-
Tetyana Yermolenko
Correspondent
Which engine oil to choose for summer?
Motor oil is like the “blood” of your car’s engine. It lubricates parts, reduces friction, cools components, and prevents premature wear. The choice of oil depends not only on the make of your car, but also on the season: in summer, resistance to high temperatures is important, and in winter, the ability to pump quickly and protect the engine in frost.
When choosing oil, auto mechanics advise focusing primarily on the viscosity of the oil, the manufacturer's standards, and the operating conditions of the car. The importance of choosing the right engine oil lies in the fact that bad oil can “hit” the engine's life, increase fuel consumption, and even cause serious breakdowns. Read on the Delo.ua portal how to choose engine oil for summer and winter.
Classification of engine oil
Motor oils are divided into several main types: mineral, semi-synthetic, and synthetic. Let's briefly consider each type.
- Mineral motor oil is made from refined petroleum. It is affordable, but loses its properties more quickly under high loads and temperatures.
- Semi-synthetic oil combines natural and synthetic components, providing better engine protection and stable operation at different temperatures.
- Synthetic motor oil has the highest resistance to heat and frost, reduces engine wear and saves fuel, but is more expensive.
Choosing the right engine oil affects engine longevity, power, and fuel consumption. However, using the wrong type of oil can lead to increased friction, overheating, or premature wear of parts.
Summer engine oil: main features
In the summer, the engine operates at high temperatures, so the car oil must have a stable viscosity and maintain its protective properties under prolonged loads. The ideal summer engine oil is quickly pumped through the engine, effectively cools parts, prevents the formation of deposits and retains its lubricating properties even in high heat.
For the summer season, oils with a high viscosity index, such as 10W-40, 15W-50 , are usually recommended, which work well at elevated temperatures and heavy loads. Popular summer car oil options include synthetic and semi-synthetic products that combine heat resistance and fuel economy.
Top 5 best oils for summer
In the summer, it is important to choose a car oil that maintains stable viscosity at high temperatures, effectively cools the engine, and prevents the formation of deposits.
If you believe the reviews of car owners and ratings on the market, you can distinguish five popular options that have proven themselves well on the Ukrainian market:
Liqui Moly MoS2 Leichtlauf 10W-40
Contains molybdenum additives that reduce friction and wear, ensuring smooth engine operation. Suitable for gasoline and diesel engines, especially older models.
- Type : Semi-synthetic.
- Estimated price : 900–1,100 UAH/4 liters.
Engine oil has high thermal stability and reduces engine noise.
Mobil Super 2000 X1 10W-40
Provides effective control of slag and deposits, which contributes to high engine cleanliness throughout the entire service life of the oil.
- Type : Semi-synthetic.
- Estimated price : 650–800 UAH/4 liters.
This car oil is suitable for gasoline and diesel engines.
Shell Helix HX7 SAE 10W-40
High flash point (246°C), which ensures stable operation at high temperatures. Contains additives that combat carbon deposits and prevent the appearance of microcracks on internal combustion engine parts.
- Type : Semi-synthetic.
- Estimated price : 750–900 UAH/4 liters.
It is believed that this type of car oil is best suited for gasoline, diesel, gas, and biodiesel engines.
Castrol CRB Turbomax 10W-40
Developed with DuraShield technology, which prevents the formation of soot clots inside the engine oil.
- Type : Semi-synthetic.
- Estimated price : 700–850 UAH/4 liters.
Castrol CRB Turbomax 10W-40 engine oil is suitable for diesel engines without particulate filters.
Mobil Ultra 10W-40
It has a wide range of applications, suitable for gasoline and diesel engines of passenger cars and light commercial vehicles.
- Type : Semi-synthetic.
- Estimated price : 600–750 UAH/4 liters.
Known in Ukraine for a long time, canisters “with a tiger” have occupied a popular place on the shelves for many years, and for a reason.
Winter engine oil: protecting the car from frost
In winter, the engine operates at low temperatures, so the engine oil must be easy to pump, quickly lubricate parts and ensure safe starting. Preferably, even in severe frost. The ideal winter oil for a car has a reduced viscosity in the cold , which allows you to quickly deliver lubricant to all moving parts of the engine. All in order to minimize wear and load on the starter and battery.
For the winter season, motor oils with the marking 0W-30, 0W-40, 5W-30 or 5W-40 are usually recommended. Unlike summer oils, they are more “fluid” at low temperatures and protect the engine when warming up. Usually, motorists prefer synthetic and semi-synthetic products when choosing a winter lubricant.
Top 5 best oils for winter
In winter, it is important to choose a motor oil that is easy to pump at low temperatures, quickly lubricates all engine parts, and ensures reliable starting even in severe frost. The editorial team has identified five popular options that have proven themselves well on the Ukrainian market:
Liqui Moly Special Tec LL 0W-30
This is a premium car oil for modern turbocharged gasoline and diesel engines. It has excellent fluidity at low temperatures, ensures easy engine starting even at -30°C, reduces wear and deposit formation.
- Type : Synthetic.
- Estimated price : 1,400–1,600 UAH/4 liters.
Suitable for cars with diesel particulate filters (DPF) and catalytic converters.
Mobil Super 3000 X1 0W-40
Engine oil that provides excellent engine protection during cold starts due to its low viscosity in cold weather. Improves fuel economy, reduces deposit formation and maintains stable oil pressure under various conditions.
- Type : Semi-synthetic.
- Estimated price : 1,100–1,300 UAH/4 liters.
Suitable for gasoline and diesel engines of passenger cars.
Shell Helix Ultra 0W-40
Automotive oil that provides a high level of engine protection at low temperatures and quick pumping during cold starts. Reduces friction, lowers fuel consumption and protects the engine from wear and deposits.
- Type : Synthetic.
- Estimated price : 1,200–1,400 UAH/4 liters.
Suitable for gasoline and diesel engines, including turbocharged engines.
Castrol EDGE 0W-30
This is a car oil that provides maximum engine protection at low temperatures thanks to Fluid Titanium technology. Maintains stable oil pressure, reduces friction and improves fuel economy.
- Type : Synthetic.
- Estimated price : 1,300–1,500 UAH/4 liters.
Suitable for gasoline and diesel engines of passenger cars.
Total Quartz 9000 0W-30
Engine oil that provides excellent engine protection in cold weather and is easy to pump during cold starts. Reduces fuel consumption, reduces deposit formation and keeps the engine in excellent condition.
- Type : Synthetic.
- Estimated price : 1,100–1,300 UAH/4 liters.
Suitable for gasoline and diesel engines of passenger cars.
