5v30 or 5v40), it is better to use 5W40, if you will not change the oil for the summer.

Diesel and gasoline powertrain

"How - how," the skeptic will say, "I have a diesel car, everything is different with me." And no one will argue with him. Oil for diesel and gasoline engines is, indeed, qualitatively different. This is due to different principles of operation of power units and the type of fuel.

Diesel fuel, even if it is of high quality, due to its chemical composition gives more carbon deposits and soot, which, in addition to the main functions, the engine oil fights against. Therefore, diesel oils contain more detergent additives. Moreover diesel oils have a higher base number, which allows you to reduce the harmful effects of the acidic environment inherent in the combustion of solarium.

American and European automakers have developed two additional standards for separating oils into gasoline and diesel: API and ACEA respectively.

In the first case, the letter S - indicates oil for gasoline engine, C - diesel. In the second: A - gasoline, B - diesel.

Also, these standards divide oils by engine types, depending on the timing of production and purpose (two-stroke, four-stroke, cars, trucks, and so on). This classification is indicated by the second letter of the marking.

For clarity, the tables are below:

for gasoline engines

for diesel engines

Undoubtedly, these indicators should be taken into account, but they in no way supersede the SAE standard. The viscosity grade and other related parameters are the same for both diesel and gasoline oils.

In any case, there will be an SAE indicator on the label of each oil, but API or ACEA is already an additional marking, and even then not always.

And if we talk about the type of oil for diesel operation in winter, experts advise using the oil intended for diesel engines. The fact is that at present, manufacturers have released many universal oils suitable for both types power plants by combining almost incompatible.

The main thing here is to be careful. If the canister has an API designation with the first letter S (SJ / CF) - this product is priority for gasoline engines, letter C (CF / SJ) - diesel priority.

But versatility is not always good and convenient. According to the results of the studies carried out, such oils are very much dependent on the quality of the fuel used: the lower it is, the shorter the service life of the oil and, accordingly, its useful properties... We will not talk about the quality of fuel in our country, this is superfluous.

Climatic conditions in different regions

An equally important factor when choosing a motor oil is the region of residence, its climatic conditions. All of the above applies to the temperate climatic zone of the country: it is hot in summer, in winter it does not get a tooth on a tooth.

But if you live in the south, where the snow does not always fall in winter, it is worth considering oils that are oriented more towards warm and hot weather.

And what about the places where the polar bears are? From the surveys conducted, both motorists and professionals operating vehicles in the regions of the Far North, we came to the conclusion that the overwhelming majority use SAE 5W40.

The lower threshold of operation is somewhat conditional, and you will not be able to start the engine at minus forty without installing heating systems with absolutely any oil, so why "fence a vegetable garden"?

Particularly attentive and picky readers may notice why at the very beginning they made a reservation “so-called all-season oils”. But we didn't make a reservation. To make it clear what exactly we had in mind, we will give a conversation between two motorists who start their cars in the morning.

One is already humming, warming up, the second, not in any. The frustrated owner asks the "lucky": "What kind of oil are you pouring?" The answer is fresh. A joke, of course, but as you know, every joke contains only a fraction of a joke.

The word all-season has already played a cruel joke with many motorists. The fact is that if the oil change was made in the spring, by the winter in the engine crankcase it is by no means the same product that you took off the shelf in the store.

It is difficult to say in which percentages these very properties are reduced for every thousand, but if this were not so, there would be no need to change it. Right?