What Are the Types of Engine Oil?
4 Answers
Engine oil can be classified into the following 3 types: 1. Mineral oil: Replace every 5,000 kilometers or 3 months. 2. Semi-synthetic oil: Replace every 7,500 kilometers or 6 months. 3. Full-synthetic oil: Replace every 10,000 kilometers or 1 year. Below is some relevant information: 1. Replacement intervals are not fixed: The replacement intervals for car engine oil are not fixed. This depends on the car brand and engine characteristics. Some vehicles require replacement after 7,500 kilometers, while others need replacement after 10,000 kilometers. 2. Lubrication and cleaning: Engine oil lubricates and cleans the car's engine and also prevents rust. Therefore, car owners place great importance on engine oil. After driving 5,000 kilometers, the engine oil will turn black. In fact, this is a normal phenomenon. Additionally, frequent replacement of engine oil can affect its cleaning function.
I've been driving for over 20 years and have used various types of engine oil. The most common is mineral oil, which is cheap but has a short change interval, basically needing replacement every six months or 5,000 kilometers, suitable for budget-conscious car owners. Semi-synthetic oil is slightly more expensive with better balanced performance, typically changed annually or at 8,000 kilometers, which I often use for daily commuting. Full synthetic oil is premium, offering the best engine protection, with high temperature and wear resistance, and viscosity like 5W-30 ensures quick starts in winter and strong protection in summer. After switching to it, I noticed reduced noise and smoother acceleration. Don't overlook the API rating, such as SP grade which is compatible with modern engines and has low emissions. Regularly check the oil color; if it's dark black or has impurities, change it immediately to avoid costly overhauls.
As a car enthusiast, I'm very particular about engine oil. The basic categories are mineral, semi-synthetic, and full synthetic oils. I recommend full synthetic oil for those who love high-speed driving, like 5W-40 which maintains stable performance at high temperatures with responsive engine performance and no lag. Mineral oil is too basic and only suitable for older cars; semi-synthetic is moderate and ideal for daily commuting. Remember, the first smaller number in the viscosity grade is better for cold starts, with 0W starting super fast below zero degrees. Higher API classifications are more environmentally friendly, with SN to SP grades offering better purification. Oil lifespan is affected by driving habits – more highway driving extends oil durability; congested roads reduce lifespan requiring more frequent changes. Don't skimp on quality oil, as engine wear from inferior oil leads to more troublesome repairs.
When I first got my driver's license, I didn't understand engine oil. Later, I learned the classifications: mineral oil is the most economical and suitable for budget-conscious beginners like me; semi-synthetic oil is a mainstream choice with reliable performance; full synthetic oil is the top-tier option but expensive, offering the best protection. Viscosity ratings like 10W-30 ensure easy starts and even lubrication. Regular oil changes are crucial—typically every 5,000 km for mineral oil and up to 10,000 km for full synthetic. Checking oil levels is simple: pull out the dipstick and check the markings, topping up if it's low to keep it clean. Don't randomly switch from the model specified in the manual, as it can increase fuel consumption and damage the engine. Beginners are advised to leave it to professional shops for safe handling.
