What Does Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) Oil Mean?
2 Answers
Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) oil refers to lubricant products that are certified and authorized by the vehicle manufacturer, categorized into two types: "rebranded" and "exclusive supply". Here's an introduction: OEM oil is not actually produced by the "original factory", as most automobile manufacturers do not produce engine oil themselves, nor do they participate in its development process. Therefore, OEM oil is essentially lubricant supplied by the vehicle manufacturer for their cars, typically customized and manufactured by major oil companies on their behalf. Automakers do not produce their own engine oil. Here are some details about OEM oil: In terms of product composition, OEM oil can be classified into mineral oil, semi-synthetic, and full-synthetic oils. Different vehicle brands and series will have different OEM oils. However, fundamentally, there is little difference between OEM oil and commercial brand oils available in the market—they use the same base oils and additives, without any superior qualities.
As a frequent driver, I believe that original equipment manufacturer (OEM) oil is the specialized oil recommended by the 4S shop when you buy a car, which is certified or designated by the automotive brand itself. It perfectly matches your engine's requirements, provides optimal protection, reduces component wear, and also helps save fuel and extend the engine's lifespan. Especially for new cars under warranty, using OEM oil is the safest choice, as using other oils might affect the warranty terms. I've also tried other non-OEM oils, which are cheaper, but as long as they meet the specifications, they're fine too. In short, regular oil changes are crucial, and I recommend following the maintenance manual.