What are the types of automotive engine oil?
3 Answers
There are three types of automotive engine oil: mineral oil, semi-synthetic oil, and full-synthetic oil. Mineral oil is the original base oil, classified as SJ or below, and is only suitable for low-end vehicles or some new cars. Semi-synthetic oil is a blend of conventional oil and synthetic base oil, with additives forming a quasi-synthetic oil, suitable for non-turbocharged mid-range vehicle models. Full-synthetic oil has high-temperature resistance, low volatility, and good deposition capabilities, making it suitable for high-temperature, high-speed, and high-compression-ratio engines. Engine oil, also known as motor lubricant, consists of two main components: base oil and additives. The base oil is the primary component of the lubricant, determining its fundamental properties, while additives compensate for and improve the shortcomings of the base oil, imparting new characteristics, making them an essential part of the lubricant.
When it comes to types of car engine oil, I must say this stuff is pretty crucial. Common engine oils are divided into three main categories: mineral oil, semi-synthetic oil, and full synthetic oil. Mineral oil is directly refined from petroleum—it's cheap but offers average protection. For example, it tends to oxidize and thicken under high temperatures, requiring more frequent changes, usually around every 5,000 kilometers. Semi-synthetic oil is a blend of mineral and synthetic oils, balancing performance and cost, making it suitable for regular family cars, with oil change intervals extending to about 7,500 kilometers. Full synthetic oil is the most advanced, containing more artificially synthesized materials, offering stable viscosity and longer engine protection, such as lasting over 10,000 kilometers before needing a change. There's also viscosity grading, like SAE ratings 5W-30 or 10W-40, which represent the oil's flow characteristics at different temperatures—smaller numbers mean it's thinner and easier to start in cold weather, while larger numbers indicate it's thicker at high temperatures for better sealing. I recommend choosing based on your driving habits: go for full synthetic if you frequently take long trips, while semi-synthetic works fine for daily commutes. Never skimp and opt for low-quality oil—it not only damages the engine but also leads to higher repair costs. Regularly check the dipstick or listen to the engine sounds—early detection and action ensure safety first.
As someone who frequently changes oil myself, I understand the classification of motor oil types. From a base oil perspective: Mineral oil is refined from crude oil, being cost-effective but prone to aging; Semi-synthetic blends mineral oil with partial synthetic materials, offering good value; Full synthetic is entirely man-made, excelling in high-temperature resistance and wear protection, especially suitable for high-performance vehicles. Viscosity grades like 5W-30 mean the 5 indicates cold-temperature fluidity, W stands for winter, and 30 represents high-temperature thickness; Lower numbers mean thinner oil for better fuel efficiency, but excessively thin oil may cause leaks. I recommend selecting oil based on vehicle condition: Older cars should use mineral or semi-synthetic to avoid engine strain, while new cars benefit from full synthetic for extended lifespan; Don't exceed manufacturer-recommended change intervals - safest being 5,000 km for mineral, 7,500 for semi-synthetic, and around 10,000 for full synthetic. API ratings like SP indicate higher numbers mean better protection. When DIY-ing, wear gloves to prevent slips and properly recycle used oil to avoid pollution. Daily driving should monitor oil pressure lights or unusual smells - early attention saves major costs.
