The Essential Guide To Motor Oil Here's something your didn't know about motor oil.
Nov 07, 2014
The Essential Guide To Motor Oil
Here's something your didn't know about motor oil.
Contents
Introduction 2
Whatdoesmotoroildoinmyengineand whyisitimportant? 3
Whatismotoroilmadeupof? 4
WhydoIneedtochangemymotoroil? 5
HowoftenshouldIchange mymotoroil? 5
Choosingtherightmotoroil 6
WhatareAPIratings? 7
WhatareACEAratings? 7
WhatareILSACratings? 8
WhatareOEMratings? 8
WhatgradeofengineoilshouldIuse? 9
Warranty 9
HowdoImaketherightchoice? Good 10 Better 11 Best 12
Whatisasimportanttomycar’s performanceaschangingtheoil? 13
Safetyinformation 14
HowdoIdisposeofusedoil? 14
Formoreinformation 14
IntroductionForover140years,Valvoline®hasservedtheneedsofcarownerswithqualitymotoroilsandautomotiveproductslongerthananyothermotoroilcompany.Infact,Valvolineistheoldesttrademarkintheentirepetroleumindustry.
Valvoline®understandsthattoday'smotoroilmarkethasanincreasingassortmentofengineoilsneededtocaterforthevariouscarmakesandmodels.
Choosingthemotoroilthatisrightforyourvehicleandbudgetisacommonsourceofconfusionandfrustration.Thisguidetomotoroilaimstoremoveconfusionandkeepmotoroilsimple.Ithasbeendevelopedtohelpyoubetterunderstandthebasicsofmotoroilsoyoucanmakeaninformedchoice.Themoreyouknowaboutmotoroil,thebetteryouwillbeabletoprotectyourvehicle'sengine.
Valvoline®,adivisionofAshland,isaleadinginnovatorandsupplierofquality,high-performingautomotiveandindustrialproductsinmorethan100countries.Bestknownforitslubricants,ValvolinealsomarketsEagleOne®appearanceproducts,SynPower®performanceproducts,Pyroil®automotivechemicalsandMaxLife®productscreatedforhigher-mileageengines.
IfyouhaveanyfurtherquestionsorcommentsregardingValvoline®products,pleasecallourTechnicalHotline1800804658between8.30am-4.30pmMondaytoFridayAEST.
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What does motor oil do in my engine and why is it important?
Themainpurposeofmotoroilistostopmetalfromtouchingmetal.Anenginecontainshundredsofmovingpartsthatmustbekeptseparatefromeachother.Ifmetalsurfacescomeincontact,wearmayoccurandfrictionwillincrease.Withfrictioncomesheat,andheatwillwarpanddistortmovingengineparts.Motoroilcreatesaslickfilmbetweenmetalpartsthatletsthemglideovereachother.
Motoroilalso:
- Reducesfrictionandpreventswear;
- Allowsforeasystarting;
- Sealstinygapsbetweenthepistonring andcylinderwalls;
- Coolsmovingpartsbydispersingheat;
- Keepsenginesurfacesclean;
- Holdsforeigndeposits(likebyproducts ofcombustion)insuspensionawayfrom engineparts;and
- Preventsrustandcorrosion.
What is motor oil made up of?
MotoroilhaschangeddramaticallysinceValvolinefirstlaunchedlubricatingoilsover140yearsago.Modernmotoroilsaremadeupofthefollowing:
Thebasestocksusedcanbeconventionalstocks,manmadesyntheticsoramixtureofconventionalandsyntheticstocks.
Conventionalbaseoilsaremadefromcrudeoilwhichhasundergonecertainextractionprocessesandminorchemicalrestructuringinanoilrefinery.Conventionalbaseoilsareamixtureofthousandsofdifferentchemicals.
Syntheticsdifferfromconventionalbaseoilsinthattheyaresynthesizedfromrelativelypurechemicalsforspecificallydesignedperformancecharacteristics.Therawmaterialforsyntheticscouldcomefrommanysources.Syntheticbasestocksgenerallyoffersuperiorlowtemperatureflowpropertiesandenhancedresponsetocertainengineoiladditives.
Regardlessofthetypeofbasestocksused,itisnecessarytocombinethemwithadditivestomeetthedemandingrequirementsofmodernengines
Additivesarethe“activeingredient”inmotoroils.Theseadditivesmustbereplenishedthroughregularoilchanges.Theymayincludeanyofthefollowing:
- Detergents
- Dispersants
- Anti-WearAgents
- ExtremePressureAdditives
- OxidationInhibitors
- Anti-FoamingAgents
- RustandCorrosionInhibitors
- ViscosityIndexImprovers
- PourPointDepressants
- FrictionModifiers
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Basestocks Additives+
Why do I need to change my motor oil?
Afteraperiodofuse,motoroildeterioratesandbecomesunabletodoanefficientjoblubricatingandcoolingengineparts.Thetwomainreasonsforthisare:
Accumulationofcontaminants
Duringthenormaloperationofanengine,contaminantsbegintoaccumulateintheengineoil.Theengineoilisdesignedtolockawayandneutraliseby-productsofcombustionsuchassoot,carbonandacids.Ascontaminantlevelsbuild-upovertime,criticalpropertiesoftheengineoilsuchasviscositycanbeaffected.
Depletionofoiladditives
Additivesareconsumedastheyperformtheirvitalrole.Iftheadditivesaredepleted,corrosion,oxidationandacceleratedenginewearcanoccur.Forthisreason,enginemanufacturersrecommendthattheoilbechangedatcertaintimeordistanceintervalstoensureprotectionofyourequipmentisnotcompromised.
How often should I change my motor oil?
Sometypesofcaroperationsaremoreseverethanothers,placinggreaterdemandsonthemotoroilandcallingformorefrequentoilchanges.Forthisreason,carmanufacturersgivetworecommendationsforoilchangesintheirowner'smanuals.
StandardService
Standardconditionsaregenerallywhereavehicledrivesmorethan15,000kmperyearonbitumen,withlittlestopstartdrivingandfewperiodsoflongidling.
TheseserviceconditionscanbemetwithahighperformancemineraloilfromoneoftheproductsinValvoline’sXLDrange.
SevereService
Ifyoudriveincitytraffic,dolotsofshorttrips,driveoffthebitumen,ortowanysortofload,youaredrivinginsevereconditions.
Theseserviceconditionscanbemetwitheitherafullsynthetic,suchasSynPowerorasyntheticblendsuchasDuraBlendorSynGard.
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Choosing the right motor oil
Thefirststepinchoosingmotoroilistochecktheowner'smanualfortherecommendedSAE(SocietyofAutomotiveEngineers)viscositygradeforyourvehicle.
TherearetwocommontypesofSAEclassifications:monogradeandmultigrade.AmonogradesuchasSAE30hascertaincoldweatherlimitations.Inverycoldweather,itmaynotflowadequatelytoprotecttheengineduringthetimetheenginetakestoreachoperatingtemperature.
Multigradeoils,suchasSAE10W-30,canbeusedacrossabroadrangeoftemperatures.Thesearewidelyusedbecausetheyallowforeasystartingandpumpingatlowtemperatures;yettheyarethickenoughathightemperaturestolubricateeffectively.
TheWstandsfor“winter”andindicatesthattheoilmeetscertainviscosityrequirementsforlowtemperatureorwinteroperation.
ThenumberinfrontoftheWindicatesthelowtemperatureviscosity.Thenumberreferstotheviscosityoftheoilwhentheengineiscoldandindicatestheoilsperformancewhentheengineisstartingup.Thethinnertheoilwhencoldthequickeritmovesaroundtheengineandthefasteritprotectsvitalenginecomponents.
Thehigh-temperatureviscosity(thesecondnumber,30ina10W-30)indicatesthicknessatoperatingtemperature.Thickeroilsmakeiteasiertomaintainoilpressureandreducethetendencyforoilconsumption,particularlyinwornengines.Thickoilstradeofffuelefficiencytoachievethisastheenginehastoworkhardertomovetheoilaround.
Whencomparingviscositynumbers,ahighernumberwillnotflowaseasilyasalownumber.
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S A E 1 0 W - 3 0
S A E 1 0 W - 3 0
S A E 1 0 W - 3 0
S A E 1 0 W - 3 0
S A E 1 0 W - 3 0
S A E 1 0 W - 3 0
S A E 1 0 W - 3 0
S A E 1 0 W - 3 0
S A E 1 0 W - 3 0
What are API ratings?
TheAmericanPetroleumInstitute(API)classificationsystemprovidesinformationabouttheengineoil.
Theletter“S”followedbyanotherletter (forexample“SM”)indicatesthattheoil isappropriateforpetrolengines.SMoils aresuperiortoSLoilsinmany performancecriteriaincludingenhanced fuelefficiencywhilstalsomeetingthe “energyconserving”classificationand enhancedemissionssystemsprotection.
Theletter“C”followedbyanotherletter and/ornumber(forexampleCI-4)indicates thattheoilisappropriatefordieselengines.
Thesecondletterinboththe“S”andthe “C”categoriesisassignedalphabetically. Generallythefurtheralongwemovein thealphabetindicatesthelatesttechnology andqualityenhancementsinmotoroil.
What are ACEA ratings?
ACEAstandsfortheAssociationdesConstructeursEuropeensd’AutomobilesandrepresentsalargegroupofEuropeanenginemanufacturers.ACEAhasestablishedfourperformancecategories:theAcategoryforpetrolengines;theBcategoryforpassengercardieselengines;theCcategoryrepresentscatalystcompatibleoils;theEcategoryforheavydutydieselengines.
ACategory(petrolengines)
A1andA2oilsrepresentthebaseperformancelevelwithA1beingusedforlowerviscosityfuelefficientoilsandA2forhigherviscosityoils.A3andA5oilsarethehighestperformingACEAgasolineengineoilswiththeA3beingusedforthehigherperformanceoilsandA5forthehighperformancelowerviscosityfuelefficientoils.TheA4classificationisreservedforafuturespecificationfordirectinjectiongasolineengines.
BCategory(passengercardieselengines)
TheBcategoryissimilarlydividedwiththeexceptionthattheB4classificationfordirectinjectionpassengerdieselengineshasbeenestablishedandthattheB5classificationcombinestheperformancerequirementsofB3andB4inalowerviscosityfuelefficientoil.
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CCategory(catalystcompatibleengines)
TheCcategoryisintendedforusewithvehiclesfittedwithdieselparticulatefiltersandthreewaycatalystsinpetrolapplications.C1andC2classificationsarebasedonACEAA5/B5ratings,whilsttheC3classificationisbasedonACEAA3/B3ratings.
What are ILSAC ratings?
ILSACstandsfortheInternationalLubricantStandardisationAdvisoryCommittee.ForlubricantstomeettheGFspecification,theymustprovetobeenergyconserving.WiththelatestratingbeingGF-4,itprovidesbetterfueleconomythanGF-3.IntheAustralianmarketyoumayfindthefollowingILSACratings:
- ILSACGF-3(introducedin2001)
- ILSACGF-4(introducedin2004)
What are OEM approvals?
SomeOEMsspecifythatengineoilsmustmeetarangeofstringentrequirementsbeforeitcanbeusedandwarrantedintheirengines.Tominimisemisapplication,ValvolinehavenotedwhethertheserequirementshavebeenmetbynotingOEMperformancespecificationsonpack;themostcommonapprovalsinAustraliabeingthefollowing:
- BMW: LL98andLL01
- Ford: M2C-915A,M2C153E/F andM2C-153G
- GeneralMotors: GM6094M
- MercedesBenz: MB229.1,MB229.3 andMB229.5
- Volkswagen: VW502.00,VW503.01, VW504.00,VW505.00 andVW507.00
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So, what grade of engine oil should I use?
Thereareanumberofwaystodeterminewhatengineoilissuitedtoyourvehicle.Thebestwaytofindthecorrectlubricantgradeandrecommendationistorefertoyourvehicleowner’smanual.Inhereyoushouldbeabletolocate:
- ViscosityorSAErating
- API,ACEA,ILSACandOEMapproval
Ifyouareunabletoaccessyourvehicleowner’smanualmostautopartstockistswillhaveaValvolinelubricationrecommendationguide.HereyoucanlookupthemakeandmodelofyourvehicleandmatchtoittheValvolineengineoilbestsuitedtoyourvehicle.
Youcanalsoobtainthisinformationonlineatwww.valvoline.com.au/lube_frame.cfm
Youwillbepresentedwithanengineoilrecommendationthatalsoincludessuitabletransmissionandpowersteeringfluidsforyourvehicle.Thelubricantguidewillalsoadvisehowmanylitresyouwillrequiretoperformtheoilchange.
Warranty
Valvoline’srangeofengineoilseithermeetorexceedtheratingsprintedonpack.Providingthatyouselectthecorrectlubricantforyourvehicle,Valvolineguaranteestheengineoilusedwillnotvoidnewcarwarranty.
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GoodValvoline’srangeofconventionalmineralbasedoilsaresuitablefortheeverydaydriver.Standardserviceconditionscanbemetwiththefollowingproducts:
How do I make the right choice?
XLD Lo-Vis10W-30
- Meetslatestengine specifications - Premiumbasestocks - Enhancedfuelefficiency - APISMILSACGF-4
XLD Plus 20W-50
- Forconventionaland multivalveengines - Premiummineralbase stocks - APISL/CF,ACEAA2,B2
XLD Premium 20W-50
- Forconventionaland multivalveengines - Premiummineralbase stocks - APISJ/CF,ACEAA2,B2
XLD Classic 20W-50
- Offersprotectionforcars manufacturedbefore1993 - APISG/CD
XLD HiVis 20W-60
- Developedtoprotectand extendthelifeofolder technologyandworn engines - APISJ/CD
Diesel Formula 15W-40
- Forturboandnonturbo dieselengines - APICG-4
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BetterSometimesyouneedaBetteroiltocopewithyourdrivingconditions.Severeserviceconditionscanbemetwiththefollowingproducts.
How do I make the right choice?
DuraBlend 5W-30, 10W-30, 10W-40 and 15W-50
- speciallyformulatedfor toughdrivingconditions, stop-godriving,extended idling,shorttrips&towing
SynGard 10W-40
- Providesengineprotection fromstartuptoshutdown - SynGardwithAdvanced Chemaloy®Shieldreduces enginewearandimproves engineresponsivenessand ensureshighengine performance - Providesbetterdeposit controlforacleanerengine - APISM/CFACEAA3,B3
MaxLife 20W-50
- Forhighmileageengines - Suitsmost4,6and8 cylinderengines withover100,000km - APISM/CFACEAA3,B3
XLD Engine Armour 15W-40
- Qualitysyntheticfortified forimproved protectionoverstandard mineraloils - APISM/CFACEAA3,B3
Super Diesel 15W-40
- Forturboand nonturboengines - SuitsCummins,Mackand Caterpillarengines - APICH-4/SJ
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BestSometimesonlythebestwilldo.SevereandhighperformanceapplicationscanbemetwithValvoline'sSynPowerrange.
Valvoline’sSynPowermotoroilisspeciallyformulatedwith100%syntheticbasestocksforultimateprotection,highperformance,longdrainandsevereserviceapplication.
How do I make the right choice?
SynPower 0W-40, MXL 0W-30, 5W-40 and 10W-50
- Maximumthermaland oxidationstability - Fullycompatiblewithall conventionalmotoroils - Offerssuperiorlow temperatureandhigh temperatureproperties - Optimumcoldstart properties - Lowestoilburnoff - Enhancedwearprotection
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What is as important to my car’s performance as changing the oil?
Lookingafteryourvehicleisnotjustamatterofchangingyouroilregularly.FormaximumengineprotectionValvolinerecommendsthatyouchangeyouroilfiltereverytimeyouchangeyouroil.
Cleaningandprotectingyourfuelsystemisasimportanttoyourcar'sperformanceaschangingtheoil.Formaximumengineperformanceaddfuelinjectorcleanertoyourfueleverytimeyouchangeyouroilandevery5000km.
ChangeOil
Valvolineofferthechoiceofamineralbased, syntheticblendorfullsyntheticlubricants –whichoneyouchooseisdependenton yourvehicleanddrivinghabits.
ChangeOilFilter
Whenselectedcorrectlyandproperly installed,Valvolinefiltersmeetorexceed OEMrequirements.Valvolineguarantees itsfiltersarecompletelyfreeofanyfault ordefectsinbothmaterialsand workmanship.WhenyoubuyValvoline filters,youcanbesureyourengineis wellprotected.
AddFuelInjectorCleaneratnextfuelfill
ValvolineFuelInjectorandCarbyCleaner restorespowertoyourengineinonesimple treatmentbyremovingthedepositsthatplug, blockandaffecttheperformanceoffuel injectorsandcarburettors.Italsocleans intakevalvesandremovesdepositsfrom combustionchambers.
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How do I dispose of used oil?
Protectourenvironment.Donotpollutedrains,soilorwaterwithusedengineoil.Pleasedisposeofusedoilinaccordancewithstatewastemanagementauthorityrequirements.
Improperlydisposedmotoroilcancontaminatedrinkingwaterandpoisonwildlife.Infact,theusedmotoroilgeneratedfromoneoilchangecancontaminatemorethanonemillionlitresofwater.
Formoreinformationonusedoilrecyclingvisitwww.oilrecycling.com.au
For your safety
Becarefulwhenhandlingusedoil.Avoidskincontactwithusedengineoil.Wearsuitablegloves.Aftercontactwithskin,washimmediatelywithsoapandwater.Prolongedandrepeatedcontactwithusedengineoilfrompetrolenginesmaycauseskincancer.Alwaysensurethebottleisstoreduprightandthecapistight.
For more information
FormoreinformationpleasecontacttheValvolineTechnicalHotlineon1800804658between8.30am-4.30pmMondaytoFridayAEST.
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For more information contact the Valvoline Technical Hotline on
1800 804 658
® Registered Trademark, Ashland.
Valvoline (Australia) Pty Ltd30 Davis Rd, WETHERILL PARK
NSW 2164