What are the differences between domestic and imported engine oils?

[MacIsabelle]

Imported engine oils differ from domestic ones in the following aspects: 1. Imported engine oils generally use superior raw materials. The quality of engine oil is fundamentally determined by two components: base oil and additives. Imported brands primarily source their base oils from South Korea, Singapore, Taiwan, and Japan, which undergo refined processing at refineries. Their additives also come from four major additive companies. 2. Domestic engine oils actually use imported raw materials as well, which are then processed locally. However, most base oils produced independently by domestic refineries have viscosity indexes that are too low, with insufficient production capacity for high-viscosity grades, failing to meet formulation requirements. The situation is similar with additive raw materials.

[MadelineDella]

I've always been a car enthusiast and have driven many vehicles, finding that imported engine oils indeed perform better under extreme conditions. For example, when high-performance cars are driven on tracks, imported oils can maintain stable viscosity, preventing engine overheating and wear. Their base oils and additives are typically more advanced, especially with major brands like Mobil or Shell, offering superior anti-wear properties. However, domestic oils are improving rapidly, with brands like Kunlun and Great Wall offering excellent cost-performance ratios, perfectly adequate for daily city driving. Imported oils respond faster during cold starts, but domestic oils won't fail in summer heat either. The choice should be based on actual usage: commuters can suffice with domestic oils, while enthusiasts may find it worthwhile to spend more. When changing oil, pay attention to certification standards: imported oils often carry international API certifications, while domestic ones follow national GB standards, both offering good safety factors.

[LeJuliette]

I'm just an ordinary office worker who drives for convenience and cost savings. The biggest advantage of domestic engine oil is its affordability, being about half the price of imported oils of the same grade, which saves a lot over long-term use. For daily commuting, there's no noticeable difference in performance as long as you choose reputable brands and change it on schedule. Imported oils may sound premium, but their higher packaging costs don't translate to significantly better lubrication for low-intensity driving. I've been using domestic engine oil for five years, driving 60-70 kilometers daily, and my engine still runs smoothly. Don't be swayed by advertisements; unless you drive modified cars or frequently take long highway trips, there's no need to spend extra. The key is to choose a reliable shop and avoid no-name brands.