Various types of engine oil

Automobiles need love and care, just like humans need. Keeping them healthy and happy ensures their long life. It is important to take care of the engine and running parts of the automobile. Clutch, break and tyre pressure should be taken care of. Engine oil should be changed as per the recommended interval mentioned by the manufacturer. For example, if certain bike oil is recommended by the manufacturer, one must stick to it for his/her bike and change it as per the interval mentioned by the user manual.

What is engine oil?

Engine oil or lubricant ensures the health of the automobile’s engine and helps the running parts to function smoothly. Engine oil forms a lubricating and thin layer on the metal surface of the engine’s running parts, minimizing fiction between and less wear & tear. For example, Honda Scooter oil is designed for the Honda bikes to help keep the scooter’s parts in running condition and it should be used strictly for it.

What makes engine oil?

Engine oil is made of 80% base oil and 20% additives. Most of the additives can help the engine tidy and keeps viscosity of the oil at optimum levels. The additives also contain anti-oxidants that prevent the running parts from getting oxidized. The base oil is used as a carrier oil that carries these additives and is either synthetic, semi-synthetic or mineral oil, based on the requirements of each automobile.

What are the three types of engine oil?

There are three types of engine oil. These three types of oils are used according to the requirements of the vehicle type and model, and also according to the preferences of the vehicle users. The three types of popular engine oils are as mentioned below-

Synthetic oils

Chemically synthesized oils are manufactured to meet the requirements of the new-age engines and are known as synthetic oils. These oils are generally more expensive than other oils, as they are customized to provide more protection to the vehicles and improve performance.

Semi-synthetic oil

Semi-synthetic oils are used in certain vehicles to improve the performance and make the engine’s running parts stay safe. Semi-synthetic oils are made with a blend of synthetic and mineral oils, hence, the vehicles get the benefit of both the oils in one. However, it is not as good as the synthetic oil.

Mineral oil

Naturally derived crude oils are refined in various stages and processed to remove impurities and waxes and used as mineral oil. Mineral oils are thicker than semi-synthetic and synthetic oils, and hence, do not provide as much protection as the other engine oils provide.
    

How are synthetic oils better than mineral oils?

There are a number of reasons why an automobile enthusiast chooses synthetic and semi-synthetic oils over mineral oils. The molecular structure of synthetic oils helps it function better than mineral oil. The latter is a homogeneous mixture of molecules in various sizes and shapes, while4 the former has been manufactured carefully to meet the requirements of the vehicle. Synthetic and semi-synthetic oils provide better lubrication to the engine’s running parts in extreme temperatures, while mineral oils do not provide that. The horsepower of the automobile’s engine increases with semi-synthetic and synthetic oil, while mineral oil may cause severe damage to the running parts of the engine, causing low performance. Synthetic and semi-synthetic oil reduces friction in the running parts, thus, improves the performance. The synthetic oils have additives like dispersants and detergents that ensure cleanliness of the engine, while mineral oils do not have any additives. The synthetic and semi-synthetic engine oil, if used religiously and regularly, can help keep the engine in a good condition. Moreover, one needs to change the oil less frequently if s/he uses semi-synthetic and synthetic oil. Use of semi-synthetic or synthetic oil can help save fuel, thus quite economic. In every way, synthetic oils are better than mineral oils even if apparently mineral oil costs seem lower than synthetic oils.