What does the 0w20 marking mean?
To ensure that deciphering 0w20 oil does not cause difficulties for drivers, let’s look at its designations. According to the international SAE standard, 0w20 belongs to the category of all-season technical fluids. And this is evidenced by three components:
Motul Hybrid 0W20
- The first number of the marking is a symbol of the low-temperature boundary of the motor lubricant. For number 0, the “frost limit” is -35 degrees Celsius.
- The letter w separates two numerical indicators and characterizes the suitability of the oil composition for use in winter climates.
- A two-digit number indicates the limit of high-temperature conditions: 20 means that the oil will retain its original properties only up to 15 degrees of heat. If the mercury column of the thermometer rises higher, 0w20 will lose its former viscosity.
Despite the fact that 0w20 oil is universal and can be used in winter and summer, it retains its performance capabilities mainly in cold conditions. Those. It is advisable to pour it under the hoods in those regions where severe winter and moderately warm summer weather is observed.
The best semi-synthetic motor oils
SINTEC Super 10W-40
Sintec Super offers car owners to buy oil for cars with high mileage, containing additives that restore aging engine seals. These beneficial additives help prevent lubricant leakage. The antioxidants included in the composition prevent the breakdown of the oil structure and prolong its operation.
A five-liter container of petroleum products from Sintec belongs to the SG class (for engines from 1989 to 1993) and costs 650 rubles in the online store. Semi-synthetic oil is suitable for owners of Daewoo Matiz, Mazda 3, Lada Vesta, Kalina and Priora. In the online store you can find random discounts and promotional codes that will allow you to save money on buying new oil.
Mannol Molibden Gasoline 10W-40
Another popular brand, Mannol, offers several types of fully synthetic and semi-synthetic oils. This product from the Molibden Benzin line keeps your engine clean with superior sludge control. Mannol oil has strong anti-wear additives that stay in the engine longer. Viscosity grade 10W-40 meets API SL class requirements.
Semi-synthetics meet the performance requirements of almost all naturally aspirated, turbocharged and supercharged vehicles operating in Russia. A durable oil film reduces friction by 30%. This is an inexpensive oil for daily trips around the city to work.
ZIC X5 10W-40
Multi-purpose motor oil ZIC X5 10W-40 is suitable for any type of engine (ICE) on the Russian market. Semi-synthetics are well suited for cold climates. The oil protects the engine from dust and corrosion, therefore extending the life of your equipment. ZIC eliminates all extraneous noise, the engine runs quietly throughout the entire operating cycle.
ZIC X5 is a high-quality middle-class oil for many foreign cars and all models of Russian cars. The oil gives you confidence that the engine will operate without failures even after 100 thousand kilometers. The price on Yandex.Market for one 4L canister from a dealer starts from 900 rubles with free delivery to any city in Russia in 2021.
Castrol Magnatec 10W-40 R 4l
Castrol Magnatec semi-synthetic motor oil has been developed using patented technologies and is 99.5% pure. Castrol contains fewer impurities, and when combined with a highly effective additive system, the use of this oil can bring additional gasoline savings. It is well suited for modern turbocharged engines.
The manufacturer claims that semi-synthetics flow faster at low extreme temperatures and engine parts are quickly lubricated during cold starts. The oil helps protect engines from loss of power and ensures piston cleanliness up to 50% of the results of cheap competitors.
ELF Evolution 700 STI 10W-40
Made in France, the little ELF Evolution 700 STI is a favorite among European car owners. Offering a high level of engine wear protection, this semi-synthetic oil strives to provide long engine life by delivering oil quickly at low temperatures. Even in extreme cold in winter, it does not lose its original properties and is evenly distributed throughout the engine of a passenger car, minivan, crossover or SUV.
This product is especially recommended for vehicles that must comply with VW 501.01 / 505.00, RENAULT RN0700/0710 and Mercedes-Benz MB-Approval 229.1 specifications. This oil works well on both gasoline and diesel engines. The manufacturer recommends flushing the engine before adding new oil.
TOTAL Quartz 7000 10W40
Do you want to dramatically reduce engine wear? Total's Quartz 7000 promises to leave engine parts up to 4 times smoother. The great thing about this oil is that it contains molecules that stick to the engine under all driving conditions. As a rule, after stopping the engine, the oil flows back into the sump, but not with Total Quartz 7000. A canister labeled 10W-40 sells inexpensively, ranging from 1,200 rubles.
The viscosity of semi-synthetic car oil allows it to be used in winter down to -25 degrees, and in summer up to 40 degrees. The lubricant meets all international quality standards (API SN/CF, ACEA A3/B4), and is also approved by automakers (Peugeot, Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz).
LUKOIL Genesis Advanced 10W-40
Not all synthetic blend oils are created equal. Lukoil will work well with the engine and is sold at an affordable price. Many oils contain additional additives that help improve engine performance, as well as detergents that help clean it. Genesis Advanced comes in a variety of sizes, from 1 liter, ideal for refills, to 5 liters for a complete replacement.
If you don't want to change the oil frequently, use semi-synthetic, which will last 8,000 to 10,000 or more. Lukoil Genesis 10W-40 takes 4th place in the ranking of the best motor oils in Russia according to car owners.
SHELL Helix HX7 10W-40
If a high-power engine oil is needed, SHELL Helix HX7 is fully suitable for diesel engines under severe operating conditions. Its formula provides improved cold starting capabilities as well as superior fuel economy while maintaining maximum engine protection.
Various additives added to the oil provide engine cleanliness, protection against corrosion and sediment. In the online store you can cheaply buy 1, 4, 20 or 55 liters of semi-synthetic with a shelf life of 4 years in a closed container. SHELL Helix oil was included in the list of TOP 20 best options for any car in 2021.
MOBIL Super 2000 X1 10W-40
Featuring an advanced semi-synthetic formula that delivers improved performance over its predecessor, MOBIL Super 2000 X1 is designed to prevent deposits and sludge buildup and extend engine life. It boasts excellent thermal and oxidative stability and exceptional control of oil degradation.
MOBIL has low temperature properties, this will help the engine start faster in cold weather. Popular car manufacturers (AvtoVAZ, Volkswagen, Volvo, Chevrolet) recommend filling in new motor lubricant every 10 thousand km.
Features of motor fluid
0w20 engine oil has increased fluidity, which allows it to ensure easy circulation inside the engine compartment at sub-zero temperatures. The minimum viscosity allows the oil to harden longer in the cold, compared to 5w and 10w liquids. However, its weak point is heat. Not without this, the liquid material, when exceeding +15 degrees Celsius, begins to acquire greater fluidity, as a result of which its ability to be fixed to structural elements is sharply reduced. Those. the lubricant simply begins to drain from the working surfaces, leaving them without the proper level of protection.
Mobil 1 0W-20
Parts subjected to high friction force begin to noticeably overheat the engine, causing burning of the remaining oil composition. The resulting carbon deposits clog the engine system, and aggressively interacting elements quickly become deformed and destroyed. What is the result? Seized motor and expensive repair work. Therefore, when pouring such motor oil into the engine system, its operational features should be taken into account.
0w20 oil can be poured into four-stroke diesel and gasoline engines of Japanese, Korean and Chinese production. The lubricant is not suitable for the domestic automobile industry. This is explained simply: Russian-made engines require a thicker lubricating film, which 0w20 cannot form. A lubricant composition of this viscosity is designed for those power units that have minimal clearances. That is why it can only be poured into those cars that have the appropriate entry in the owner's manual.
Properties of motor lubricant
0W20 lubricants, as mentioned above, are intended for use in regions with severe frosts. This means that this type has a reduced viscosity, allowing the liquid to solidify much more slowly than, for example, 5W30 or 10W40 oils. In hot weather, the lubricant will work noticeably worse than the previously proposed options, since at elevated temperatures it loses its properties and gradually evaporates.
In severe frosts down to 30–35 degrees, the engine experiences serious load during startup and operation, so the 0W20 lubricant is characterized by increased resistance to adverse conditions.
Most often, manufacturers of liquids of this class include highly effective detergent additives in their composition, which make it possible to clean the surfaces of rubbing engine parts from burning.
An important property of 0W20 fluids is good fuel economy in winter. Due to the same reduced viscosity, motor oil does not lose fluidity and functions normally, without forcing the engine to perform unnecessary work and compensating for the increased loads on it. Thanks to this, fuel is consumed as usual, and there is no need to top it up several times.
The main purpose of the oil is to protect rubbing engine parts from premature wear.
It is impossible to completely eliminate chafing of mechanisms, but the use of lubricants can significantly extend the life of the machine and prevent the occurrence of various types of malfunctions.
Chemical basis and global manufacturers
More than half of the products with a viscosity of 0w20 released onto the world market have a synthetic base, the remaining part is semi-synthetic. Mineral water is not found on sale: no natural petroleum products can maintain stability in harsh frosty conditions.
Due to the fact that the oil fluid is designed for a fairly narrow circle of consumers and a specific temperature range, not all manufacturers produce motor oil with a reduced viscosity. Among the “dared ones” are Mobil, Castrol, Motul, Eneos, Honda, Bardahl, Idemitsu.
The average cost of a 4-liter canister varies between 2,700-4,000 rubles.
Oil manufacturer brand
The quality of oils from the French company Motul is highly appreciated: it took first place in the Drivers' Choice rating several times in a row. In addition to viewing reviews about a particular motor oil manufacturer, it is also worth keeping an eye on the selected parameters of these oils, which are often included in technical sheets. These include:
Viscosity index VI
This is a quantity that informs about the change in viscosity with temperature. The higher the VI index, the more stable the oil viscosity is maintained regardless of temperature. The worst oils in this regard have a viscosity index of about 100, regular ones - 140, good ones - even 180.
TBN (total base number)
This parameter provides information about the content of alkaline additives, that is, additives that neutralize acidic combustion products, such as sulfur from fuel. This number decreases with use, and choosing an oil with a higher TBN will provide longer neutralization of acid contamination.
Type of oil base
The base usually accounts for about 85% of the volume of motor oil, with another 15% being the additives used in it.
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Motor oils can be divided into five groups:
- The first and second are mineral oils
- third - made using synthetic technology
- fourth - synthetic oils, so-called PAO (polyalphaolefins)
- the fifth is synthetic based on other technologies, for example, esters.
- oils of the last two groups are classified as true “synthetic” oils and have much better parameters than oils from groups I, II and III.
Advantages
0w20 oil has certain advantages compared to thicker analogues:
- Due to the fact that the viscosity properties and performance characteristics of 0w20 oil are designed primarily for low-temperature climatic conditions, a cold engine at the time of start-up receives instant pumping of the lubricant throughout the entire system. Resistance to severe frosts relieves residents of the northern regions of the country from unnecessary headaches.
- The higher the viscosity of the oil, the greater the resistance it provides during the interaction of mechanisms and the more force it requires from the propulsion system. A lubricant with minimal viscosity ensures the most efficient cranking of the crankshaft. Thus, optimal distribution of the vehicle’s power load leads to savings in the fuel mixture. The Japanese concern Honda managed to experimentally prove that oil with a viscosity of 0w can save up to 1.5% of fuel compared to 5w. Yes, the figure is not too high, however, it allows you to save the driver’s personal funds.
- Oils with a viscosity of 0w20 always contain a detergent additive package. Because The gaps between the motor friction pairs are too narrow; they must not be allowed to become dirty. Constantly cleaning the engine compartment of pollutants and carbon deposits not only protects the car from serious damage, but also helps improve its power characteristics.
Flaws
0w20 engine oil has several disadvantages:
Eneos Ecostage 0W-20
- It is advisable to use it mainly in cold temperatures, therefore, where the temperature range goes beyond +15 degrees Celsius, there is no need to pour liquid into the engine - it will instantly evaporate and disrupt the operation of the power plant.
- The high price is also an inconvenience for car enthusiasts. Often the price of 0w20 oil is almost twice as high as standard lubricants.
- If the oil is not selected correctly, or the power plant is already quite worn out, then the working material can easily leak into the combustion chamber, and this is fraught with a decrease in engine protection and an increase in the toxicity of exhaust gases.
