Decoding Motor Oil Grades: Choosing the Right Oil for Your Vehicle

“A warm welcome is better than a grand feast” – this old saying holds true in every situation, including caring for your beloved vehicle. Choosing the right motor oil is like choosing the right “meal” for your car, ensuring smooth operation and longevity. Today, let’s decode motor oil specifications with Hanoi Truck, empowering you to confidently select the best oil for your trusty companion!

What are Motor Oil Specifications?

Motor oil specifications are a set of crucial information printed on the product packaging, providing insights into the properties, characteristics, and performance capabilities of the oil. Understanding these specifications will help you choose the right oil for your engine and driving conditions.

Types of Motor Oil

Based on their origin, motor oils are divided into two main types:

• Mineral Oil: Refined from crude oil, mineral oil is affordable and suitable for common vehicles operating under normal conditions.
• Synthetic Oil: Produced using advanced chemical technology, synthetic oil offers superior lubrication, high-temperature resistance, extended oil change intervals, and is suitable for modern vehicles operating under demanding conditions.

There’s also semi-synthetic oil, a blend of mineral and synthetic oils, offering higher performance than mineral oil but at a more affordable price than fully synthetic oil.

SAE Viscosity Grade

SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) is a specification indicating the viscosity of motor oil at different temperatures. This specification is usually expressed as SAE XW-Y, where:

• X: Kinematic viscosity at low temperature (-18°C).
• W: Winter.
• Y: Kinematic viscosity at high temperature (100°C).

The lower the viscosity, the thinner the oil, allowing for easier flow within the engine during cold starts. Conversely, the higher the viscosity, the thicker the oil, providing better engine protection at high temperatures.

For example, SAE 5W-30 motor oil means:

• Low-temperature kinematic viscosity is 5W, suitable for cold weather conditions.
• High-temperature kinematic viscosity is 30, ensuring good lubrication at high engine operating temperatures.

A metal can of motor oil with the label showing SAE 5W-30 and API SN

API Service Category

API (American Petroleum Institute) is a specification classifying the quality of motor oil for gasoline and diesel engines.

• Gasoline Engine Oil: Uses the letter “S” (Spark Ignition) followed by another letter to classify the performance level, e.g., SA, SB, SC,…, SN. The higher the grade, the better the oil quality.
• Diesel Engine Oil: Uses the letter “C” (Compression Ignition) followed by another letter to classify the performance level, e.g., CA, CB, CC,…, CJ-4. Similarly, the higher the grade, the better the oil quality.

Other Specifications

Besides SAE and API, other specifications found on motor oil packaging include:

• JASO (Japanese Automotive Standards Organization): Japanese standard for motorcycle oil.
• ILSAC (International Lubricants Standardization and Approval Committee): Joint standard by the US and Japan for gasoline engine oil.
• ACEA (Association des Constructeurs Européens d’Automobiles): European standard for motor oil.

Motor Oil Price List

Note: This price list is for reference only. Actual prices may vary depending on brand, vehicle type, capacity, etc.

A table showing the price of different types of motor oil

Important Considerations When Choosing Motor Oil

• Choose oil that meets your vehicle’s specifications, as detailed in the owner’s manual.
• Choose genuine oil from reputable sources to avoid counterfeit or low-quality products.
• Change oil regularly as recommended by the manufacturer or based on your vehicle’s operating conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What type of motor oil should I use for my car?

To determine the most suitable oil for your vehicle, consult your owner’s manual or contact a reputable truck dealer like Hanoi Truck for detailed advice.

2. Should I use high-viscosity oil?

Using oil with a higher viscosity than recommended can cause the engine to run sluggishly, increase fuel consumption, and reduce engine performance.

3. Where can I get a reliable oil change?

You can have your oil changed at reputable garages or authorized truck dealerships like Hanoi Truck, located in various districts of Hanoi, such as Cau Giay, Hoan Kiem, Hai Ba Trung, etc.

4. Does a new car need an oil change?

Experts recommend changing the oil in a new car after the first 1,000km of driving to remove any debris from the manufacturing and assembly process.

How to Purchase from Hanoi Truck

To purchase genuine, high-quality motor oil at competitive prices from Hanoi Truck, you can:

• Visit our website: xetaihanoi.edu.vn
• Call our hotline: …
• Visit our Hanoi Truck showroom at: …

About Hanoi Truck

Hanoi Truck – Your trusted source for genuine, high-quality motor oil at the best prices.

Related Products

In addition to motor oil, Hanoi Truck also offers a wide range of other products, including:

• Motorcycle oil
• Auto parts
• Car accessories

Conclusion

Choosing the right motor oil is crucial for protecting your engine and extending the life of your vehicle. We hope this article has provided you with valuable information about motor oil specifications. Be an informed consumer and choose quality products that are suitable for your beloved vehicle!