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Discover What Are The Types Of Engine Oil, Understand The Importance Of Viscosity And How To Choose The Right Lubricant For Your Vehicle.
Choosing the appropriate engine oil is essential to ensure the durability and proper functioning of the car or motorcycle.
Owners of new vehicles usually have this concern addressed during planned maintenance by the manufacturers.
However, those who own used vehicles need to be even more attentive, as an incorrect oil change can cause failures, premature wear, and even the breaking of components.
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But after all, what are the types of oil, how to understand viscosity, and why is it so important for the engine?
Types Of Engine Oil: Mineral, Semi-Synthetic And Synthetic
Before deciding which lubricant to use, it’s necessary to know the three options available on the market:
Mineral Oil: cheaper and recommended for older cars, like the Volkswagen Beetle, in the formulation 20W50. It has lower durability and technology;
Semi-Synthetic Oil: also called blended, is an intermediate option, combining affordable price and additives that improve performance. Classic models like the Ford Escort 1.8 use the viscosity 15W40;
Synthetic Oil: the most advanced and present in all modern vehicles. It reduces friction, improves fuel efficiency, and protects against corrosion and overheating.
According to automotive technical consultant Bruno Santos from Mobil, “lubricating oils should not be mixed, as they may lose their characteristics specifically developed for a certain engine.”
The Role Of Viscosity In Engine Performance
Another crucial factor is the viscosity of engine oil, which indicates the fluid’s resistance to flow. In simple terms, it determines whether the oil is “thin” or “thick.”
This information always appears on the packaging in numbers like 0W30, 10W40, or 20W50. The “W” stands for winter and indicates the oil’s behavior at low temperatures.
According to Bruno Santos, the correct viscosity is defined by the manufacturer during the engine development.
If the oil is thicker than recommended, it will require more effort from the engine. If it is thinner, it may compromise the lubrication of the parts.
When To Change The Engine Oil?
The frequency of oil changes varies according to the manual of each vehicle. In the case of the Volkswagen Gol Last Edition, the recommendation is every 10,000 km or 12 months, whichever occurs first.
However, in adverse conditions—such as frequent use in heavy traffic, short daily trips, dirt roads, or constant exposure to dust—the change should be made earlier.
Alexandre Dias, owner of Grupo Guia Norte Auto Center, emphasizes: “The main guidance is to pay attention to the timing for changes indicated by the manufacturer. There are cases of 5,000 km, 10,000 km, 15,000 km and so on.”
Motorcycle Oil: Different Requirements
In the case of motorcycles, the replacement intervals are shorter. The Honda CG 160, for example, requires a change every 6,000 km or 12 months. Meanwhile, the Elite 125 scooter requires maintenance every 4,000 km.
Therefore, always consulting the owner’s manual is the best way to avoid failures and ensure the engine’s lifespan.
Can I Mix Or Top Off The Oil?
The answer is no, except in emergencies. Mixing different types of oil or different brands can lead to chemical incompatibility, loss of efficiency, and even the formation of sludge in the engine.
Tenório Jr., owner of JR Automotiva, warns: “You should not mix these specifications or brands, as there will be chemical incompatibility that will lead to loss of efficiency and even sludge formation.”
Is A More Expensive Lubricant Always Better?
A common mistake among drivers is to believe that more expensive oil means better quality. However, experts state that what really matters are the specifications required by the manufacturer.
“Sometimes, it only has a higher price because it has more technology, but it’s not always what the engine needs,” explains Alexandre Dias.
Therefore, following the manual guidelines is more important than paying more for an inappropriate lubricant.
Risks Of Using The Wrong Oil In The Vehicle
Using unsuitable oil can cause serious problems. Among them are excessive wear, overheating, corrosion, and even the breaking of the timing belt in modern engines that use oil-soaked belts.
“There are numerous risks that using the wrong oil can pose to the engine, such as the formation of sludge and deposits, excessive wear of parts, in addition to overheating, which can even seize the engine,” states Bruno Santos from Mobil.
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