What does c3-16 engine oil mean?
2 Answers
c3-16 engine oil is a type of fully synthetic oil. c3 engine oil has a very low TBN (Total Base Number) and is classified as an environmentally friendly oil. Below is an introduction to engine oil: Introduction: Engine oil, motor oil, or engine lubricant is a substance enhanced with additives in base oil. Composition: It mainly contains anti-wear additives, detergents, dispersants, and multi-grade oil viscosity index improvers. Function: Engine oil is used for lubricating internal combustion engines. The main functions of engine oil are to reduce friction and wear on moving parts, and to remove sludge (one of the functions of dispersants) and varnish (detergents) from the engine. It also neutralizes acids produced from fuel and lubricant oxidation (detergents), improves piston ring sealing, and cools the engine by carrying away heat from moving parts.
I've been driving for twenty years and have extensive experience with engine oil. C3-16 oil is a C3 category lubricant under the European ACEA standard, where the 16 refers to the 2016 specification version. It is primarily used for vehicles equipped with diesel particulate filters (DPF), featuring exceptionally low ash content to prevent DPF clogging and reduce emissions. After switching to this oil, engine wear has significantly decreased, the noise is much quieter, and it even saves some fuel costs. My car is a European SUV, and the manual specifically recommends using C3 oil, allowing the oil change interval to be extended to 10,000 kilometers. If you use regular oil improperly, the DPF warning light will come on, and repair costs can easily run into thousands of yuan. Additionally, it must be paired with the correct viscosity grade, such as 5W-30; otherwise, poor oil flow can cause difficult starts in cold winters. During maintenance, I always remind the mechanic to use manufacturer-approved brands to ensure the car stays healthy and lasts longer.
