What are the types of engine oil?
4 Answers
Engine oil is categorized into mineral oil, semi-synthetic oil, and fully synthetic oil. Below are the relevant introductions: 1. Mineral oil: Mineral oil is a lubricant refined from petroleum. The base oil of mineral oil is the residual bottom oil left after the distillation of useful light substances from crude oil, which is then further refined. Mineral oil is the most common type of lubricant on the market. It is inexpensive, but its service life and lubrication performance are relatively inferior. 2. Semi-synthetic oil: Semi-synthetic oil is a product purified from mineral oil through hydrocracking technology, consisting of a mixture of mineral oil and fully synthetic oil in a ratio of 4:6. 3. Fully synthetic oil: Fully synthetic oil is derived from ethylene and propylene dispersed in natural gas or crude oil, which undergoes complex chemical reactions such as polymerization and catalysis to be refined into a lubricant composed of large molecules.
When I first started learning to drive, I had only a vague understanding of engine oil. Now I know there are three main types: mineral oil, synthetic oil, and semi-synthetic oil. Mineral oil is the cheapest but offers average protection, making it suitable for older cars or daily commutes. Synthetic oil is like a premium skincare product—it handles high temperatures and speeds well, extending engine life, but it's more expensive. Semi-synthetic oil is a balanced option with good cost-performance, suitable for most regular cars. In winter, choose thinner oils, like those labeled 0W, while thicker oils are better in summer to prevent rapid evaporation. Remember to change the oil regularly—otherwise, accumulated contaminants can damage the engine. Once, I forgot to change it, and my engine started making strange noises. Now, I always select oil based on the season and my car's condition during maintenance—simple and safe.
As a seasoned car enthusiast with years of experience, I know the ins and outs of engine oil. Types include mineral, synthetic, and semi-synthetic, with synthetic further divided into full synthetic and semi-synthetic—the advantage of full synthetic is particularly evident in harsh driving conditions like mountain roads or frequent acceleration, as it reduces wear. There's also high-performance synthetic oil, designed specifically for sports cars, but for regular family cars, semi-synthetic is cost-effective enough. The difference in viscosity is also crucial; 5W-30 ensures smooth starts in cold weather, while 10W-40 provides better overheating protection in hot weather. I often remind my friends not to choose oil based solely on price but to check the vehicle manual. For example, older cars can save money with mineral oil, while new cars are recommended to use semi-synthetic or better to avoid major repair costs. Regular oil quality checks can prevent minor issues from turning into major failures.
I've always been environmentally conscious, and there are green options for engine oil too: biodegradable synthetic oils made from plant-based materials to reduce pollution. Conventional options include mineral, synthetic, and semi-synthetic oils. Mineral oil is the least eco-friendly, prone to leaks that contaminate soil. Although synthetic oil is a chemical product, newer versions have high recycling rates. Biodegradable oil is slightly more expensive but worth it for the planet—I've tried it in my own car, and the performance was decent with no residual odor during oil changes. Other types also depend on driving habits: frequent hard braking benefits from synthetic oil for better protection, while semi-synthetic is fine for daily commutes. In short, choosing oil isn’t just about car maintenance but also environmental impact. I recommend checking every 5,000 kilometers.
