Engine Oil


ABOUT

1

ABOUT

Engine oil serves as lubricant to prevent the metal- particle/ carbon contamination caused by frictions and combustion and cleans up the inside of the engine, keeping the movement smooth.

1. Lubrication – minimize engine wear

2. Cooling – conduct frictional heat

3. Protection – protect parts from corrosion

4. Flushing and cleaning – remove and dissolve impurities and deposits

 

Lubricant Composition

Base Oil (60-90%)

Additive (10% - 40%)

Mineral (SN)

Semi Synthetic*

HC-Synthetic (HC)**

Synthetic (PAO/Ester)

 

* undefined mix of base oils – no legal definition in place

** No common definition – considered in some countries as synthetic but in some as mineral

Detergent/ Dispersant

Antioxidant

EP/AW

Friction Modifier

PPD

VI-Improver

Anti Foam

Corrosion Protection

Engine oil is made up of 60-90% base oil + 10% - 40% additives

 

Base Oil

 

Base Oil - Classification of API and ATIEL

API - Group

Classification

Saturate Level

Sulphur Content

Viscosity Index

Costs

Group I

Mineral Oil

(Solvent Raffinate)

< 90%

> 0.03%

80 < VI < 120 typically < 100

low

Group II

Mineral Oil

(Hydrated Solvent Raffinate)

> 90%

< 0.03%

80 < VI < 120 typically < 100

low

Group III

Mineral Oil

(Hydrocrack)

> 90%

< 0.03%

VI > 120

typically 120 – 135

medium

Group IV

Synthetic

(PAO)

---

0

VI > 120

typically 120 – 150

high

Group V

Synthetic

(mainly Ester)

---

0

---

typically 120 – 160

very high

 

Base Oil Influence on Lubricant Properties

Base oil affects lubricants in different ways, therefore the need for additives

 

Clarifications on Base Oil Wording

Mineral … Semi-synthetic … Synthetic … Fully Synthetic…

In Summary,

(1) Market misconceptions of base oil as quality (correct: quality is based on combination of base oil and additives)

(2) Quality is defined by performance profile and not base oils

(3) Clarifications of market understanding on “mineral”, “semi-synthetic”, “fully synthetic”

 

Base Oil Mix Table - Naming / Classification

API -Group

Group I

Group II

Group III

Group IV

Group V

Group I

Mineral

Mineral

Mineral*

Semi-synthetic*

Semi-synthetic

Semi-synthetic

Group II

Mineral

Mineral

Mineral*

Semi-synthetic*

Semi-synthetic

Semi-synthetic

Group III

Mineral*

Semi-synthetic*

Mineral*

Semi-synthetic*

Mineral*

Semi-synthetic*

Synthetic*

Semi-synthetic*

Synthetic*

Semi-synthetic*

Synthetic*

Group IV

Semi-synthetic*

Semi-synthetic

Semi-synthetic*

Synthetic*

Synthetic

Synthetic

Group V

Semi-synthetic

Semi-synthetic

Semi-synthetic*

Synthetic*

Synthetic

Synthetic

Remark: Often a combination of different Base Oil Types is used within one formulation

* The classification/ naming of the base oil mixture can vary on a wide range depending on the region or local regulations (if any). For example, for yellow marked combinations, there is no official regulation in place (in Asia).

 

Purpose of Additives

Even by using more and more high quality Base Oils,
Additives are needed to fulfil the requirements of modern lubricants.

 

What Additives do:

 

Typical Additive treat rates range from a few parts per million (ppm) up to 30% and more.

 

Some additives do interact with each other.

*Careful selection of Additives is therefore required.

 

Additives can, in principal, be divided into three types:

 

TYPE A: Surface Protection Additives

Name

Code

Desired Effect

Detergent/ Dispersant

DD

Keep surfaces free of deposits

Keep insoluble particles dispersed

Extreme Pressure Additive

Anti-wear Additive

EP/AW

Reduce friction and wear and prevent scoring

Friction Modifier

FM

Adjust friction level (increase/decrease)

Corrosion/Rust Inhibitor

CI

Prevent corrosion of metal parts

 

TYPE B: Lubricant Enhancement Additives

Name

Code

Desired Effect

VI-Improver

VII

Reduce the rate of viscosity change with temperature

Pourpoint Depressant

PPD

Enable Lubricant to flow at low temperatures

Seal Swell Agent

--

Swell elastomeric seals

Dye

--

Lubricant identification

 

TYPE C: Lubricant Protection Additives

Name

Code

Desired Effect

 Antioxidant

AO

 Increase Oxidation stability

 Antifoam Agent

AF

 Prevent Foaming

 

In summary, 

 

Global Engine Oil Specifications

OEM-Specifications

= Basic Specifications

+ Tighter Limits

+ Inhouse-Test

+ Field Trial

Basic Specifications

•Chemical/Physical Properties

•Technical Requirements

Example:

  • BMW

  • Mercedes-Benz

  • Volkswagen

Example:

  • JASO

  • API -> Common in Asia

  • ACEA

 

API Specifications

American Petroleum Institute differentiates between operating mode of engines and performance levels:

 

 


COMPARISON

1

COMPARISON

Test Item Result Evaluation
Average Weighted Piston Deposits, Merits

Long Lasting Performance

13% Better Thermal and Oxidative Stability

Keep your engine clean by preventing harmful deposits from building up.

Engine Sludge Performance, Merits

Smoother Drives

14.1% Better Sludge Control

Enjoy smoother drives with protection from sludge and deposits.

Fuel Efficiency Index (FEI) SUM, %

Economical Rides

5.4 % Better Fuel Efficiency

Drive further with less fuel, saving money.

Average Camshaft Wear, µm

Prolong Engine Life

70%-84% Better Protection from Engine Wear

Extend your engine's lifespan by slowing down wear and tear.

Bearing Weight Loss, mg

 


REPLACEMENT

1

REPLACEMENT

Replacement Guide

Refer to your car manual for the correct specification to use and replace based on manual recommended timing.

Top Up Guide

1) Check your engine oil level to determine if refilling is required.

To check your oil level, pull out the dip stick which is normally yellow or orange and located near the engine.

Pull it out as far as it will go, then put it back in its tube. Wait a few seconds before taking it out to check the oil level. The minimum and maximum levels are marked at the end of the rod. If the level is below the minimum mark, top-up your oil immediately.

2) Most vehicles have a warning light on the dashboard.

If this light is yellow or red, you need to stop as soon as you can to check your oil level and top it up if necessary.