What are the classifications of engine oil?
4 Answers
Engine oil is classified into mineral oil, semi-synthetic oil, and full-synthetic oil. Below is a detailed introduction to these classifications: 1. Mineral oil: Mineral oil is extracted from minerals, has a relatively thick consistency, and is more affordable. It provides basic protection and can be considered the most fundamental type of engine oil. 2. Synthetic oil: Synthetic oil is artificially formulated through chemical processes. Full-synthetic oil offers the best performance. For vehicles with turbocharged (T) engines, using full-synthetic oil ensures excellent smoothness and cleanliness, with a longer replacement interval of up to 1 year or 10,000 kilometers. 3. Semi-synthetic oil: Semi-synthetic oil is a blend of synthetic and mineral oils, offering performance that lies between the two. Its price and replacement cycle are also intermediate. For ordinary naturally aspirated engines, semi-synthetic oil is a suitable choice.
I've been driving for many years, and engine oils are mainly divided into three types, each with different characteristics. Mineral oil is the most basic type, directly refined from petroleum. It's inexpensive but offers weaker engine protection and has a short replacement interval, usually needing to be changed every 5,000 kilometers. Semi-synthetic oil is a blend of mineral and synthetic oils, offering better cost-performance and is suitable for everyday family cars, extending the oil change interval to around 7,000 kilometers. Full synthetic oil performs the best, utilizing chemical synthesis technology for more stable lubrication and stronger wear resistance. It's ideal for high-performance cars or long-distance driving and ensures smoother starts in cold northern weather. Oil viscosity, such as 5W-30, is also crucial as it determines fluidity. Choosing the right one can reduce fuel consumption and extend engine life. I always advise friends to follow their car's manual and not skimp on maintenance to save money.
As a seasoned driver with over 300,000 kilometers of experience, I've tested various engine oil types. The first is conventional mineral oil, which is cost-effective but prone to oxidation and degradation under high temperatures, offering average engine protection. The second is semi-synthetic oil, blending mineral and partial synthetic technology for balanced protection. Then there's full synthetic oil, manufactured with advanced chemical processes, excelling in wear resistance and high-temperature performance. I personally use synthetic oil for high-RPM long-distance drives, noticeably reducing noise and vibration. Oil viscosity selection is also crucial—higher viscosity works better for summer lubrication, while lower viscosity like 0W series ensures smooth winter starts. Regular oil changes are core to maintenance; I make it a habit to check oil levels every 5,000 kilometers to ensure engine health.
For friends on a budget, there are three types of engine oil to choose from. Mineral oil is the cheapest but requires frequent changes. Semi-synthetic oil strikes a balance between price and performance, offering the best value for money with slightly extended change intervals. While full synthetic oil is more expensive, it provides greater peace of mind in the long run. I would opt for semi-synthetic oil for family cars—it offers better protection than mineral oil without increasing costs. Oil viscosity, such as 5W-40, affects fuel consumption; choosing the right one can save fuel. During each maintenance, remember to have the technician test the oil quality.
