Engine oil comparison 2018


Purchase advice on engine oil comparison or test 2018

  • The SAE designation for engine oil follows simple rules - these are explained here.
  • Here you will find out why it is not necessary to spend a lot of money on branded oil.
  • The differences between engine oils are not as complicated as they sometimes sound - here you can read what you need.

Engine oil comparison 2018: comparison

We are only too happy to get into our cars as technically spoiled citizens without being aware of what is actually happening under the bonnet. For example, there are many motorists who have never come into contact with engine oil. Whether new or used, the new vehicle already brings its oil, After 30,000 kilometers you drive to customer service.

Only if you look closely at the bill, you get at all, that the car carries oil in itself. And only then one learns that the mechanic in the workshop drained this oil and replaced it with new, fresh oil. At the latest at the position "fully synthetic engine oil 10W40" we have completely lost the overview. We then leave it up to the specialists to do the right thing for our car.

1. Why engine oil is so important

1.1. Movement is friction

Basically, we know from the bicycle, the toy and household appliances the principle: Everything that is in motion, must be lubricated. Whenever something moves, friction arises. However, if friction occurs without a lubricant in use, the rubbing parts mutually sand off. Even rolling motions, such as inside a ball bearing, create friction.

1.2. The engine needs the oil

The engine needs oil
Piston, crankshaft, timing chain, valves, camshaft - oil is needed everywhere!

In the engine of our car or motorcycle, there are many parts that move. We may remember that the engine consists of cylinders in which one piston is moved up and down. The movement of the piston is created by closing the upper end of the cylinder. The space between the piston and the dead end of the cylinder is called the combustion chamber. In the combustion chamber, in simple terms, the gasoline is burned.

Due to the expanding heat, the piston is set in motion. Similar to the bicycle over the pedals, the up-and-down movement of the pistons is converted via the crankshaft in a circular motion. The pistons are connected to the crankshaft via the so-called connecting rods. All these parts move and friction is created. Therefore, lubrication is necessary. This is where the engine oil comes into play.

The engine has many more moving parts, u. a. Oil and water pump, valve control and compression. All these components are lubricated by engine oil, There is the so-called oil cycle. All points at which friction arises are constantly supplied with oil via oil channels, The oil pump ensures consistent oil production. At the end of a cycle, all the oil accumulates in the oil sump at the bottom of the engine. From there, it is sucked in by the oil pump and fed back into the circuit.

Fully synthetic oil: Fully synthetic oil differs from pure mineral oil in that no petroleum is used for the production. Mineral oil tends to form sludge in the sump. Synthetic oil is more suitable for mixing with additives, and is therefore suitable for larger temperature ranges.

Since even under constant lubrication can not be completely prevented that creates a very small emery effect, the oil is cleaned in its cycle by the oil filter. Thus, the small sanded off parts are prevented from returning to the oil circuit and there as sand to provide more abrasion. The oil circuit cleans the engine from the inside.

1.3. That's how the oil works

Engine oil comparison 2018: 2018

You can also make an oil change yourself. The oil drain plug is always at the lowest point of the oil sump

All the substances we call viscous have, scientifically speaking, a viscosity that is between solid and liquid. From candle wax to butter, to honey, we know the effect that viscous is tougher the lower the temperature is. That is, the colder it gets, the viscosity increases. Engine oil, by contrast, always has the same thickness or viscosity be whether the engine is just started in the deepest winter or already driven over the highway for one hour in summer under full load.

While previously used special engine oils, for example, for summer and winter, there are now multi-grade oils that can be used in all situations. Only in very extreme areas oils are still common today that would not work elsewhere: in racing on the one hand or for vehicles in the polar region on the other.

The two main challenges of engine oils are the edge regions of the temperature scale. For one thing, the oil should not be too thick at cold temperaturesso that the engine is supplied with sufficient lubricant from the beginning via the oil passages. On the other hand, even at high engine temperatures, it must not become too thin. Especially in the cylinder interior, so the combustion chamber, the inner wall must always be covered with a thin film of lubricant, because the piston rubs in its up-and-down movement constantly from the inside of the cylinder. If the lubricant is too fluid, then this lubricating film may crack. The result is what the older drivers may still remember: a so-called piston eater.

Engine oil comparison 2018: engine

When refilling oil Caution! Spilled oil evaporates on the hot engine and spreads bad smells.

To unify the different oils, the Association of American Automotive Engineers (SAE) has created a naming system for the different categories of engine oil viscosity. This system is also common in Europe. It consists of two numbers, the first of which is followed by a W. The meaning of the letter can be thought of as being short for 'winter'.

The number before it finally designates the Temperature range in which the oil is still thin enough when the engine starts cold, A 0W oil can be used at temperatures well below freezing, while an oil at 20W is more likely to be used for warmer regions. The second number indicates the size of the temperature range in which the oil can be used, A very high number after the 'W' points to a high-performance oil in the style for racing or high-performance engines.

The question may arise why not all motorists use engine oil that can be used at very low temperatures and in a maximum temperature range. There are two reasons against it. The price, for example, plays a big role. The more efficient the type, the more expensive the oil for the consumer. The second reason concerns the production of these oils. In order to maintain the viscosity of an oil at high temperatures, polymers are added to the oil. However, these polymers degrade over time, which is why the oil must be changed regularly. The higher the number behind the 'W', the more polymers are contained in the oil and the more frequently it has to be changed.

It is therefore advisable in the sense of cost and durability to use as exact as possible matching oil for the car or the vehicle in general. If you have internalized these relationships, you can choose the ideal oil, the average Outside temperature, heat development of the engine and driving behavior is adjusted. You can even mix your personal engine oil. In this case, the SAE number of the mixture always lies between the values ​​of the individual oils used. For the very inquisitive, there is a complete description of the SAE standard on the portal Motoröl-Wissen.

3. The right oil for your car

3.1. Castrol Oil, Shell Oil, Rowe Oil? You decide now yourself

Refill engine oil
You will find on the top of the engine - in the picture the engine of a BMW - the opening for the oil. Check with the dipstick how much oil is missing. Professional tip: if the oil can is still full, hold it the other way around, with the opening at the top - then the oil spills less.

Now you know enough about engine oils and from now on you can decide for yourself which oil is best for your car. If someone asks you, what do the numbers mean? You now have the answer. Engine oil comparison 2018 can be found here on our portal. If you want to buy cheap engine oil, go directly to the engine oil online store of Motoröl 100. Our buying advice will help you not least to choose the brand or manufacturer, where you can save money properly.

The engine oil specification according to SAE is also a quality standard, which is helpful to know. The car magazine "Auto Motor und Sport" had targeted cheap engine oils in March 2016 in the test. Compared to an engine oil from VW, which served as a reference, ten out of eleven candidates were on par with the brand oil.

3.2. The best engine oil does not have to be the most expensive

The last motor oil test of the Stiftung Warentest has been a while ago, which is why we present the motor oil test winner of the TÜV Süd from the year 2017. It is the engine oil called Toyota SAE 0W-20 AFE. With an average of 69, - € per five liters it is one of the more expensive candidates. Nevertheless, you can confidently use a cheaper oil, For most gasoline engines with four-stroke in our latitudes, a motor oil 10W40 is suitable. When you drive diesel, you choose a slightly higher temperature range - just as you are used to a 'hot tire'.

Here are the advantages and disadvantages at a glance:

  • larger temperature range
  • better smooth running
  • higher price

3.3. Examples of the different engine oil types

Here is an overview of the different commercially available types of motor oils:

Type / Abbreviationdescription

15W-40

Engine oil comparison 2018: 2018

Today standard standard quality
Suitable for many older engines
Can be used in winter up to minus 20 degrees

10W-40

Engine oil comparison 2018: comparison

Offer a cost-effective entry into the easy-running class
Can be used in winter without problems up to a temperature of minus 25 degrees.

5W-40

Engine oil comparison 2018: comparison

Partially or fully synthetic produced
Improved cold start in winter up to minus 30 degrees
can help save fuel

0W-40

Engine oil comparison 2018: comparison

Fully synthetic with lowest viscosity in cold weather
up to minus 35 degrees
optimum lubricity in the upper temperature range

5W-30

Engine oil comparison 2018: engine

High-performance smooth-running oil for engines with long oil change intervals
not too viscous in winter, not too thin in summer
Also available for diesel with particle filter

4. Frequently Asked Questions:

  • How long is engine oil durable? Answer: Provided it is kept in the unopened original container, protected from light, it can easily be stored for up to five years.
  • How much oil do you have to refill? Answer: You can see at the oil dipstick if and how much oil is missing. Add one liter of oil and then check the change in the oil level. So you can easily estimate the total amount your engine needs.
  • How hot is engine oil? Answer: In water-cooled gasoline engines rarely over 100° C. In air- or oil-cooled engines or even diesel engines oil gets hot up to 120° C.
  • Can engine oil get bad? Answer: Only if stored incorrectly. It applies, as above: protected from light in the original container your engine oil remains fresh for many years.

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Engine oil comparison 2018

FAQ - 💬

❓ Which oil is better 0w20 or 5w30?

👉 0w20 engine oil is known as the popular choice of lubricant that delivers the best performance. It flows well even at cold temperatures when compared to the 5W-30 oils, thanks to the ability of the lubricant to maintain the same viscosity or the semi-fluid consistency throughout the internal structure of an engine.

❓ Is 5W 40 better than 5w30?

👉 In practice, this means that each oil is just as viscous at lower temperatures and will remain viscous at -30°C, however 5w40 oil outperforms 5w30 oils at higher temperatures, being effective up to ambient temperatures of 50°C, as opposed to 30°C.

❓ Is 5W-30 or 40 better?

👉 5w30 can be used by different type of vehicles and in different range of temperatures, but is ideal for colder temperatures. 5w40 is often used in higher mileage engine sand performs better in warmer temperatures.

❓ Which is better 15W 40 or 10W-30?

👉 High quality 10W-30 oils can perform as well, and better than industry-standard 15W-40 oils. The stated viscosity of a HDEO does not represent an exact viscosity, but rather a viscosity within a range on the SAE viscosity scale. Engine Oil viscosity is measured in centistokes (cST) at 100°C.

❓ What happens if I put 5w30 instead of 0w20?

👉 If you live in a hot climate area, having a 30 weight oil provides you a better result, but for the colder area, you'll notice a slight performance drop using 5w30 at the place of 0w20. Fuel Economy: As 0w20 has well-known for its outstanding fuel economy, You'll notice a bit more fuel consumption for using 5w30.

❓ What happens if I use 5W-20 instead of 0W-20?

👉 5W-20 has a similar viscosity level to 0W-20, also suited to low temperature climates, but has a slightly thicker oil viscosity than the latter. Alternating between the two may not cause any immediate damage, but it will severely affect your oil change interval length and overall engine performance over time.

❓ When should I use 5W40 oil?

👉 5w30 is a multi-graded oil which is suitable to use in lower temperature. 5w40 is crude oil which can be used in a vehicle which has unleaded and leaded gasoline.

❓ Is 5w30 good for hot weather?

👉 When should I use 5w30 oil? You should always use the oil recommended by your vehicle's manufacturer. However, 5w30 oil can function in temperatures as low as -30ºC and as high as 35ºC, making it an ideal choice if you drive your car in a place with relatively high seasonal temperature variations.

❓ Is 5W40 good for hot weather?

👉 5w40 is better for starting your engine at low temperatures as it flows more easily at these temperatures. When the engine is running and hot, 5w40 and 10w40 have high viscosities and are equally effective in protecting against engine wear.

❓ When should I use 15w40 oil?

👉 ADVANTAGE 15W-40 HEAVY DUTY DIESEL ENGINE OIL can be used with complete success in over-the-road diesel trucks, off-highway diesel equipment, farm tractors, and passenger cars and light trucks with diesel, turbo-charged diesel engines, or gasoline engines and is backward compatible with previous API Oil Categories.

❓ What happens if I put 10w30 instead of 15w40?

👉 Since 10W-30 is thinner than 15W-40, its film strength can be weaker and it can be more prone to oxidation. Therefore, high quality additives are needed to compensate for those weaknesses in order for 10W-30 to protect as well and last as long as 15W-40.

❓ How do I choose the best performance motor oil?

👉 One brand of the best performance motor oil may be better at engine protection, while another may excel at keeping your engine clean. Some do all of the above, but costs can certainly go up. A synthetic blend combines conventional motor oil with a synthetic base.

❓ What is the best brand of motor oil to buy?

👉 See the best ones to get here. 1 Editor's Pick: Castrol GTX ... 2 Valvoline Daily Protection ... 3 Quaker State Advanced Durab ... 4 AmazonBasics Motor Oil. ... 5 Havoline Motor Oil. ... 6 Pennzoil Motor Oil. ... 7 Lucas Oil Hot Rod & Classic ... 8 Formula Shell Motor Oil. ... 9 STP Motor Oil. ... 10 ACDelco Professional Motor ...

❓ What are the different types of motor oil?

👉 As you can see from our list, the three main types of motor oil are conventional oil, synthetic blends, and full synthetic engine oil. Conventional motor oil is made from crude oil and has been around for ages. It does a fine job of protecting your engine and it does so at a lower cost than synthetic oil and synthetic motor oil blends.

❓ What is the best engine oil for heavy duty diesel engines?

👉 When in need of an ideal engine oil for heavy-duty engines, Shell Rotella (550019921) T6 5W-40 Full Synthetic, Heavy Duty Diesel Engine Oil (CJ-4) – 1 Gallon is a good option. 5w-40 refers to the viscosity of oil. It features a low ash technology with advanced multifunction capabilities.


Video Board: Top 8 Best Synthetic Oils 2018 - 2019 Synthetic Motor Oils Review