How to Choose the Best Engine Oil for Your Car?

Engine oil is a crucial component that aids your car engine to work optimally. Choosing the best engine oil for car is extremely important to ensure your engine’s longevity and desired output. In India, where driving conditions vary a lot due to the changing climate and types of road, it matters what oil you use for your engine during a car oil change. This article will tell you how you can choose the best engine oil for your car, what are the factors influencing engine performance and how using engine oil from a reliable brand can ensure your vehicle’s good health in the long run.

Understanding Engine Oil Basics

What is Engine Oil?

Engine oil helps aid several functions, including good lubrication of your car’s moving parts, cooling by dissipating heat and cleaning your engine, successfully preventing a sludge buildup. It acts as a protective barrier between metal surfaces, thus reducing friction and wear and tear of the moving parts. There are several types of engine oil depending on your engine’s size and requirements.

Types of Engine Oils

Mineral Oil

Mineral oil is derived from crude oil and has high viscosity. This property makes it the right fit for older cars whose engines have aging components.

Synthetic Oil

As the name suggests, synthetic oil is man-made and is engineered to ensure optimum performance and protection, especially for cars being used in extreme conditions. These oils are recommended for modern engines that demand high efficiency.

Semi-Synthetic Oil

It is a mixture of both mineral and synthetic oils. This type of engine oil provides the perfect balance between performance and cost. It provides enhanced protection against the usual engine deterrents within budget.

In addition to understanding the different engine oil types, it is important to learn about one other factor – engine oil grades. 

Decoding Engine Oil Grades

Oil is viscous. However, not all engine oil types have the same viscosity and not all car engines have the same tolerance for all engine oils. To segregate between engine oils with different viscosity, regulatory authorities like the SAE have come up with different viscosity ratings.

Viscosity Ratings Explained

Engine oil viscosity is indicated by SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) numbers, such as 5W-30 or 10W-40. The first number (followed by 'W' for winter) indicates how the oil flows at low temperatures, while the second number reflects its viscosity at high temperatures.

Common Engine Oil Grades in India

5W-30

Some of the best engine oils having this grade are Ideal for modern petrol engines operating in urban settings, providing excellent fuel efficiency.

10W-40

Engine oils graded 10W-40 are suitable for older engines or those that experience varied climates, offering good protection under diverse conditions.

15W-40

Commonly used in diesel engines and heavy-duty vehicles due to its ability to handle high-stress situations.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Engine Oil

Manufacturer’s Recommendations

It is always important to refer to your vehicle manufacturer’s manual to determine which type of engine oil suits the engine of your car. Choosing the right engine oil with appropriate viscosity and type determines the efficiency of your engine’s performance.

Driving Conditions

While browsing different engine oils, you must consider the driving conditions. If you live in a city and commute to your office daily, the resultant air can affect your engine performance. For city driving, consider synthetic engine oils with higher thermal stability. Whereas for highway driving, the engine oil requirement will be different.

Climate and Temperature

India experiences extreme climates from time to time. This factor also affects the engine performance. Consult with your car manufacturer on selecting the best engine oil suited for your region’s climatic conditions.

Vehicle Age and Mileage

The age of your vehicle also determines the type of engine oil suited for your vehicle. With passing years, car engines undergo a lot of wear and tear. In order to combat the signs of an aging engine, oils with appropriate additives designed to protect your engine against aging components is essential.

Top Engine Oil Brands in India

For your vehicle’s optimum performance and upkeep, the following engine oil brands could be a game changer for your engine performance. 

Castrol

Known for its premium products like Castrol Edge 5W-30, which balances protection and fuel efficiency.

Shell

Offers a range of engine oils that provide excellent performance benefits tailored for various driving conditions.

Indian Oil (Servo)

Features products specifically designed for Indian driving conditions, ensuring reliability and performance.

Mobil 

High-performance synthetic oils suitable for a variety of vehicles, known for their longevity and protection.

Valvoline

Provides affordable options that deliver reliable engine protection without compromising on quality.

How to Check and Maintain Engine Oil Levels

How to Check Engine Oil

Use a dipstick to check your engine oil levels. Pull out the dipstick, wipe it clean, reinsert it fully, then remove it again to check the oil level against the markings on the dipstick.

Signs Your Car Needs an Oil Change

Look out for indicators such as unusual engine noise, warning lights on the dashboard, or dark and gritty oil appearance.

Recommended Oil Change Intervals

Change intervals vary based on oil type; synthetic oils typically last longer than mineral oils. Changing your engine oil after your car hits the 10,000 km mark is absolutely essential to ensure it’s optimum performance and longevity.

Conclusion

Choosing the right engine oil should be part of your regular car maintenance process. It is crucial to ensure that you use the best engine oil suited for your vehicle’s age, the climatic conditions you live in and your driving conditions. There have been instances where one wrong choice has resulted in disastrous results. While the market is rife with duplicate and low-grade engine oils available cheaply, the temptation to buy one can be strong. Always keep your vehicle’s health in mind before making such decisions.