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Motor Oil 101: More than just a lubricant!

Motor Oil is an essential piece of an efficient engine. Most importantly motor oil is a lubricant for your engine; providing a thin film that protects against wear on your engine parts. Motor Oil is also designed to perform the following tasks:

  • cools engine parts
  • remove harmful carbon particles that can damage engine and emissions systems
  • clear engine parts of build ups and sludge
  • protect engine in extreme temperatures
  • Improve fuel economy

Overall, motor oil is extremely important for keeping your vehicle's engine running efficient and clean. To assure that you are using the highest quality oil and right oil for your vehicle always check your owner's manual and look for the American Petroleum institute (API) starburst and donut logos on the motor oil bottle.

What's it all made of?
Motor Oil consists of two major components base stock which make up to 75% to 85% of the motor oil and additives which make up to 25% to 15% of the motor oil. Motor Oil additives are key in the prevention of engine wear, deposit build up, increased fuel economy, and the oil's increased resistance against oxidation and high temperatures. Additives are key in helping the motor oil meet North America's ILSAC GF-5 and API SN requirements.

OIL Grade & Viscosity what does it all mean?

SAE reference chart SAE reference chart referenced 5w-30

The SAE or Society of Automotive Engineers has developed a rating system to classify oil by viscosity to make it easier for you to determine the best oil for your vehicle. The first portion of the SAE grade "5W" shows the viscosity at cold temperatures. The second portion of the SAE grade shows viscosity at high temperatures. Follow your vehicle manufacturer's recommendations on SAE oil viscosity. For example, oil with SAE grade of 5W-30 as a better viscosity at colder temperatures than oil with an SAE grade of 10W-30.

API Certification mark and service symbol

for gas engines

The API certification mark, is displayed on the bottle of motor oil that meets the current engine protection standard and fuel economy requirements of the International Lubricant Standardization and Approval Committee (ILSAC).
api service sn - sae 5w-30
  1. Oil Performance Level:
    The API classifies oil into two Categories, "S" (Service) and "C" (Commercial). "S" Oils are designed for gasoline engines (passenger vehicles and light trucks). "C" Oils are designed for diesel engines (heavy duty trucks and vehicles with diesel engines).

  2. Viscosity Grade:
    This portion of the symbol shows the viscosity of the oil.; Which as we discussed above is the oil's ability to flow at hot and cold temperatures.

  3. Resource Conserving or Energy Conserving:
    "Resource" or "Energy" Conserving designations mean use of this oil may result in an overall fuel savings for the vehicle during oil lifetime.

 

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