Oil Standards: A Guide to Engine Performance

Choosing the right engine oil is critical to maintaining the health and efficiency of your vehicle’s engine. Synkhem, a leader in high-performance lubrication solutions, offers a range of oils that meet and exceed industry standards, ensuring optimal performance for a variety of engines. This guide delves into the essential oil standards and how Synkhem's products align with these standards to provide superior engine protection.

Engine Oil Standards

Engine oil standards are essential for evaluating the quality and the performance properties of oils in different types of engines. These standards provide crucial information, such as the oil’s ability to meet automotive manufacturers’ recommendations and deliver consistent protection under various conditions. Synkhem’s oils, formulated with advanced technology, are designed to meet these standards, ensuring your engine receives the optimal lubrication needed for peak performance. From Synkhem Super HD 15W-40 to Synkhem Premium X 5W-40 and Synkhem Hydra Plus 46, Synkhem offers a range of products tailored for specific needs, delivering robust performance and reliable protection for both gasoline and diesel engines.

Three primary standards help define motor oils: API (American Petroleum Institute), ACEA (Association des Constructeurs Européens d’Automobiles), and SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers). The API oil standard established by the American Petroleum Institute categorizes motor oils based on criteria such as dispersive and detergent power, as well as protection against wear, oxidation, and corrosion. The two-letter classification system used indicates oil quality, with the second letter signifying performance level—higher letters correspond to better quality. The SAE oil standard determined by the Society of Automotive Engineers describes the oil's viscosity, indicated on the oil container through specific numerical codes that differentiate between low and high-temperature performance. Each focuses on different aspects of oil performance, from wear protection and emission compatibility to viscosity behavior.

API Standards

The API classification system is widely recognized globally and the standard classifies motor oils based on their performance in different engines. It uses two-letter codes to distinguish between oils for gasoline engines and diesel engines, with the first letter being S (Service) for gasoline and C (Commercial) for diesel. The second letter indicates the oil's performance level, with oils further down the alphabet representing light engines equipped with more advanced formulations and better protection capabilities.

For example, API CK-4 is a modern specification for heavy-duty petrol and diesel engines only. It indicates that the oil provides enhanced protection against oil oxidation, aeration, and shear stability, which are crucial for maintaining oil integrity over long periods and under heavy loads. Oils like Synkhem Super HD 15W-40 and Synkhem Ultra XHD 10W-40 meet the API CK-4 standard, making them suitable for both modern engines and older diesel engines. This ensures that engines remain protected against wear, even under the extreme conditions found in industrial, construction, and long-haul applications.

ACEA Standards

ACEA oil standards focus on meeting the performance needs of European vehicle engines, including those with advanced emissions control systems like diesel particulate filters (DPFs). The ACEA system uses letters and numbers to categorize oils, offering precise indications of the oil’s performance characteristics.

• Letter Codes: The first letter in the ACEA classification indicates the type of engine the oil is designed for. For example, A/B refers to gasoline and light-duty diesel engines, while C is for catalytic converter-compatible oils, and E focuses on heavy-duty diesel engines.
• Number Codes: The number following the letter provides additional details about the oil's performance capabilities. For example, ACEA E9 is a standard for heavy-duty diesel oils, indicating that the oil is suitable for engines with DPFs and other emissions-reducing technologies. Oils like Synkhem’s Super HD 15W-40 that meet ACEA E9 are formulated to provide excellent detergency and dispersancy, ensuring that engines stay clean and maintain their efficiency even with high levels of soot from diesel combustion.

SAE Grades

The SAE grading system defines motor oil viscosity and is critical for understanding how an oil behaves at different temperatures. Viscosity refers to an oil's resistance to flow, which directly impacts how well it can protect engine components under varying conditions. SAE grades use a combination of numbers and letters (e.g., 5W-30, 15W-40) to specify an oil’s viscosity characteristics.

Multigrade Oils: Modern oils are typically multigrade, meaning they are designed to perform well in both cold and hot conditions. The first number in a multigrade oil grade (e.g., 15W in 15W-40) indicates the oil’s viscosity at low temperatures, with the W standing for “winter.” A lower number before the W means the oil is designed better to flow at cold and high temperatures, which helps reduce engine wear during startups.

Second Number: The second number (e.g., 40 in 15W-40) describes the oil’s viscosity at high operating temperatures. A higher number indicates that the oil will remain thicker when the engine reaches its operating temperature, providing a more durable protective film between the oil container and moving parts. This ensures that the oil doesn't thin out excessively when the engine heats up, offering consistent protection during high-temperature conditions like highway driving or under heavy loads.

Engine Oil Formulation

Base Oil and Additives

Engine oil quality is determined not only by standards but also by its formulation. Synkhem takes pride in using high-quality base oils combined with state-of-the-art additives to create oils that excel in demanding conditions. The base oil provides fundamental properties such as oxidative stability and resistance to breakdown, while additives enhance wear protection, corrosion resistance, and sludge control.

Advanced Additive Technology

The role of additives in modern engine oils cannot be overstated. Synkhem incorporates advanced anti-wear, anti-oxidation, and detergent additives to ensure that its oils perform exceptionally well in a variety of engines. These additives prevent sludge formation, maintain engine cleanliness, and ensure critical engine parts remain protected over long operating intervals.

Engine Oil Specifications

Understanding the specifications and standards is crucial when choosing the right engine oil. Passenger car engine oils are particularly important as they must meet ILSAC standards, ensuring optimal performance and protection for vehicle owners. These standards help guarantee that the oils not only meet current requirements but can also effectively service older engines.

ILSAC Standards for Gasoline Engines

The International Lubricants Standardization and Approval Committee (ILSAC) defines standards for gasoline engines, emphasizing their improved fuel economy and efficiency, oil durability, and emissions control. Synkhem’s gasoline engine oils are designed to make light engines meet or exceed these rigorous standards, offering exceptional performance.

GF-6A standards focus on reducing low-speed pre-ignition (LSPI) and timing chain wear, with improved high-temperature protection for critical components like pistons and turbochargers. GF-6B further enhances the fuel economy, efficiency and emissions reduction for newer engine models. Synkhem ensures its products, such as Synkhem Premium X 5W-30, align with these ILSAC benchmarks, providing reliable protection across modern gasoline engines.

Diesel Engine Oil Requirements

Diesel engines operate under high pressures and temperatures, requiring specialized oils to maintain performance and extend engine life. Synkhem’s diesel engine oils are engineered to provide the durability and protection needed for these tough conditions.

A key feature of diesel oils is their high-temperature high-shear (HTHS) viscosity, which ensures consistent lubrication under intense conditions and reduces wear on critical components like pistons in petrol engines. Synkhem’s formulations deliver stability and reliability, making them ideal for both everyday use and heavy-duty applications.

Another critical factor is low ash content, especially important for diesel engines equipped with diesel particulate filters (DPFs). Synkhem’s low-ash oils are designed to keep DPFs clean, reducing maintenance needs and keeping emissions systems effective.

Modern standards like API CK-4 and API FA-4 set the bar for diesel engine oils, emphasizing reduced emissions without compromising on engine protection. Synkhem’s Super HD 15W-40 meets these requirements, providing a balanced solution for both older diesel engines and newer, more fuel-efficient models. Synkhem’s products are trusted for all commercial vehicles, fleets, and users.

Operating Conditions and Performance Requirements

Engine oil performance is significantly influenced by the operating conditions it encounters. Factors such as temperature, pressure, and contamination are crucial in determining how well an oil can protect and lubricate an engine. For instance, engine oils must withstand extreme temperatures, from the cold of winter starts to the high heat of summer driving, ensuring consistent performance across a wide range of conditions.

Diesel engines, in particular, present unique challenges. They operate under high pressure and generate significant amounts of soot and acid, necessitating oils that can handle these harsh conditions. Additionally, diesel engines with diesel particulate filters (DPFs) require low-ash oils to prevent filter clogging and control emissions.

The European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA) and the American Petroleum Institute (API) provide guidelines outlining engine oil performance requirements. These standards ensure that oils can meet the demands of various engine types, from gasoline engines to diesel engines, and maintain optimal performance and longevity.

Specialized formulations are also necessary to address specific operating conditions, such as low-speed pre-ignition (LSPI) in modern turbocharged gasoline engines. These formulations help prevent premature ignition, which can cause engine damage. For commercial vehicles and trucks, engine oils must offer higher performance levels, including improved fuel economy and extended drain intervals, to meet the rigorous demands of heavy-duty use.

Synthetic vs. Conventional Oils

When choosing between synthetic and conventional oils, synthetic oils often come out on top due to their superior molecular structure. Synthetic oils are engineered to have a more uniform molecular composition, which translates to better lubrication and enhanced wear protection. This uniformity allows synthetic oils to perform exceptionally well under extreme temperatures and challenging operating conditions.

Conventional oils, on the other hand, have a more varied molecular structure, which can lead to reduced performance and increased wear over time. While they may be suitable for less demanding applications, they often fall short in providing the same level of protection and efficiency as synthetic oils.

Synthetic oils offer significant benefits for gasoline engines, including improved fuel economy and reduced emissions. These oils are designed to meet the stringent requirements of modern engines, ensuring optimal performance and longevity. Diesel engines also benefit from synthetic oils, which can handle high levels of soot and acid and are compatible with diesel particulate filters (DPFs).

The European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA) and the American Petroleum Institute (API) provide guidelines for synthetic oil performance requirements, ensuring that these oils meet the necessary standards for various engine types. Synthetic oils are available in various viscosity grades, including GF-6A and GF-6B, which offer improved fuel economy and reduced emissions.

Vehicle manufacturers often recommend synthetic oils for optimal engine performance and longevity, particularly for commercial vehicles and trucks. These oils provide the durability and protection needed to keep engines running smoothly, even under the most demanding conditions.

Conclusion

Understanding engine oil standards and specifications is crucial for making an informed choice about the right oil for your vehicle. Factors such as fuel efficiency, emissions, and engine protection should be considered when selecting an engine oil, as they directly impact both performance and longevity. Synkhem’s range of high-performance oils meets rigorous industry standards, providing drivers with confidence in their choice of lubrication.