Frequently Asked Questions

There are two main international classifications that serve as the basis for many car manufacturers’ approvals.:

• API (American Petroleum Institute);
• ACEA (European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association).

API (American Petroleum Institute). This classification mainly focuses on the performance properties of the oil, determining its suitability for gasoline and diesel engines.

For gasoline engines. It is indicated by the letter “S” (Service) followed by a letter indicating the oil generation (for example, API SA, SB, SC… up to modern API SP).

Each new generation is more advanced and has better engine protection, cleaner parts, and compatibility with modern systems.

For diesel engines. It is indicated by the letter “C” (Commercial) followed by a letter (for example, API CA, CB… before modern API CK-4).

Universal oils. They can have a combined designation, for example, API SN/CF, where SN is for gasoline, CF is for diesel.

ACEA (European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association). This European classification is stricter, it is focused on real-world operating conditions, as well as on the requirements of European automakers.

ACEA divides the oils into categories:

• A/B. For gasoline and diesel engines of passenger cars (for example, ACEA A3/B4).
• C. For gasoline and diesel engines with exhaust gas neutralization systems (Low SAPS – with a reduced content of sulphated ash, phosphorus and sulfur), for example, ACEA C3.
• E. For diesel engines of heavy machinery (trucks). ACEA takes into account aspects such as anti-wear properties, piston cleanliness, fuel economy, and compatibility with diesel particulate filters (DPF) and catalytic converters.

OEM approvals (Original Equipment Manufacturer) are specific standards developed directly by automakers (such as Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Ford, GM, Toyota, etc.). These tolerances are much more detailed than the general API and ACEA classifications, and they take into account the unique features of specific engines, materials, technologies, and systems used by the automaker. For example, the MB 229.5 tolerance from Mercedes-Benz has its own specific requirements for replacement intervals, energy-saving properties, anti-wear characteristics, and compatibility with vehicle systems.

Oil manufacturers conduct additional tests of their products in order to obtain approval (approval) from car manufacturers. The presence of such an approval on the oil packaging is a guarantee that it fully meets the requirements of the manufacturer of your car and will be safe for the engine. Using oil with the correct OEM approval is the best way to maintain factory warranty obligations and ensure optimal engine performance.

The most reliable and accurate way to find out what oil tolerances are required for your vehicle is to consult the operation manual (service book). Car manufacturers clearly indicate the recommended viscosity grades (for example, 5W-30, 5W-40), as well as specific tolerances (API, ACEA and OEM approvals) that the engine oil must meet.

If you do not have a service book, you can find this information on the automaker’s official website, in specialized online catalogs, or contact your car’s authorized dealer. It is important to remember that even if the oil meets the general classification API or ACEA, it may not meet the specific requirements of a particular automaker. Therefore, always check the OEM approval if it is specified in the manual.

Automotive oil tolerances are not a formality, but a critical indicator that guarantees oil compatibility with your engine and ensures its long–lasting and trouble-free operation. Using oil with the correct tolerances specified by the automaker is the key to the health of your engine, maintaining the warranty and saving on expensive repairs in the future.

Always pay attention to the markings on the canister and choose only proven oils that meet the requirements of your vehicle.

Industrial oils are lubricants designed specifically for use in industrial equipment. They are designed for a wide range of applications beyond simple lubrication.

The main functions of industrial oils include:

• Lubricant. Reduction of friction and wear between moving parts of the equipment (for example, in bearings, gears, guides). This is the most obvious and fundamental function that prevents premature failure of parts.
• Cooling. Many industrial oils remove heat from areas of intense friction and heating, preventing overheating of equipment components.
• Clearing. The oils carry with them the products of wear, dirt and carbon deposits, keeping them suspended until the oil is changed or filtered.
• Corrosion protection. Industrial oils form a protective layer on metal surfaces, preventing their contact with moisture and aggressive media, which eliminates rust and corrosion.
• Energy transfer. In hydraulic systems, oil is the working medium that transfers force from the pump to the actuators.

The temporary market for industrial oils is extremely diverse, and their classification can be based on different criteria. However, there are several key categories:

• hydraulic oils;
• transmission (gear) oils;
• compressor oils;
• circulating oils;
• lubricants and coolants;
• specialized oils.

Hydraulic oils are designed for hydraulic systems where they transfer energy, lubricate components, cool and protect against corrosion. They can be general-purpose or specialized (for example, for operation at extreme temperatures or in the food industry).

Transmission (gear) oils are used to lubricate gearboxes, where they ensure operation at high loads and pressures. They must have excellent extreme Pressure properties.

Compressor oils are intended for lubrication and cooling of compressors (screw, reciprocating, refrigerating). The requirements for them can be very high, for example, low propensity to coking and oxidation.

Circulating oils are used in lubrication systems where oil circulates continuously, performing lubrication, cooling and protection.

Lubricants and coolants are often classified into a separate category, they perform the functions of lubrication and cooling in metalworking, which makes them an important part of industrial oils.

Specialized oils, thermal oils (for heating systems), transformer oils (for electrical equipment), lubricants for guides, conveyor oils, etc.

Industrial oils are indispensable in almost all industries where mechanical equipment is used.

Here are just some of the key industries:

• Metalworking. On machine tools, presses, rolling mills – for lubrication, cooling, corrosion protection and chip removal.
• Energy. In turbines (steam, gas, hydro), generators, transformers – for lubrication, cooling, insulation and corrosion prevention.
• Mechanical engineering. In hydraulic systems of presses, excavators, lifting mechanisms, as well as for lubrication of gearboxes and bearings.
• Food industry. Special edible oils that comply with strict sanitary standards are used to lubricate equipment in contact with food.
• Chemical industry. For lubrication of pumps, compressors, reactors operating in aggressive environments.
• Oil and gas industry. In drilling rigs, pumps, compressors, hydraulic systems.
• Forestry and woodworking industry. For chainsaw chain lubrication, machine tools, and woodworking equipment.
• Railway transport, ships, construction equipment.

Additives are the “brain” of modern industrial oils. The base oil itself has certain lubricating properties, but it is the additives that give it the necessary performance characteristics, allowing it to work in extreme conditions and perform many functions.

Modern industrial oils contain complexes of dozens of different additives that:

• They enhance anti-wear and extreme pressure properties. They form a protective layer on the metal surface that prevents direct contact and setting under high loads.
• Improve antioxidant properties. They slow down the aging process of the oil, preventing its decomposition under the influence of high temperature and oxygen, which increases the replacement intervals.
• Prevent corrosion. They neutralize acidic oxidation products and form a protective film on metal surfaces.
• Improve detergent and dispersant properties. They help to keep the system clean, preventing the formation of deposits and slag.
• Reduce foaming. They prevent the formation of foam, which impairs lubricating properties and can lead to cavitation.
• They increase the viscosity index. They ensure the preservation of optimal oil viscosity over a wide temperature range.

First of all, it is necessary to refer to the operating instructions of the equipment itself.

The manufacturer specifies the recommended oil types, viscosity classes, standards and tolerances that the oil must meet.

Key factors in choosing an industrial oil:

• The type of equipment and its main components. Hydraulic system, gearbox, compressor, bearings.
• Operating conditions. Temperature conditions (operating temperature, ambient temperature), loads (high, medium, low), rotation/movement speed.
• Working environment. The presence of water, steam, aggressive chemicals, and food products.
• Required characteristics. The need for anti-wear properties, anti-corrosion protection, thermal stability, energy saving.
• Standards and tolerances. Oil compliance with international (ISO, DIN) and industry standards, as well as specific tolerances of equipment manufacturers.

Modern industrial oils are high–tech products that play an indispensable role in maintaining the operability and efficiency of industrial equipment.

The correct selection of oil, based on the recommendations of the equipment manufacturer and taking into account the operating conditions, is the key to reducing repair costs.

In most cases, no, change the car oil according to the season in the traditional sense (separately “summer” and “winter” oil) It is no longer necessary. Modern engine oils are all-season. This means that the same oil is designed to work efficiently at both low temperatures in winter and high temperatures in summer.

All-season performance is achieved through the use of special additives and base oils that ensure optimal oil viscosity over a wide temperature range. This is reflected in the viscosity marking, for example, 5W-30 or 10W-40.

The first digit with the letter “W” (Winter) indicates the low–temperature properties of the oil, and the second digit indicates its viscosity at the operating temperature of the engine. Thus, one all-season oil combines the characteristics of “winter” and “summer” oils.

SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) viscosity designations are the key to understanding the seasonal characteristics of an oil.:

The first digit with the letter “W” characterizes the winter viscosity of the oil. The lower this figure, the more liquid the oil remains at low temperatures. This is crucial for starting the engine in the cold, as the more liquid oil is pumped faster through the lubrication system, protecting the parts from the very first revolutions. Oil marked 0W will be the most fluid in the cold, followed by 5W, 10W, and so on.

The second figure characterizes the high-temperature viscosity of the oil, that is, its “density” at the operating temperature of the engine (about 100 ° C). The higher this figure, the more viscous the oil remains when heated. This means that it will better retain its protective film between the engine parts under high loads and temperatures.

Thus, the designation of viscosity in itself indicates the suitability of the oil for various temperature conditions throughout the year.

The choice of oil viscosity, taking into account the climate, is, first of all, following the recommendations of the manufacturer of your car, indicated in the instruction manual. Automakers are already taking into account the temperature conditions for different regions.

However, if you live in a region with very cold winters, you should prefer oils with a lower first digit (for example, 0W or 5W) to ensure easy engine start and quick lubrication at low temperatures.

If your region is characterized by very hot summers and you often operate your car under high loads (for example, in traffic jams, when driving with a trailer, off-road), it may be worth paying attention to oils with a higher second viscosity (for example, 5W-40 or 10W-40 instead of 5W-30). if it is allowed by the manufacturer. However, it is important to remember that modern low-viscosity oils (for example, 0W-20, 5W-30) have excellent high-temperature characteristics due to advanced additives, and a thicker oil is not always the best choice.

In the era of modern technology, when one all-season oil is able to work effectively over a wide temperature range, there is no need for seasonal oil change.

The main thing is to follow the recommendations of your car’s manufacturer, choosing an oil with the correct viscosity and appropriate tolerances. This ensures maximum engine protection, durability and optimal performance in all climatic conditions.

The viscosity of an engine oil is its ability to resist the flow. The viscosity of the oil directly affects how effectively it will lubricate engine parts under various operating conditions, especially at extreme temperatures.

The correct viscosity ensures a thin but strong oil film between the moving parts of the engine (pistons, crankshaft, camshafts). This film prevents direct contact of metal surfaces, reducing friction, wear and overheating.

If the oil is too thin, the oil film may rupture without providing adequate protection. If the oil is too thick, it will be difficult to pump through the lubrication system, especially at low temperatures, which can lead to oil starvation when starting the engine and increase the load on the oil pump.

The viscosity designation according to the SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) standard always consists of two parts separated by the letter “W” (Winter – winter):

The first digit (with the letter W). Indicates low-temperature viscosity. The lower this figure, the better the oil behaves at low temperatures. For example, oil with the designation 0W will be more fluid in the cold than 10W oil. This is crucial to facilitate engine start-up in the cold season, as oil with a low low-temperature viscosity is pumped faster through the lubrication system, providing protection from the very first revolutions.

The second digit (without the letter W). Indicates high temperature viscosity. The higher this figure, the more viscous (thick) the oil remains at high engine operating temperatures. This means that it will retain its oil film and anti-wear properties even under extreme heat. For example, 10W-40 oil is more viscous at high temperatures than 5W-30.

Choosing the right oil viscosity is primarily about following the recommendations of your car manufacturer. These recommendations are listed in the operation manual (service book) and usually take into account the design features of the engine, its operating temperature conditions and the climatic conditions of the region.

The manufacturer specifies the optimal viscosity range, for example, “use 5W-30 or 10W-40 depending on the operating temperature.”

Key factors when choosing the viscosity of an automobile oil:

1. Climate. In regions with harsh winters, it is better to choose oils with a lower first digit (0W or 5W) to ensure an easy start. For hot climates, an oil with a higher high-temperature viscosity may be preferable (for example, 10W-40 or 5W-40 instead of 5W-30).
2. Age and condition of the engine. On engines with high mileage or wear (increased oil consumption), it is sometimes recommended to use oils with a higher high-temperature viscosity (for example, 10W-40 instead of 5W-30), as they form a denser oil film, which can reduce oil fumes.
3. Engine type. Gasoline and diesel engines may have different viscosity requirements.

There are several common mistakes that can negatively affect engine performance.:

1. Ignoring the manufacturer’s recommendations. The use of oil with a viscosity other than the recommended one, without taking into account climatic or operational characteristics. For example, pouring 10W-40 oil into an engine rated at 0W-20 can lead to increased fuel consumption and reduced power.
2. Excessive fascination with “thick” oils. In pursuit of “protection”, car owners often pour more viscous oil than recommended. This can lead to difficult start-up in winter, increased fuel consumption and overload of the oil pump. Modern low viscosity oils (e.g. 0W-20, 5W-30) are specially designed to provide maximum protection even at high temperatures thanks to their unique additive packages.
3. The wrong choice for the climate. Using oil with a high low-temperature viscosity (for example, 15W-40) in harsh winter conditions can cause the engine to simply not start or run out of oil in the first minutes after starting.

The viscosity of the engine oil is a fundamental parameter that directly affects the performance and durability of the engine. The correct choice of viscosity, based on the recommendations of the car manufacturer and taking into account the