Synthetic or semi-synthetic? We choose the engine oil
Motor oil has always been of great importance for engine operation. Thanks to this liquid on the cylinder walls, a thin oily film is formed, which reduces the level of friction on the pistons of the engine, contributes to a more complete combustion of the fuel, increases the power of the car
The world's first engine oil patented American Dr. John Ellis in 1873. Since then, many new types of oils have been created, each of which has its own characteristic features. Today, the huge number of models from various manufacturers, which is offered to the owners of the car, can embarrass even the most experienced one. Therefore, before starting a conversation about what is semi-synthetic engine oil, recall the most popular manufacturers who have a good reputation and experience in the production of motor oils.
Today's rating of motor oils is as follows:
- "Castrol"
- "Mobile"
- LUKOIL
- "HADO"
- "Shell"
- Motul
When the engine oil is selected, pay attention to these manufacturers. And what type of oil is chosen for your car? What is better - synthetics or semi-synthetic? What is the difference between them?
Synthetic and semi-synthetic
Synthetic oil is performed by organic synthesis, based on petroleum products or natural gas. This type of oil was developed in Germany back in 1939, but received the greatest distribution only in the 1990s. It was then that the engines appeared, the design of which required such characteristics that the synthetic oil possesses. Synthetics is invulnerable to the effects of oxidation and practically does not change its characteristics even with long-term operation of the internal combustion engine. The temperature is not able to affect the viscosity of synthetics, due to which the car starts easily in any weather. However, synthetic engine oil has its drawback - high cost.
Mineral oils are produced by distillation directly from oil, followed by purification from oil fractions. It consists of various additives - preparations that improve the production properties of oil, "clean" deposits on the engine walls, protect parts from wear. However, in conditions of increased loads, additives can weathered, which affects the operational properties of the engine. That is why in its characteristics mineral (petroleum) oil is inferior to "semi-synthetic".
The semi-synthetic oil is a mixture of mineral oil and "synthetics". The mineral oil content in it varies within 50-60 percent. The synthetics in it is 40-50 percent. There are no harsh requirements for the percentage of oils, and each manufacturer has the right to establish their proportion itself, but the most authoritative manufacturers of lubricants use the classification of oils on the operational properties of the well-known American Oil Institute (ARI). According to this classification, the semi-synthetic motor oil is divided into five categories, depending on which the basis is used for its production. The chemical composition of the base oil or, as it is also called, the basics determines the quality of the oil. Additives are capable of significantly improving the quality of the product, but in the process of long-term operation, they change their properties. That is why the main indicator of quality becomes the basis.
The classification of motor oils on viscosity, installed by the American society of automotive engineers (SAE), is also known. This standard began to act since 2001, it divides all engine oils according to viscosity features for summer, winter and all-season oil.
To date, the semi-synthetic oil is the most sought-after type. It has a higher stability compared to mineral and at the same time its price is almost twice lower than that of synthetics.
The choice of oil varies depending on the mileage. When we pour semi-synthetic in absolutely new transport, we get the maximum effect.
Is it possible to combine?
The question of whether the engine oils can be mixed with various types, it is very often disputes in the motorists environment. It is recommended to refrain from such a procedure, since its result is not predictable. If there is no other output, then use liquids that were released at one factory. So that the engine of the internal combustion of your car worked stably, stick to this rule when moving from one type of fluid to another.
In the case when you want to transfer the car to the oil from another manufacturer, you will need to flush the engine. You can fill the oil of another company in a couple of minutes after the special "five-minute liquid" promotes the internal engine. However, you are mistaken if you think that the washing can be done as prevention. In addition, when the transition from one manufacturer is carried out on another and when switching from synthetics to semi-synthetic, the reason for washing can be suspicious that there are deposits in the engine that came into it with poor-quality fuels. Purchase a used car - a reason to make the engine washing. But the final decision is better to accept only after the diagnosis.
So you can choose the right oil, pay attention to the manufacturer's manufacturer's recommendations. You will find them in the instruction manual. Comfortable, and besides, free selection of oils can be carried out through the online store. To do this, you need to specify a model, brand, type and year of release of your car.
