If the headline has put you in a stupor - great. This is what we achieved. Let's try and write it differently: “We choose engine oil: NS-synthetic or PAO-synthetic? " So it became clearer? No! Well, then you are welcome for clarification.

Our dear motorists. The marketing departments of oil companies have been explaining to you for years that synthetic oil that's good for the engine. And now you all know this perfectly well. But the fact that there are two types of synthetic oil is known only by a few. And it would be worthwhile to understand this issue. After all, its consumer properties and cost depend on what type the base of synthetic oil belongs to - to HC-synthetics or PAO-synthetics. What is hidden behind these abbreviations?

What is NS synthetics?

If HC-synthetics is written on the engine oil canister, this means that the base oil from which it is made was produced using hydrocracking technology from heavy petroleum products. Those who are interested in the details of the technology can independently "google". We will limit ourselves to a solid description so that the reader can just get a general idea of ​​it. So when hydrocracking from the base mineral oil harmful impurities are removed and long molecular chains are destroyed. That is, the oil is synthesized from heavy hydrocarbons.

What is PAO Synthetics?

Base oils PAO synthetics are produced from gas. This is due to the synthesis of polyalphaolefins (PAO) from light hydrocarbons, which are the basis of this type oils. This technology produces a substance with a uniform molecular composition, devoid of sulfur and metal impurities.

Light or heavy

At first glance, there is no difference in how this or that oil base of the same commercial viscosity, for example, 5W30, is obtained. But the practice of operating engine oils suggests otherwise. The most important difference lies in the thermal-oxidative stability of the oil, or, more simply, in the duration of the oil run between service before it thickens. This is most clearly illustrated by the diagram below.

Why is thermo-oxidative stability needed?

An inexperienced reader may ask: "Why should I care about the thermal-oxidative stability of engine oil, if I clearly follow the recommendations of the automaker on the timing of its replacement?" This issue needs to be sorted out in more detail: is it so? Is it possible for an average car enthusiast living in a metropolis to clearly fulfill the requirements of car manufacturers for the timing of replacing engine oil?

Let's estimate. Let the engine oil change period be every 15 thousand km. And our conditional driver will drive 50 km to work every day. At the same time, he will spend on the road an average of 1 hour in the morning and 1 hour in the evening. With this operating mode, the need to change the oil, judging by the odometer, will come in 300 days or, roughly speaking, in a year. During this time, the engine will run 600 hours. And how much can you drive in 600 hours, if you don't get stuck in traffic jams and if the engine runs at 2500 rpm (in direct drive, this corresponds to a speed of 90-100 km / h)? Multiplied? It turns out 60,000 km. Those. it turns out that our conventional inhabitant of a metropolis has a fourfold (!!!) oil overrun in the engine during the service interval. Can you imagine what the engine will run out during this time? That is why the thermal-oxidative stability of engine oil is so important for city car operation.

Automakers are facing that problem in full measure. Ten years ago, there was a marketing competition between them over who would claim the longer service interval. But now all official service points are reducing the actual oil change interval. This is done quietly, without loud advertising. This happens due to the fact that a special footnote has appeared in each service book. She says that a shorter engine oil change period is recommended when “ difficult conditions exploitation". Traffic in traffic jams in our big cities is also attributed to similar conditions!

How to replace synthetics?

Let's go back to the beginning of our story - to motor oil. Today the main type of oil used in modern passenger cars mobiles are synthetics. Moreover, for economic reasons, this is NS-synthetics, i.e. product made using hydrocracking technology. On the Internet, you can find many discussions about the stability and quality of engine oils from different manufacturers. But if you look at the results of laboratory tests, it turns out that the difference "in quality" between products of different brands, in terms of service mileage, does not exceed 25-30%. This is also a lot, but certainly will not block even a double overrun of engine oil.

In this case, the solution lies, as always, on the surface. This is a transition to a different type of base for PAO synthetics. And what I like most about this decision is that it is made by the car owner himself and does not depend on car manufacturers.

Benefits of POA synthetics

Racers were the first to fully appreciate the performance of motor oils based on POA synthetics. During the competition, the engine can develop its resource in one race: the pilot does not regret it in any way, trying to squeeze out everything he is capable of from the forced engine. And here the special properties of oils of this type, which we have not yet touched on in our story, came in handy. Let's list them.

1. High antifriction properties;
2. Fuel savings due to reduced friction;
3. Resistance of engine parts to thermal overloads;
4. Low oil consumption for waste;
5. High resistance to oxidation during operation.

All this made it possible to squeeze the maximum out of the engine and at the same time reach the finish line.

From sports "stables" PAO-synthetics began to migrate to civilian cars, until it was imperceptibly ousted by NS-synthetics.

The reverse transition from NS synthetics to PHA synthetics is possible from a new level of understanding of what the user gets from this transition. Indeed, in addition to the above qualities that are relevant for motorsport, the ordinary user receives several more advantages in the daily operation of the car. Here they are:

1. Stability of chemical properties during the entire period of use;
2. Engine cleanliness due to high detergent properties;
3. Confident engine start at low temperatures;
4. Extended service interval.

There is clearly something to fight for.

Oil for perfectionists? ...

When you talk to experts in the oil industry about fully synthetic motor oils (this is another commonly used name for PAO synthetics), everyone says that they are positioning this product as an oil for perfectionists and drive enthusiasts. Accepting their opinion, deep down in my heart I experienced some kind of dissonance, and during the preparation of the article, I was finally able to reflect on it. I realized that I did not agree with them. First of all, I disagree with such a narrowing of the target audience. Of course, if you like to drive, you can't do without PAO synthetics. But this is not only oil for those who like to buy the most expensive.

POA-synthetics - a product for the thrifty!

Let me explain my position. PHA-synthetics are more expensive than HC-synthetics, but not by much, by about 30%. Moreover, it is almost twice as high as it in terms of thermal stability, without taking into account additional positive properties. This allows you to protect the engine and avoid increased wear and tear, increase service mileage and, ultimately, get a better engine condition during operation. This leads to an economy in both possible service and fuel consumption. Moreover, the use of PAO synthetics is especially important for modern heat-loaded engines, in which the oil channels are also structurally narrowed. After all, the channel is clogged, and the engine is "covered". When using a fully synthetic oil, such a development is excluded.

How to buy POA synthetics?

A question that seems trivial in the era of victorious capitalism, but relevant when making a purchase. How can a common consumer find a fully synthetic oil on storefronts, and not oil made using hydrocracking technology?

Unfortunately, we can state that this is not an easy task. Russian consumer legislation does not distinguish between these two types of synthetics, unlike, for example, German. The websites of the oil manufacturers on their pages tell you about anything but what base oil is used. You have to look for information about the base of the oil as well as information about the composition of food additives in products - that is, read the text written in small print on the label.

Here are some simple recommendations on how to independently deal with the inscriptions on the oil canister. Thus, European oil producers, as a rule, make a reference in the oil specification that it is made using HC-technology (hydrocracking) or write that the oil is "HC-synthetic". At the same time, Japanese, Korean and American oil manufacturers boldly call their, in fact, mineral or hydrocracking oils 100% or FULL SYNTHETIC. Realistically figuring out what kind of oil is in the canister can only be done in a complex laboratory way. But there are a few little things to look out for when choosing an oil:

1. If the oils are produced in Germany, the words “vollsynthetisches” are usually sufficient, since Germany is the only country where the concept of synthetic oil is legally defined.
2. If the label says “HC-synthetic” or “HC”, these are oils produced on the basis of hydrocracking and are not PAO synthetics.
3. If the oils are in the 0W- gradation, then their base is in most cases synthetic.
4. Real synthetic oils cannot cost less than 450 rubles per liter.
5. Oils 5W-, 10W-, 15W-, 20W are mostly "semi-synthetics" or "hydrocracking".

The company LIQUI MOLY stands somewhat apart in this secret list, which, specifically in order to avoid mixing, presents separate lines of motor oils with bases with HC-synthetics and PAO synthetics. So, HC synthetics are represented by the LIQUI MOLY Top Tec line of oils, and PAO synthetics are LIQUI MOLY Synthoil. There are also a number of companies that separately distinguish hydrocracking synthetics and PAO synthetics. It is their products that we recommend focusing on.

Short answers to questions

For those interested in the topic

Question: It is believed that synthetic oils are more fluid, which can cause leakage through the oil seals and seals of the motor. Is it true?
Answer: No, synthetic oils cannot by themselves cause a leak on a serviceable engine with worn seals and oil seals! Leaks, as a rule, are caused by age and the use of mineral oils, from which the seals simply harden (tan) and lose their working elasticity.

A question from the older generation: Will the use of synthetic-based engine oil negatively affect the warranty car?
Answer: Of course not. Almost all the giants of the global automotive industry fill in synthetic motor oils at the plant and recommend them for further use, including at the end of the warranty period!

IMPORTANT: in order not to lose the warranty on the car, use an oil of the viscosity recommended by the car manufacturer, in accordance with the season and region of operation. It is also important not to exceed the oil change dates set by the vehicle manufacturer..

Question: Is it necessary to run-in a new mineral oil engine? And only then do you have to switch to synthetics?
Answer: No, this is a long-standing delusion. Running in a new engine and subsequent operation can and should be carried out with synthetic engine oils. The best confirmation of this is above: that synthetics are poured into new motors already on the assembly line of the car manufacturer!

Question: Is the scope of application of synthetic motor oils mainly applied to ultra-modern high-tech cars or when operating a car in extreme weather (temperature) conditions, as well as in taxi mode, etc.?
Answer: No, again an erroneous opinion. Synthetic engine oils (taking into account the viscosity and class according to SAE / API) can be used on absolutely any type of vehicle, in any region of operation and in any load class. The more difficult the operating conditions of the car, the more obvious the advantages of synthetic oils over the standard mineral "counterparts" become. Highest degree protection of the engine at low temperatures has the best effect on the resource, at the same time, greatly facilitating the start.

Question: Does the consumption (waste) increase when using synthetic oils compared to mineral oils?
Answer: Again it is not true: on the contrary, synthetics, in a serviceable (unworn) engine, require less attention to level control than mineral oils. Waste is the lot of decomposition of basic mineral bases, synthetic ones are more stable in all respects.

Question: Comparing the cost of mineral oils with synthetic ones, one gets the impression that it is inexpedient to use the latter as less economical.
Answer: Naturally, synthetic oils are more expensive, but at the same time they are more economical than "mineral water" - quick start in cold weather, early access to operating parameters, improved lubrication at high temperatures and overloads - fuel economy, longer oil life - less often replacement, saving on "topping up" (it is simply not required). We add to this the increased resource of the unit itself and make an unambiguous conclusion in favor of synthetic motor oils.

Question: What about synthetics with varnish deposits and sludge?
Answer: Let us repeat: the problems described in the question are the prerogative of just mineral oils, synthetic ones are many times higher than mineral oils in all "disciplines".

Question: Do I need to flush the engine before using synthetic oils?
Answer: See the answer to the first question :)

Question: Should you use synthetic oils in engines of high-mileage cars?
Answer: It makes no difference at what mileage you decide to replace mineral oil with synthetic oil, a new car or a worn-out one. From the moment you switch to synthetic engine oil, you can be sure that the engine is fully protected, and some of the characteristics of the internal combustion engine will significantly improve. Thanks to the detergent additives (contained in synthetics), on a used car, you can put your engine in order by washing out high and low temperature deposits. Returning to the topic of flushing - unlike the "five minutes" and even full-volume flushes of the engine lubrication system, Mobil synthetic motor oils wash deposits gently (smoothly), and you do not risk clogging the oil channels with large pieces of sludge.

Question: Synthetic engine oil quickly turned black, does this mean that it needs to be replaced urgently?
Answer: No, a quick change in the color of fresh synthetic oil suggests that the detergent additives work to wash away old deposits on engine parts. Especially it concerns diesel engines... If from the moment of purchase you are using exclusively synthetic oils that are black on oil dipstick level control you will never see! The only exceptions, again, are diesel engines - unfortunately, the amount of soot in the domestic diesel fuel, as well as sulfur compounds, exceeds all permissible standards.

The choice of oil for modern driver- it's not easy: you want to save your budget and buy a high-quality product. Today experts give very specific recommendations on the choice of oil, and experienced motorists, of course, they listen to them. It remains, in fact, to choose only the manufacturer, but this is not as easy as it seems at first glance. One who respects and appreciates his own iron horse, seeks to acquire for him the "fodder" of the elite class - synthetic oil. But often inside a bright canister with the FULL SYNTHETIC signature, there is not at all the liquid that a caring motorist expected to see. The problem is that the Russian legislation does not yet provide for the gradation of oils, but modern market there are 4 varieties of this type of product. How to understand this issue and not be disappointed in your purchase?

What is real synthetic oil?

Synthetic oil in its original meaning is a product synthesized from light molecules of PAO hydrocarbons, which has a homogeneous molecular composition without admixtures of complex hydrocarbons and paraffins, as well as a number of unique physicochemical properties. The technology for the production of such an engine oil is rather complicated and expensive, so for a long time this product was only available in the professional racing segment. Later, the synthetic oil also got on Russian market, however, a "namesake" - a synthetic oil made according to the principle of HC hydrocracking, was already waiting for him on the shelves.

What is the peculiarity of synthetics obtained using hydrocracking?

HC synthetics are more affordable than PAO synthetics, but they require more frequent replacement: in urban conditions, this is every 10 thousand kilometers. Hydrocracking technology involves the purification of the base mineral oil from harmful impurities and the destruction of long molecular chains of the product base. That is, oil is synthesized not from lighter hydrocarbons, but from heavier ones. Its properties, of course, are incomparably better than those of ordinary mineral, but it is still far from synthetic PAO from hydrocarbons.

Experienced drivers have already noticed a number of problems that one has to face when dealing with such a "budget" oil. Disappointing statistics recent years recorded the failure of a huge number of cars in winter time years due to gelling (gelation) of engine oil made using hydrocracking technology. Laboratory studies of a number of independent companies have shown that after a run of 3-5 thousand kilometers, the oil in the engine changes its chemical composition and solidifies at a temperature of -5C. Manufacturers blame the use of low-quality fuel for this, journalists, on the contrary, blame oil. However, experimentally, one of the oil companies found that the artificial introduction of paraffins unusual for oil in the amount of 6% leads to thickening of 5w40 (oil based on HC hydrocracking), but does not affect 0w40 and 0w30 (synthesized from PHA).

How to find quality synthetics?

The first thing to look out for is the location of the oil producer. Today Germany is the only country where the type of synthetic oil is fixed by legislation. So, choosing a German canister with the inscription vollsynthetisches, you can be sure that you are purchasing a quality product. Other manufacturing countries are more loyal to the labeling of oils: if European countries at least put HC-synthetic droppings on a product, then Japan, Korea and the United States, under the guise of synthetics, will gladly sell you hydrocracking, semi-synthetic (with a minimum share of synthetics of 10%) or even mineral oils. We can only rely on ourselves and carefully study everything on the packaging that is written in the smallest print.

Another solution is to use proven products. So, a German company Liqui moly with a half-century history and unshakable reputation, known to motorists in more than 110 countries around the world, it offers a wide selection of synthetic motor oils.

The Synthoil series is:

• 100% synthetic base from PJSC hydrocarbons;
• the highest resistance to oxidation;
• stability at low starting temperatures;
• resistance to temperature extremes and overloads;
• caring for the cleanliness and protection of the engine;
• high level antifriction properties;
• fuel savings due to reduced friction;
• low oil consumption for waste;
• stable chemical composition;
• long service interval.

Choosing oil for his vehicle, the driver must first of all decide what he wants: to save cash or get a quality product that will last a long time. It should be remembered that one should not expect the same performance properties from HC synthetics as from PAO synthetics. Monitoring of modern auto chemistry has shown that real synthetic oils cannot cost less than 500 rubles per liter.

Any engine oil is a mixture of a base oil and an additive package. Nowadays, base oils are usually divided into five main groups.

First group- common mineral water obtained from heavy oil fractions in the presence of various solvents.

Second group- improved mineral oils, hydrotreated to increase the stability of the base oil, and better purified from harmful impurities. They have their own niche, mainly in the field freight transport, heavy marine and industrial diesel engines - they are used where oil costs are huge and the use of expensive synthetics is ruinous.

Third group- base oils obtained by hydrocracking technology (HC-technology). On Internet forums, "experts" contemptuously call these oils "crack", although they occupy the bulk of the market. Some firms position them as semi-synthetic (although they themselves admit the incorrectness of the term “semi-synthetics”), some call them NS synthetics. In fact, it is also a mineral oil obtained from the corresponding fractions of oil, but improved - both in purity and in molecular structure.

Fourth group- Full Synthetic, or fully synthetic oils. They are based on polyalphaolefins (PAO). PAO molecules are a purely synthetic product that is obtained as a result of chemical reactions mainly from petroleum gases - ethylene or butylene. Such oils are "collected" as a constructor, and therefore their properties are more predictable than those of mineral water. The disadvantage of PJSCs is the high price. Therefore, little tricks are used: why not mix twenty, thirty or forty percent of PAO with "crack" and call such an oil completely synthetic? After all, the share of PAO in synthetics is not specified anywhere! The trick can only be guessed by the flash point, which is indicated in the technical description of the oil: for PAO it tends to 250 ° C and even higher (sometimes 280 ° C), and for pure HC synthetics it tends to be about 225 ° C.

Fifth group base oils are united by everything that was not included in the first four. And the main one included in this group and which is actively used in the production of commercial oils is the base oil based on esters.

Esters- fully synthetic compounds obtained not from oil, but mainly from plant materials, mainly from rapeseed oil. It is a purely synthetic product with complete stability. Its molecules are charged, due to which they adhere to metal walls and reliably reduce wear. Unfortunately, it is impossible to make an oil consisting of esters alone: ​​friction losses will be great. Therefore, oils of the fifth group are also a mixture, most often of esters and PAO, but at the same time, since for pure synthetics part of the performance properties can be set at the stage of base oil assembly, the volume of the additive package can be significantly less.

WHAT'S NEW?

The coolest group is the fifth, from which we took three ester oils, each with its own zest.

Cupper SAE 5W-40 Full Ester

The most ester, if I may say so: according to the manufacturer, contains up to 80% of esters and only 2.5% of additives with special metal-cladding (fr. Laquer - to cover) components.

XENUM WRX 7.5W40

Ester with microceramic additives based on boron nitride. In fact, boron nitride is a powerful abrasive, but a very fine fraction is used here, which, it is said, is an analogue of a solid lubricant in friction zones. Note the unconventional, "fractional" SAE class and a considerable price.

KROON Oil Poly Tech 10W-40

Here, the so-called OSP-technology is used, in which up to 30% of special polyesters - polyalkylene glycols (PAG) - are included in the base oil based on PAO and esters. They are completely soluble in oil and contribute to better dissolution of the additive package. Note the high viscosity index of PAG (over 180 units), which provides good starting properties at low temperatures. The approximate price is 5000 rubles for 5 liters.

A curious couple from the third and fourth groups were taken to join the esters.

TOTEK Astra Robot 5W40

RAVENOL HCS 5W-40 API SL / SM / CF

We will take this hydrocracking synthetics as a starting point. The price is ridiculous.

The challenge is to see how these oils perform under identical bench test conditions: what to expect and what to hope for? At the same time, we will not compare oils of the fourth and fifth groups with each other: it is not they who compete, but the principles of development of the directions of modern "oil construction".

LONG RUN

Almost all oil producers declare energy-saving features, reduced wear, exceptional parts cleanliness, and extended oil life. This can be verified and compared only during long-term bench tests that provide identical working conditions for each product. The technique is run-in.

The heart of the research facility is a bench engine based on the VAZ-2111, and the operating conditions for the oil in it are specially toughened. In particular, the compression ratio has been increased and oil cooling of the pistons has been introduced: the oil is heated additionally. The samples were investigated in the chemical laboratory of the Department of Engines, Cars and Tracked Vehicles of the St. Petersburg Polytechnic University and in the North-West Center for Expertise.

Under such conditions, each oil spent 180 hours in a mode typical for the movement of a car on a highway (an ordinary car would have covered about 15,000 km during this time); except that the number of warm-up starts was much less.

During the tests, we took samples of the oil to track the history of its aging. In parallel, power, fuel consumption and exhaust gas toxicity were measured. After each cycle, the motor was disassembled to assess its condition - in particular, the degree of wear.

The Torment of Hydrocracking

The first oil was poured into the bench motor, designed to set the initial reading level. These are HC synthetic RAVENOL HCS 5W ‑ 40. Everything was fine, but 130 hours after the start of the tests, the viscosity fell out of the upper limit determined by the declared SAE class (16.3 cSt), which we always equate with a formal refusal. Mileage (in terms of) - a little more than 11,000 km. A sharp increase in viscosity determined a noticeable deterioration in engine performance: power decreased by 3%, fuel consumption increased by 7%.

WILL YOU BE THE FOURTH?

The fourth group of base oils in our test was represented by the "most" synthetic motor oil - TOTEK Astra Robot 5W40. And, admittedly, very successful. Against the backdrop of the hydrocracked oil, the benefits of PAO-based full synthetics were clearly visible.

At first, this is a resource. The conditional 15,000 km of oil worked easily, its parameters remained within the specified limits. The aging rate even under the proposed harsh conditions turned out to be noticeably lower than that of oils of the "younger" groups. And the motor characteristics at the end of the tests were not too different from the initial ones.

Secondly, this oil surprised with its low-temperature properties: -54 ºС - this is the freezing point! A high viscosity index (under 170) provides a good viscosity-temperature characteristic, which guarantees optimal oil performance both at high temperatures under loaded conditions and at cold start.

Burnout for the entire test cycle was minimal. Affected by low volatility, which is indirectly confirmed by the high temperature outbreaks among all oils in this group. As well as the results of measurements of the toxicity of exhaust gases: the yield of residual hydrocarbons is noticeably less than when the engine is running on other oils - non-fuel, that is, the oil component of toxicity has noticeably decreased. How do we know what exactly oil is? From there, that the fuel component with the same gasoline and the same adjustments makes a difference only within the margin of error.

The level of contamination in the engine is typical for synthetics: not large, but still noticeable.

COPPER IN OIL

The first representative of the fifth group was Cupper 5W40 Full Ester oil. A new original additive package containing copper must provide metal-cladding properties. What does this mean? A thin copper film will form on the working surfaces of the parts, smoothing out roughness, and also protecting friction units from scuffing and wear. The oil withstood 15,000 km. After opening the engine, we saw that the surfaces of the cylinders began to resemble Karelian birch veneer - both in color and pattern. This is copper. And the weighing of the parts was generally shocked: instead of loss, a steady increase in mass was observed on the bearing shells! Minimum, at the level of a few milligrams - but an increase! Has the copper from the oil transferred to the working surfaces of the liners? And one more miracle: the base number in a fresh (before testing) oil sample was only about 3 mg KOH / g instead of the usual 6-10 KOH / g. Error? We measured it several times - that's right! And after the tests, it dropped only slightly. This is what the combination of an ester base and a metal-cladding additive package gives. There were no miracles with the rings, but the rate of wear is actually less than on the reference hydrocracking synthetics.

The resource is worse than that of TOTEK Astra Robot oil based on pure PAO, but much better than that of the reference hydrocracking. This is understandable: the additives work intensively, but there are not many of them - therefore, the oil resource cannot be infinite. But we remind you: the conditional 15,000 km of oil has honestly worked out.

MOTOR ESSTER OIL: WHITE ON BLACK

"Estero-ceramic" Xenum oil WRX 7.5W40 with microceramic results in record low wear rate piston rings and cylinders, in addition, the wear rate of the bearings also decreased. Boron nitride "solid lubricant" works! The energy-saving effect in oil manifested itself precisely where ordinary motors have a particularly hard time - in maximum modes and, which looks strange for non-professionals, in the mode idle move... In the first case, all parts are subject to maximum loads, which the oil must withstand. In the second case, there are no loads, but the speed of the relative movement of parts, forcing them to "float" on the oil layer, is very low. Therefore, not all oil works, but mainly its additives.

But it was not without tar.

At first, the aging rate of this oil from the ester group turned out to be noticeably higher than that of the Cupper oil - Xenum lost even to the TOTEC oil from the PAO group. The test cycle was passed, but the resource reserve at its end was minimal. In our opinion, this is a consequence of the more severe operating conditions of the oil film in the presence of ceramic microparticles. Focal local temperatures in friction zones where solid microparticles work can rise, and this inevitably spoils the oil base.

Secondly, the low-temperature properties of this oil also turned out to be not so hot. However, the non-standard "7.5" in the SAE classification did not promise anything else. And further. After the oil samples had stood on the shelf for some time, a badly washed off sediment was found in them! Even long agitation of the sample did not remove it from the bottom of the bottle. Miracles do not happen: ceramics are heavy, it is impossible to keep it in the volume of oil for a long time. Of course, there was not much sediment, but it somehow made me uneasy. The only thing that calms down is the fact that oil has been on our market for several days, but no "horror stories" associated with it seem to have been found.

Note that the color of the samples changed intensively. Initially, the oil resembled kefir in color: white-white. After 40 hours, it already looked like ordinary oil - dark, but the sediment was still whitish. Boron nitride, however.

"POLY TECH" IN POLYTECH

The tests were carried out in the laboratory of the Department of Engines of the St. Petersburg Polytechnic Institute. How do you get past the oil with such a familiar name - KROON Oil Poly Tech? The only oil of the PAG group on our market as a whole confirmed what the description read. The main thing is that when opening the engine after 180 hours of operation in hard modes, we found almost clean pistons! There were virtually no high-temperature deposits, and the piston groove area was clean. And this means that the rings on this oil work normally, no occurrence should be expected.

Low temperature deposits were found to be lower than other oils. The oil's polyalkylene glycol base appears to dissolve them as promised by the manufacturer. And everything is fine with the resource: 15,000 km of oil "passed" with a margin of several thousand kilometers.

As for the engine resource and wear protection, everything is also very worthy, at the level of the best ester samples and much better than that of the base HC synthetics. But with "cold" properties it is not so unambiguous. The pour point is below minus fifty, and this is one of the best indicators, but the viscosity index is not the highest. It is not for nothing that SAE class 10W-40 is indicated.

OILS FROM THE FUTURE

Who said that all engine oils come from the same barrel? During the tests, we made two important discoveries for ourselves.

First, HC oils work quite well for their price and are not able to spoil even the most modern engine.

Secondly, there are more interesting options than the third group, the most common on the market. And each of the oils considered has its own advantages, with the only drawback - a high price. But it's not a sin to pay for a good thing, especially since the overpayment most often does not exceed the cost of one or two refueling. If we take into account the effect of energy saving (saving gasoline by an average of 2-4%), improving the dynamics of the car, starting properties and reducing the rate of engine wear, then the overpayment does not look at all frightening.

Any of the oils we tested can be safely poured into the engine. According to our information, the same Xenum is very fond of racers. Cupper with its copper still seems to be something inexplicable, but it survived! There are no questions about TOTEK oil. And polyalkylene glycol oil KROON Oil Poly Tech generally disperses with a bang. In short, use it boldly - of course, if the quality group of the selected oil is consistent with the requirements of the vehicle operating instructions.

Xenum WRX 7.5W40

price, rub. from 6000

Volume, l 5

KROON Oil Poly Tech 10W ‑ 40

Estimated price, rub. 5000

Volume, l 5

OUR COMMENT

There are only a few manufacturers of base oils and additives, and therefore the variety of final products has nowhere to come from. The oils we tested are produced in small volumes. New solutions are being tested on such products. Kroon Oil is a former Shell subsidiary, XENUM is frequently used in motorsport, Cupper and TOTEC are new Russian production... It can be difficult to attribute oil to one group or another: the manufacturer does not advertise its composition. The main part is HC oils, the rest, approximately equally divided, are cheap mineral water (popular overseas and in the Middle East) and the so-called full synthetics.

If the engine oil is marked with the inscription HC - synthetic, it means that its base was created from heavy oil products as a result of the hydrocracking procedure or the transformation of the molecular chain of the processed substance. Lubricants are synthesized by processing heavy hydrocarbons.

HC synthesis is the technology by which hydrocracked oil is developed. It is one of the youngest types of lubricants for car engines... In the production of a synthetic base, the necessary molecules are synthesized from the light constituents of the hydrocarbon. When HC oils are created, molecular modification is performed with parallel purification of raw materials from all unnecessary impurities. The result is a liquid endowed with useful operational properties for work in difficult conditions, which has one important advantage in comparison with synthetic-based lubricants - it is an affordable cost.

What is hydrocracking technology?

There are many varieties of mineral-based engine oils available on the market today. Modern technologies allow achieving such a quality of cleaning and a stable state of the molecule that lubricants can easily compete with synthetics. Base oils developed on the basis of HC are not inherently synthetic, but they also have little in common with mineral water. The feedstock hydrocracking procedure is used to recover low-sulfur distillates. This is a complex of manipulations necessary for the purification and modernization of the properties of the mineral base using special catalysts.

Individual manufacturers can label their products developed using HC technologies as synthetic-based oil. The legality of this type of marking is due to certain provisions of the legislation of the country in which the products are manufactured. This oil is considered one of the best quality, but it is not truly synthetic and cannot always provide exactly the same level of quality.

HC technology or hydrocracking is a change in the structure of molecules by transforming and increasing the stability of their atomic structure. The result is a high quality engine oil with excellent thermal and antioxidant properties and a high viscosity index.

Modern scientists actively contribute to the continuous improvement of NS technology.

Despite this, a complete purification of the mineral base to the level of synthetics has not yet been sufficiently ensured.

Feature of pricing policy

Many motorists are interested in the price of HC oil, which is close to mineral-based fluids, and a quality comparable to synthetics. Not only does the cost of hydrocracked lubricants largely match the price of mineral-based fluids. The development methods of these two types of motor oils also coincide in many ways. NS lubricants are also manufactured for the most part from the cheapest grades of oil. Synthetic oil is created from high-quality expensive raw materials - the purest primary gasoline fractions.

Methods for the development of mineral oil and HC

In the process of making ordinary oil on a mineral basis using various physical and chemical devices, excess impurities, components containing sulfur or nitrogen, unnecessary fractions, as well as all kinds of aromatic compounds that contribute to the intensification of coking and the dependence of viscosity on temperature changes are removed from oil products. By means of dewaxing, the pour point of lubricants is lowered. It can be concluded that it is almost impossible to get rid of all unnecessary impurities using such technologies. All of the above methods do not remove the most undesirable qualities of mineral-based engine oils.

The possibility of further processing of the product is not ruled out, since there is still the removal of other impurities and unsaturated hydrocarbons, which intensify the aging of lubricants due to oxidation. The oil after the hydrotreating procedure has another advantage over others.

HC is a much deeper way of processing raw materials. Several chemical reactions are carried out simultaneously. The components containing nitrogen and sulfur are removed. The elongated chains of atoms are divided short and have a homogeneous structure, and the gaps between the molecules formed as a result of rupture are filled with hydrogen. Some experts, in addition to all of the above, note certain features that elude the attention of ordinary consumers.

Features of NS technology

Hydrocracked base oil is improved by removing harmful constituents by converting them into benign constituents. Technological procedures are carried out without the use of substances that pollute the environment and a variety of toxic solvents. The resulting low-sulfur product does not harm the environment either.

Classification

According to the international API classification hydrocracking lubricants belong to the III group of base fluids of the highest quality category, in the manufacture of which oil was used as a raw material. According to the requirements of the legislation of some states, such lubricants cannot be called fully synthetic, since this name corresponds to fluids developed through artificial molecular synthesis.

Let's summarize

Hydrocracked engine oil

To summarize all of the above, it should be said that hydrocracked oil is a product of conventional distillation and good refining of petroleum products. Through hydrocracking, the substance is cleared of all unnecessary and harmful components, and useful qualities are given to it with the help of special thickening, oxidizing and other types of additives.
The quality of oils developed using hydrocracking technology is largely comparable to the performance characteristics of synthetic-based lubricants. Such a liquid is endowed with a sufficiently high viscosity index, good resistance to oxidation processes. Moreover, such a liquid can provide more reliable protection components from wear and tear.

Synthetics, in turn, have greater homogeneity of molecular compounds, which implies an extension of the operating temperature range, as well as increased resistance to mechanical and thermal influences. It is these features that explain high price full synthetic base lubricants.

In terms of consumer properties, hydrocracking and synthetics are approximately at the same level. To distinguish such liquids from the multitude of common minerals, developers or marketers come up with all sorts of names like High-Tech-Synthese-Technology, VHVI, XHVI, ExSyn and others.

By purchasing hydrocracking lubricants, every car enthusiast receives products that performance characteristics which are comparable to real synthetic fluids, but developed using a natural resource base in compliance with technologies that prevent environmental pollution.

And a little about the secrets of the Author

My life is not only connected with cars, but also with repair and maintenance. But I also have a hobby like all men. My hobby is fishing.

I started a personal blog in which I share my experience. I try a lot of things, various methods and ways to increase the catch. If interested, you can read it. Nothing more, just my personal experience.

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If you have doubts about what kind of oil you need to fill in the engine, then you should pay attention to our rating for 2018 - 2019. This top 10 of the best engine oils has been compiled according to the customers' opinions. Also taken into account perfect ratio price-quality, which often comes to the fore when buying.

Best 5w30 engine oils

10 ZIC X9 5W-30

For the latest engines turbocharged or non-turbocharged recommended to purchase ZIC oil X9 5W-30. The content of ash, sulfur and phosphorus has been significantly reduced here. The service life of the engine will be significantly extended, and fuel will be consumed more economically. Suitable for absolutely all seasons.

Pros:

• Suitable even for turbocharged engines.
• Makes the engine reliable.
• Ideal for use at any time of the year.

Minuses:

• It is advisable to use high quality gasoline.

9 General Motors Dexos2 Longlife 5W30

Inexpensive synthetic General Motors Dexos2 Longlife 5W30 oil is necessary for constant aggressive driving, as well as during severe operating conditions. All critical engine components are quickly lubricated, resulting in visible fuel economy. Even at low temperatures, the engine will start properly the first time. A durable oil film also appears, which protects especially wear parts.

Pros:

• Very quiet engine compartment.
• Makes the car start in the cold.
• Minimum price.

Minuses:

• The oil needs to be changed frequently.

8 SHELL Helix HX8 Synthetic 5W-30

Motor SHELL oil Helix HX8 Synthetic 5W-30 is fully synthetic and can also be actively used for gasoline and gas engines... Also the oil is suitable for diesel engines without filters. It perfectly protects and cleans the most important component of the car. No more harmful deposits will remain on the surface of the motor. Moreover, friction between parts is significantly reduced, which has a beneficial effect on fuel economy.

Pros:

• It is used in a wide variety of engines.
• Saves fuel by reducing fuel consumption.
• Makes the motor more durable.

Minuses:

• A large number of fakes.

7 TOTAL Quartz INEO ECS 5W30

TOTAL Quartz INEO ECS 5W30 oil is distinguished by a low sulfur and phosphorus content, as well as a rather low sulphated ash content. Thereby traffic fumes are significantly cleaned, and fuel is seriously saved. This oil can be poured into almost any engine - diesel and gasoline.

Pros:

• The motor starts to run quieter.
• The service life of the engine is extended.
• Serious fuel savings.

Minuses:

• Rarely found on sale.

6 Lukoil Genesis Claritech 5W-30

Low ash engine oil Lukoil Genesis Claritech 5W-30 is suitable not only for most cars with diesel and gasoline engines, but can also be used in all seasons. Such oil increases the longevity of the engine, and also improves the functioning of the exhaust aftertreatment system.

Pros:

• The engine starts easily even in winter.
• There are practically no fakes.
• Minimum oil consumption.

Minuses:

• Requires fairly frequent replacement.

5 Idemitsu Zepro Touring 5W-30

Idemitsu Zepro Touring 5W-30 oil is created for absolutely any cars running on gasoline. The high efficiency in terms of fuel consumption is complemented by an outstanding viscosity. This synthetic oil is adapted to a wide variety of temperature conditions, having a beneficial effect on the engine. For its manufacture, the most complex catalytic dewaxing is used.

Pros:

• Really quiet operation of the motor.
• Suitable for harsh winters.
• Serious gas mileage savings.

Minuses:

• It can be difficult to find on sale.
• Suitable only for gasoline engines.

4 LIQUI MOLY Special Tec AA 5W-30

Need some serious engine protection? Then LIQUI Moly special Tec AA 5W-30 will become good choice... This synthetic oil reduces fuel consumption and protects against unnecessary wear thanks to a special formulation. Motor parts are not damaged during operation, and the motor itself remains extremely clean. Particular emphasis is placed on American and Asian cars, on which active testing was carried out.

Pros:

• Excellent fuel economy.
• The engine remains always clean.
• Oil quickly flows to all parts.

Minuses:

• More suitable for Asian and American brands cars.

3 MOBIL 1 ESP Formula 5W-30

All engine parts are kept as clean as possible thanks to MOBIL 1 synthetic engine oil ESP Formula 5W-30. It is made on the basis of an exclusive formula, which includes technological components. Developed oil for gasoline and diesel engines. Protects the engine and saves fuel.

Pros:

• Keeps the engine clean and durable.
• Significantly saves fuel.
• Allows you to start the car in cold winter.

Minuses:

• Quite an expensive pleasure.

2 Castrol Edge 5W-30

A durable oil film sets Castrol Edge 5W-30 apart from the competition. The oil can withstand even extreme pressures. Titanium FST technology makes the motor much more efficient. Wear protection is present as well as fuel economy.

Pros:

• The car accelerates more dynamically and smoothly.
• The engine runs efficiently.
• Good motor protection.

Minuses:

• The sound of the engine may change.

1 Motul Specific dexos2 5W30

Synthetic engine oil Motul Specific dexos2 5W30 is ideal for four-stroke diesel and gasoline engines. It fits almost all motors. It is also recommended to use it with SUVs or split injection engines. This advanced API SN / FC energy efficient oil provides a high level of environmental performance, making your car emit much less. harmful substances to the air.

Pros:

• Highest quality.
• Suitable for a wide variety of motors.
• A careful approach to sustainability.

Minuses:

• Quite a high price.

Best 5w40 engine oils

10 TNK Magnum Super 5W-40

TNK Magnum Super 5W-40 oil appears to be semi-synthetic. The balanced composition qualitatively protects the motor from pollution and other problems. Oil easily "starts" the engine in cold weather. And it can be used with almost all motors.

Pros:

• Protects against overheating and deposits.
• Stability throughout the entire service life.
• The engine is not afraid of any temperature.

Minuses:

• In some cases, forms black carbon deposits in the engine.

9 Lukoil Lux synthetic SN / CF 5W-40

If you want to try premium synthetic oil at an affordable price, then you should take a closer look at Lukoil Lux synthetic SN / CF 5W-40. It fully complies with the latest operating standards. The oil is recommended for use in cars, as well as small trucks and vans. Protects modern engines well, even under intensive driving conditions. At the same time, the noise level is noticeably reduced, and deposits cease to form.

Pros:

• The car drives quietly and smoothly.
• There are almost no fakes.
• Suitable for a wide range of motors.

Minuses:

• Not the best quality canisters.

8 G-Energy F Synth 5W-40

Really high quality oil G-Energy F Synth 5W-40 will improve the engine performance of not only cars, but also trucks and minibuses. Such oil is poured into the most different motors(gasoline, diesel, turbocharged units). Its consumption is quite low due to the special components. And the details always remain clean.

Pros:

• Seriously extends the life of the motor.
• Always clean parts.
• Long replacement intervals.

Minuses:

• It may lose its properties over time.

7 ELF Evolution 900 NF 5W-40 4 l

Synthetic lubricant ELF Evolution 900 NF 5W-40 was created for motors passenger cars... This oil can be poured into any diesel and gasoline units, with the exception of diesel particulate filters. Withstands extended drain intervals and effectively cleans all parts. An excellent option for a variety of climatic zones.

Pros:

• Does not require frequent replacement.
• Suitable for many motors.
• Perfectly cleans all elements.

Minuses:

• It is not packed in the most reliable way.

6 TOTAL Quartz 9000 5W40

High-quality engine oil TOTAL Quartz 9000 5W40 is suitable even for turbocharged engines. Ideal for direct injection units as well as common rail. Due to the highest viscosity index, it can withstand a wide variety of temperature conditions. Provides increased wear protection and extended drain intervals. Just perfect for passenger cars, making the engine completely clean and tidy.

Pros:

• The highest degree of protection.
• The engine remains completely clean.
• Substantial replacement interval.

Minuses:

• Poor fuel problems can occur.

5 MOBIL Super 3000 X1 5W-40

Synthetic oil can be called truly versatile. MOBIL Super 3000 X1 5W-40. It is this that makes the engine more reliable, and its service life increases significantly. Suitable for both diesel and gasoline engines... Withstands the broadest temperature Range, which again speaks in favor of this oil. If driving conditions are often difficult, then this oil is an excellent choice.

Pros:

• Nice work in summer and winter.
• Auto always starts the first time.
• The motor is extremely quiet.

Minuses:

• There is a huge variety of fakes.

4 SHELL Helix Ultra 5W-40

Modern engine needs care? Pay attention to this - SHELL Helix Ultra 5W-40. This synthetic oil enables diesel and gasoline units open up in a new way. The engine becomes immediately clean, as deposits stop forming. Moreover, it is the only oil of its kind approved by Ferrari itself. It can withstand even a long drain interval, making the motor as efficient as possible.

Pros:

• Oil does not burn.
• The motor runs incredibly quiet.
• Perfectly lubricates all critical parts.

Minuses:

• There are frequent counterfeits.
• The price may seem high.

3 Castrol Edge 5W-40

Castrol Edge 5W-40 uses a tough film to effectively protect the engine from a variety of problems. It uses titanium compounds that are incredibly durable. This oil has a beneficial effect on the engine, revealing almost its full potential. No deposits will spoil the engine anymore, and its smooth operation will be felt when you press the gas pedal. With this oil, the motor will take on a completely new life.

Pros:

• It has a positive effect on the dynamics of acceleration.
• Unleashes the potential of the motor.
• Reliably protects against dirt.

Minuses:

• Can change the sound of the engine in operation.

2 LIQUI MOLY Molygen New Generation 5W-40

For an easy car running all year round, we recommend LIQUI MOLY Molygen New Generation 5W-40 oil with high stability. The oil effectively fights deposits, extending the life of the motor. The manufacturer claims that the oil can save up to 4% of fuel. At the same time, the overall engine life is also significantly extended.

Pros:

• Smooth and precise motor operation.
• It is consumed almost imperceptibly.
• Saves fuel up to 4%.

Minuses:

• Quite a solid cost.

1 Motul 8100 X-clean 5W40

Motul oil 8100 X-clean 5W40 for progressive gasoline and diesel engines meets Euro-4 and Euro-5 quality standards. This oil will protect the engine of a brand new car, leaving it in its original form. In this case, the absolute purity of not only individual elements, but also the entire engine will be guaranteed. It can harden only at a temperature of -39 degrees, which makes it possible to actively use the oil even in cold winters.

Pros:

• Ideal for fairly new motors.
• Effectively cleans the entire engine.
• Really saves fuel.

Minuses:

• Some turbocharged engines consume oil heavily.