Engine Oil

Introduction to engine lubricants

Engine lubricants (also known as motor oils) are lubricants used in internal combustion engines (such as cars, motorcycles, ships, etc.). Their main function is to reduce friction and wear between metal parts inside the engine, and at the same time, they have cooling, cleaning, sealing, rust prevention and impact buffering functions.

Composition: base oil (mineral oil, synthetic oil or semi-synthetic oil) + additives (anti-wear agents, detergent dispersants, antioxidants, etc.).

Classification:

By base oil type: mineral oil, semi-synthetic oil, fully synthetic oil (performance increases in turn).

By viscosity grade: SAE standard (such as 5W-30, W represents low-temperature fluidity in winter, and numbers represent high-temperature viscosity).

By API quality grade: such as SN, SP (gasoline engine), CK-4, CJ-4 (diesel engine), the later the letter, the better the performance.

2. Characteristics of engine lubricants

Lubrication and anti-wear

Forming an oil film to isolate metal contact and reduce friction and wear (such as pistons and cylinders).

Contains anti-wear additives (such as zinc and phosphorus compounds).

Temperature adaptability

Low-temperature stability: Low viscosity (such as 0W, 5W) ensures fast flow during a cold start.

High-temperature stability: High viscosity (such as 40, 50) maintains oil film strength at high temperatures.

Cleaning and dispersion

Additives can dissolve carbon deposits and sludge to prevent deposition (such as sulfonate detergents).

Anti-oxidation and long-term performance

Synthetic oil has a stronger antioxidant capacity and extends the oil change cycle (such as full synthetic oil up to 15,000 kilometers).

Sealing and leak prevention

Fill the gap between the piston ring and the cylinder to improve compression efficiency.

Rust and corrosion prevention

Neutralize acidic substances (such as sulfides produced by combustion) to protect metal surfaces.

Environmental protection

Low sulfur and low ash formulas reduce exhaust pollution (in compliance with API SP/GF-6 and other standards).

Application of engine lubricants

Automotive engines

Gasoline vehicles: API SP/SN grade, viscosity is selected according to climate (such as 5W-30 is suitable for all seasons).

Diesel vehicles: API CK-4/CJ-4, suitable for high-load commercial vehicles.

Motorcycle oil

Some need to take into account clutch lubrication (MA/MB standard) and avoid using automobile oil to cause slippage.

Special machinery

Engineering machinery, agricultural diesel engines (such as CF-4 grade high viscosity oil).

Racing/high-performance engines: Fully synthetic oil (such as 0W-40), high temperature and high shear resistance.

Ships and aviation

Special oil for marine diesel engines (such as SAE 40 single-grade oil).

Aviation piston engine oil (special synthetic formula).

Industrial field

Internal combustion engine equipment such as generator sets and compressors.

Company Profile

Infomak is a trusted global chemical material supplier & manufacturer with over 12-year-experience in providing super high-quality lubricant and relatives products.

The company has a professional technical department and Quality Supervision Department, a well-equipped laboratory, and equipped with advanced testing equipment and after-sales customer service center.

If you are looking for high-quality lubricant materials and relative products, please feel free to contact us or click on the needed products to send an inquiry.

Payment Methods

L/C, T/T, Western Union, Paypal, Credit Card etc.

Shipment

It could be shipped by sea, by air, or by reveal ASAP as soon as repayment receipt.

FAQs

1. What is the difference between synthetic, semi-synthetic, and mineral oil?

• Mineral Oil: Derived from crude oil, basic refining, cheaper but less stable at high temperatures.
• Semi-Synthetic Oil: A blend of mineral and synthetic oil, offering better performance than mineral oil at a moderate cost.
• Full Synthetic Oil: Chemically engineered for superior lubrication, high-temperature stability, and longer drain intervals. Best for high-performance engines.

2. How often should I change my engine oil?

• Standard recommendation: Every 5,000–7,500 km (3,000–5,000 miles) for conventional oil, 10,000–15,000 km (6,000–9,000 miles) for synthetic oil.
• Factors affecting oil life: Driving conditions (stop-and-go traffic, towing), engine age, and oil type. Always check the vehicle manufacturer’s guidelines.

3. What does the "5W-30" or "10W-40" on oil labels mean?

• These numbers represent the viscosity grade (SAE standard):
  • First number (e.g., 5W): Cold-weather performance ("W" = Winter). Lower numbers (e.g., 0W, 5W) mean better flow in cold starts.
  • Second number (e.g., 30, 40): High-temperature viscosity. Higher numbers (e.g., 40, 50) mean thicker oil at operating temperature.

4. Can I mix different types or brands of engine oil?

• Not recommended, as different oils may have incompatible additives.
• In emergencies, mixing the same viscosity and type (e.g., two 5W-30 synthetic oils) is acceptable, but an oil change should follow soon.

5. What happens if I use the wrong engine oil?

• Too thick (e.g., 20W-50 in cold weather): Poor cold starts, reduced fuel efficiency.
• Too thin (e.g., 0W-20 in an old engine): Increased wear, possible oil leaks.
• Wrong API specification (e.g., diesel oil in a gasoline engine): Reduced performance, potential engine damage.