Composition and types of engine oil
Base oil, the additive package, and why there are so many different oils on the market.
- Types of engine oil Four ways to classify engine oils: by base (mineral, semi-synthetic, synthetic), by SAE viscosity, by API and ACEA classes, and by carmaker approvals.
- How is engine oil made? Engine oil is a base oil plus an additive package: where mineral, synthetic and semi-synthetic bases come from, what additives do and who sets the rules.
- Why do I need to know so much about engine oil? Why owners should understand engine oils: the label does not state compatibility with a given engine, and genuine dealer oil is costly and not always available.
- Why Are There So Many Different Engine Oils? Why there are so many engine oils: engines are built for different conditions, revs and materials, so their oil requirements differ and sometimes conflict.
- The role of the base oil and additives in engine oils What engine oil is made of: mineral, synthetic and semi-synthetic base, the role of the additive package and why the oil must be chosen for the specific engine.