Mineral motor oils: characteristics and features. Choosing an engine oil The main advantages of a synthetic oil

Mineral motor oil in the modern market is not very popular, many motorists prefer synthetics or semi-synthetics. However, most of the buyers are unaware that some well-known brands sell processed mineral mixtures under the brand name synthetics.

Mineral motor oils are a product of petroleum hydrocarbon refining. Their structure consists of molecules that are heterogeneous in shape and structure - this leads to instability of the characteristics of the motor fluid at different temperature conditions.

Mineral water, unlike synthetic and semi-synthetic lubricants, is of natural origin; natural additives are used for its manufacture. Engine oil manufacturers improve the structure of mineral mixtures in two ways:

1. Removal from liquid impurities of harmful resins, acids, sulfur compounds. This method makes it possible to obtain an oil base without harmful substances, but the viscosity of the mixture at high and low temperatures will change.
2. Hydrocracking technology is considered to be a more efficient method of processing mineral liquids. Thanks to it, harmful substances are not only removed from the base base, but the length of hydrocarbon chains also changes. Thus, the hydrocracking technology makes it possible to obtain products with stable viscosity characteristics to temperature drops. Hydrocracking oil will retain its properties better throughout the entire operating period (than pure mineral oil), it will practically not differ from synthetic mixtures.

Synthetic lubricants are obtained using the synthesis of hydrocarbon compounds, their cost is much more expensive than hydrocracking products. If you are looking to purchase a fully synthetic automobile oil, and not a product of processing a mineral base, synthetics are distinguished by their designation in the classifications, and also note: the inscription on the canister "Full-synthetic" is fully synthetic.

Advantages and disadvantages

The main and most important difference between a mineral motor oil and a synthetic or semi-synthetic one is the stability of the mixture to various temperature conditions of the power unit. In winter, mineral water begins to crystallize at very low temperatures and cannot provide normal pumping of fluid through the lubrication system, as well as starting the drive without warming up. In summer, this engine oil liquefies at high temperatures outside the car and cannot form a stable protective oil film on the engine components.

Unlike other base bases, mineral fluids do not contain the additives necessary for the normal operation of most modern engines.

Synthetics and semi-synthetics differ from mineral water in the following characteristics:

1. Fluidity. Mineral water is too thick for use in modern engines.
2. Molecular structure. The heterogeneity of the molecular structure of mineral mixtures leads to a decrease in their resistance to crystallization and liquefaction.
3. Additives. In synthetics and semisynthetics, additives are better; they do not collapse at high temperatures outside the car. In contrast to them, additives of natural origin are used for mineral water, which burn out at high temperatures.
4. The difference in terms of replacement, synthetics change much less often.
5. Mineral water forms more deposits during engine operation.

Among the benefits of mineral motor oil are:

1. These fluids work better in high mileage engines. Unlike synthetics, which have great detergent properties, mineral mixtures do not lead to the separation of carbon deposits from the drive units and do not cause clogging of the lubrication system and motor channels. Mineral water washes away carbon deposits from the internal elements of the motor gradually.
2. Mineral water, unlike synthetics and semi-synthetics, interacts less aggressively with the rubber surfaces of the lubrication system and drive units, and does not lead to their destruction.
3. Improves the performance of worn out power units. Mineral oils are thick enough, they are able to fill the increased gaps in the friction units of motors with high mileage.

Conclusion

Mineral motor oils in terms of viscosity characteristics are inferior to synthetic and semi-synthetic fluids. But there are power units in which only the use of mineral water is possible, for example, only mineral oil has been poured into the engine for several years, or the drive has a significant escape. In such situations, the use of synthetics or semi-synthetics is unacceptable due to the large amount of carbon deposits inside the motor.

When choosing a mineral oil, take into account the requirements of the car manufacturer, the type of engine, the base of the mixture that was poured into the engine earlier.

Today, there are many disputes among car owners about which oil is best to fill in the engine. Some prefer mineral liquids, others recommend taking, and still others do not choose anything other than semisynthetics. In addition, many companies are created that advertise their products as the most modern and optimal. In this article, we will look at several criteria for choosing lubricants and find out which oil is best for filling the engine.

Viscosity

The first thing to look at is the viscosity of the lubricant. Often, the characteristics of engine oils are divided into two types - summer (that is, those that should be filled in in summer) and winter (well, everything is already clear here). So, each manufacturer, be it Opel or domestic GAZ, initially indicates in the operation manual the exact one that needs to be filled in at one time or another of the year. There are no exact indicators here, since each company sets its own optimal data range, and the difference between them is very large.

Car mileage

The answer to the question of which oil is better to pour into the engine directly depends on the service life of the machine, that is, its total mileage. Many masters recommend that motorists use synthetic oil only for new cars. Well, for the old, there is nothing better than mineral liquids. It is also worth noting an exception - if you are the owner of a sports car that is 5 or more years old, it is better to give preference to "synthetics", since the engine in such cars runs at very high revs.

What liquid was it before?

The examination of motor oils has shown that in many respects the choice of the necessary fluid (in particular, on used cars) depends on the lubricant on which their engine was previously operated. For example, if during the last 50-80 thousand kilometers the engine was running on "mineral water", then this time it is best to fill it with "synthetics". Why? The thing is that the first type of oils, by their properties, forms various cracks and deposits in the units, which can only be washed out by the second type of lubricant (it has stronger acidic properties, so this is very useful for the engine). But it is possible that "synthetics" will wash out useful deposits, so it should not be poured a second time. But then what kind of oil is better to fill in the engine after the synthetic fluid? In this case, it is best not to immediately switch back to "mineral water", but to use a compromise - a semi-synthetic lubricant. Due to its special properties, it will not harm the operation of the engine and at the same time will prepare it for the next consumption of "mineral water".

As you can see, there is no unambiguous answer to the question of which oil is best for pouring into the engine. Each car is special, and you only need to fill it with that liquid that will not inhibit the operation of the engine (we just listed these cases). Therefore, take care of your iron friend and pour only high-quality liquids into him!

When choosing a lubricant for the engine for a favorite car, most motorists have to make a choice. Which is best for the car: mineral oil or synthetic oil? Let's help many car enthusiasts find the most effective lubricant product.

Why were synthetic lubricants created?

Even from the name, you can understand that mineral products are something natural. These oils are obtained directly from petroleum. Synthetic products are special substances that are made by synthesis from some kind of raw material. What is needed to undergo synthesis and why did the specialists create these lubricants?

For working in unstable conditions

Automotive motors operate in unstable conditions. The engine heats up after starting, after stopping it cools down. The operating modes of the internal combustion engine are also constantly changing.

For reliable operation of the motors under these conditions, it was decided to develop such a composition so that the properties and characteristics of the oil did not change and were stable regardless of conditions. But this is almost impossible. After all, any liquid after it hardens will become thicker. If the friction rate increases, the lubricant will overheat.

That is why, when the automotive industry began to develop rapidly, the question was raised of creating a lubricating fluid that would have more stable properties. Since the mineral base in mineral products is somewhat limited in creating stability, specialists by the method of synthesizing some molecules were able to obtain a special base. It differed from mineral oils in greater independence from external factors. This is how synthetic oil was born.

For the lubrication of aircraft engines

For the first time after the invention, this type of oil was used in aircraft engines. Standard mineral oil "refused" to operate in extreme conditions at very low temperatures. It just froze.

At that time, synthetic oil had a rather high cost and was not available to motorists. Over time, with the development of technology, these products have become cheaper. And today these lubricants are used in automobile engines.

What should you choose?

Synthetics differs from its mineral "brother" in more stable properties and characteristics even in operation under extreme conditions and temperatures. How can this be applied to a car? What are the benefits of synthetic motor oil?

Firstly, synthetics work confidently at extremely low or high temperatures. Secondly, these oils are able to keep their characteristics and performance properties longer. And for some car models, minerals are simply prohibited, because formulations based on mineral components do not have the necessary properties that are relevant for modern engines.

The main advantages of synthetic oil

Quality oils have better flow characteristics. This minimizes the friction between the engine parts. As a result, it is possible to achieve a reduction in fuel consumption and an increase in traction.

As already mentioned, these oils perform well even in severe frost and overheating. The internal combustion engine will not feel overload. Synthetics often retain their chemical stability for much longer, since oxidative processes practically do not occur in it.

Synthetics are pure motor

When grease circulates in the lubrication system, a sludge remains. If mineral oils are used, serious sludge deposits can form in the engine after some period of use. This significantly reduces the efficiency of the internal combustion engine and leads to increased wear.

Synthetic engine oil, unlike mineral products, does not contain impurities and effectively protects against sludge deposits. This is a serious and maximum protection.

Protects against wear

Engine components constantly work in close contact with other parts or assemblies. This can lead to wear or serious damage. To reduce the wear rate of parts, a lubricating fluid works between them. Mineral oils quickly lose their properties and lubricity. Synthetics retain their properties for a long time, and their lubricating characteristics are much higher.

How to "feed" the transmission?

Probably, it is unpleasant to see mountains of "dead" check points at some service station, and the brand of the car from which the box was removed is not even important. Modern manufacturers are trying to make this unit disposable. Modern boxes are not repaired. They just change. Do you know how much it costs to replace a box? That is why it is important to constantly pamper your gearbox with good lubricants. Synthetic gear oil is best suited for this. It is better to choose a viscosity of 75W, and the quality class should be at least GL-4. These products are perfect for manual transmissions.

It is a pity that domestic manufacturers do not produce synthetics for transmissions. Everything that is offered in car dealerships is imported products from Europe. Prices start at 350 p. per liter up to 775 r.

Various oils have been tested. This is how a certain rating came about. During the checks, the lubricants were tested for some characteristics, such as operation in extreme conditions, stability of properties, the possibility of rapid heating.

Motul Gear 300 was named the best among the best. It is this product that protects the gearbox as much as possible at maximum load. Two types of oils provide the best protection against wear. These are gear oils from Energear and products from ADDINOL. In the energy saving rating, the Gear line from Motul and Mobil. In third place is ADDINOL. For those cars that stand in the cold all night, SRS products, the Shell Spirax and Energear line are best suited. The best price / quality ratio is in NGN oils.

And the winner in this test is the company that provides maximum protection even in sports conditions. This is the Motul company.

Choosing the best synthetic engine oil

The stores offer a large selection of different lubricants. What to choose for those who need synthetics? There is a rating that is compiled based on the characteristics of lubricating products from different manufacturers.

Research specialists from the Russian laboratory are real professionals. Trust the results of this test. In the course of it, experts tested some types of synthetic oils.

Zic QX

These products can be called quite high quality. The oils can be used both in severe frosts and in summer heat. The lubricant is capable of working on both a gasoline engine and a diesel engine. Based on the results of performance testing, this fluid fully complies with the standards of the class in which it is presented.

In addition, the composition has better stability and acidity indicators. Motorists in reviews about this oil write that there are no complaints about it. Recommended mostly for those who use the machine in cold regions. The product contains special modifiers that reduce wear on parts. This synthetics has minimal consumption. The quality / price ratio is good.

Mobil sint s

Fluids from this manufacturer are known to all motorists, without exception. A series of oils works perfectly both on diesel engines and on gasoline units. The product fully complies with the standards. Special thickener based on polymers, works great. It is designed to reduce oil wear.

AGA

This is a domestic manufacturer. According to experts, the liquid has good characteristics. I must also say that this synthetics allows the motor to start perfectly "on cold".

But with high performance, the grease ages quickly. The average mileage on this liquid is about 6000-8000 km, its price is 600 rubles.

Mannol elite

This is a Belgian synthetic motor oil. Manufacturers claim that the liquid has the highest thermal-oxidative stability. This is a guarantee of long-term performance.

Overall, tests have shown that this consumable is suitable for use. One of the drawbacks is the slow response of the polymers. Otherwise, it is a good liquid. Its cost is about 2 thousand rubles.

Shell helix

According to the experts who conducted the tests, this manufacturer makes the best products. These greases have excellent, long service life. It must also be said that the universal grease has a good level of resistance to oxidative processes. This is perhaps the best synthetic oil. Reviews about him are only positive.