
Tips for Choosing the Right Car Oil to Keep Your Engine Durable
Car oil plays a crucial role as a lubricant that keeps engine components running smoothly and reduces excessive friction. Because of its vital function, car owners need to choose the right, high-quality oil. By using the proper oil, the engine’s performance can remain optimal, and its lifespan will be longer.
The wide variety of oil types and brands available on the market often leaves car owners confused about which one to use. Choosing the wrong oil can have negative impacts on the vehicle, ranging from the engine overheating quickly, components wearing out faster, to increased fuel consumption.
Therefore, when purchasing car oil, make sure to pay attention to several factors such as compatibility with the engine specifications, oil type, viscosity level, and more. Here are some tips on choosing the right car oil to keep your engine durable and protected from damage:
1. Match the Engine Specifications and Manufacturer’s Recommendations
The first step in choosing the right car oil is to always refer to the engine specifications and the manufacturer’s recommendations. Every car engine has different lubricant requirements, including viscosity level, base oil type, and additive content.
Choosing oil based on the manufacturer’s guidelines helps maintain the engine’s performance according to the standards that have been tested. By understanding and following these guidelines, you can ensure that the oil you use not only supports optimal engine performance but also extends the lifespan of internal components.
2. Pay Attention to Oil Viscosity Level (SAE)
Oil viscosity or SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) determines how well the oil flows at low temperatures while still protecting the engine at high temperatures. The SAE code is typically written as 0W-20, 5W-30, or 10W-40.
Car owners need to understand these codes to select the right oil. The number before the letter “W” indicates the oil’s viscosity at cold temperatures, while the number after “W” shows the viscosity at the engine’s operating (hot) temperature.
For example, 0W-20 oil has a very thin viscosity at low temperatures, making it suitable for colder regions or for cold starts in the morning. Meanwhile, 10W-40 oil is thicker and ideal for engines operating at higher temperatures or for cars often driven in tropical regions.
Choosing the appropriate viscosity level based on the climate and engine type helps ensure optimal lubrication. The right viscosity minimizes excessive friction between engine components, keeping the performance strong and fuel consumption efficient.
3. Choose Oil with API / ACEA Certification
Oil certification indicates that the product has passed a series of quality tests that meet international standards. Two widely recognized certifications in the automotive world are the American Petroleum Institute (API) and the Association des Constructeurs Européens d’Automobiles (ACEA).
API certification codes such as API SN, SP, or CI-4 show the oil’s performance level and its ability to protect both gasoline and diesel engines. For instance, API SP is one of the latest standards designed to reduce carbon deposits and protect turbocharger systems.
Choosing car oil with the right certification ensures that the oil is formulated to meet lubrication, cleanliness, and protection requirements against wear and corrosion. Certified oil not only preserves engine performance but also keeps up with advancements in modern engine technology.
4. Select Oil Based on Vehicle Age & Condition
The condition and age of the vehicle are also important when choosing the right oil. Newer cars typically require thinner oil that flows more easily throughout the engine and helps improve fuel efficiency. Synthetic oils with lower viscosity are often the ideal choice for modern vehicles.
On the other hand, older cars—those over five years old or with high mileage—generally need thicker oil. In older engines, the gaps between components tend to widen due to wear, and thicker oil can help maintain a stable lubricating layer and prevent rapid evaporation.
By selecting oil that matches the vehicle’s age, you can keep your car’s performance at its best while minimizing potential engine issues such as oil leaks or excessive oil consumption.
5. Consider the Environment & Climate
The environment where the car is used is another key factor in determining the right oil. In colder regions, thinner oils such as 0W-20 or 5W-30 are recommended because they remain easy to flow at low temperatures, making cold starts easier in the morning.
Meanwhile, in tropical or hotter climates, thicker oils like 10W-40 or 15W-50 are more suitable since they can maintain a protective layer at higher engine operating temperatures.
Choosing the right oil ensures that the engine remains protected even in extreme weather conditions or during long-distance trips. Additionally, proper oil selection helps prevent wear caused by temperature fluctuations.
6. Choose Oil with the Right Additives
Additives are substances in oil formulated to enhance its lubricating properties. Common additives include antioxidants to prevent oxidation, anti-rust agents to protect metal components, and detergents to prevent buildup of sludge and dirt.
Selecting car oil with the right combination of additives helps keep the engine clean and extends the oil’s service life. A clean, well-protected engine runs more efficiently and is less likely to experience problems.
Getting to Know the Types of Car Oil
You also need to understand that there are several types of oil used to lubricate car engines. These oils are categorized based on their base materials, each offering different lubrication effects. Therefore, it’s important to learn about the following types of car oil to choose the right one:
Mineral Oil
Mineral oil is a type of car oil made from refined crude petroleum. It has been used for a long time and generally comes at a more affordable price. Mineral oil is suitable for conventional car engines with simpler technology or for older vehicles.
Since it contains fewer additives than synthetic oil, mineral oil usually has a shorter service life and needs to be changed more frequently. Nevertheless, mineral oil remains a good choice for cars used for light daily driving and rarely for long-distance trips.
With regular oil changes, mineral oil can still effectively lubricate and protect engine components from wear. However, for modern engines that operate at higher temperatures, mineral oil is less recommended due to its lower heat stability compared to synthetic oil.
Synthetic Oil
Synthetic oil is produced through a more advanced chemical engineering process than mineral oil. This process creates more uniform oil molecules, resulting in better lubrication performance, greater resistance to high temperatures, and a longer lifespan.
Synthetic oil also helps keep the engine clean because its additives can prevent the buildup of sludge or carbon deposits. This type of oil is highly suitable for modern cars with advanced engine technology, including those equipped with turbochargers or used for long-distance travel.
Although synthetic oil tends to be more expensive than mineral oil, it offers superior protection. Moreover, it typically has longer replacement intervals, making it more cost-efficient in the long run.
Semi-Synthetic Oil
Semi-synthetic oil is a blend of mineral oil and synthetic oil in specific proportions. This type offers better lubrication and protection than mineral oil but is more affordable than fully synthetic oil.
Semi-synthetic oil is ideal for family or daily-use cars that require better performance than mineral oil but don’t necessarily need the premium quality of synthetic oil. This type has become a popular choice among car owners seeking a balance between engine protection and cost efficiency.
Read also: Electric vs. Gasoline Cars: Differences, Costs, and Maintenance
These are the tips for choosing the right car oil to ensure the engine is properly lubricated. When purchasing oil, car owners need to pay attention to the engine specifications, oil viscosity (SAE), oil certification, the car’s condition, and other factors. However, if you switch to an electric car, you’ll no longer need engine oil since it doesn’t use a gasoline engine.
For those of you who are looking for a modern gasoline-powered car or planning to switch to an electric vehicle, check out the selection of Chery cars at chery.co.id.