Oil types lubricate the car engine

 Motor oil standards

There are two standards called API and ACEA, American and European, to determine which engine oil used for which type of engine. ::

_Petrol engine oil: start with the letter S or A, the letters then indicate the quality of the oil.

_Diesel engine oil: Start with the letter C or B, the numbers indicated then indicate the       quality of the oil.

Checking the engine oil level

engine oil

The engine oil level should be checked regularly to avoid breakdown or malfunction of your car. Open the hood of your cold car and remove the dipstick using a rag to wipe it clean. Put the dipstick back in its compartment then remove it a second time. You will then see the oil level which is normally between the “Min” and “Max” indications.

If the engine oil level is below “Min” oil must be added. An engine oil light indicates this on your dashboard and it is better to stop quickly. If your vehicle consumes too much oil, there is a leak or a mechanical fault. Contact a professional to diagnose and replace a defective part.

If, on the contrary, the oil level is above “Max”, it is time to carry out an oil change. If the problem persists, make an appointment with a mechanic because too much oil causes the engine to race.

An example:

the best way to illustrate viscosity and its internal frictions is to use the example of honey. If you try to spoon it straight out of the fridge, it will take a lot of energy – it hardly drips. Cold honey therefore has a high viscosity.

When honey is heated, it begins to liquefy. Its viscosity is low.

The most important motor oils at a glance:

SAE Category

Temperature range in which the oil lubricates optimally

0W

SAE 0W-20    -35°C – 20°C

                       

SAE 0W-30     -35°C – 30°C

SAE 0W-40      -35°C – 40°C

5W

SAE 5W-20      -30°C – 20°C

SAE 5W-30      -30°C – 30°C

SAE 5W-40      -30°C – 40°C

10W

SAE 10W-30     -20°C – 30°C

SAE 10W-40     -20°C – 40°C

SAE 10W-50     -20°C – 50°C

SAE 10W-60     -20°C – 60°C

15W

SAE 15W-40    -15°C – 40°C

SAE 15W-50    -15°C – 50°C

20W

SAE 20W40      0°C – 40°C

SAE 20W50    0°C – 50°C

Let's go back to our 5W30 example. This oil is for cars that travel in all seasons. The minimum temperature at which the oil remains pumpable is -30 degrees Celsius. The maximum temperature is 40 degrees Celsius. This oil is therefore perfectly suitable for use in Switzerland.