Is mineral oil good for engines? Which oil is better - synthetic or mineral? Let's start selecting the right gear lubricant

When the winter season approaches, car owners pay special attention to their car’s engine, which runs on mineral oil. This is explained quite simply. It is in the cold winter that several important problems await motorists: increasing efficiency, compression ratio, engine starting.

When frost sets in, the mineral oil becomes thick, and the engine starter is completely forced to turn the engine crankshaft once.

However, when replacing mineral oil in the engine with high-quality synthetic oil, the situation radically changes, and positively - the engine starts the first time, and the battery charge is consumed very economically and lasts longer.

Therefore, car enthusiasts are faced with the problem of how to correctly convert the engine to semi-synthetic or synthetic oil. At the same time, some naively believe that this is elementary: you just need to drain the mineral oil and instead fill it with semi-synthetic oil, which, based on its name, is something between synthetic oil and mineral oil. But what is the correct way to convert a car from mineral oil to synthetic oil?

Mineral oil

This is far from being as easy as it seems at first. If car engine If you have already driven with mineral oil, then special oil layers are formed everywhere on the rotor-piston group, the oil seems to be “washed out”. But synthetic oil works on exactly the opposite principle, i.e. synthetic oil does not form a layer, but on the contrary, it washes away all these deposits, and then the oil gushes out of all the gaskets and seals. To avoid this, you need to learn how to correctly switch from mineral oil to synthetic oil.

Switching to “synthetics”

The most important thing is to change the oil. Simply draining the mineral oil is not an option. You cannot pour out the old oil and immediately fill in new synthetic or even semi-synthetic. After draining, there will still be some old oil left in the engine oil channels, which, when mixed with new synthetic oil, can give an unexpected reaction: foam will appear that will block all oil channels in the engine. Then the engine will have to be rebuilt, and this is very expensive.

The oil needs to be changed according to the following scheme: first, the old mineral oil is drained and completely washed off, then a special car shampoo is poured in, designed specifically for the engine and specifically for washing - it will help remove the old mineral oil without any residue. Remember, this is very important. After all, if the oil remains in the engine, when “synthetic” is poured in, it may boil and stop working due to lack of lubrication. And even more significant and expensive can be a major engine overhaul. Then the shampoo is drained, and only after that new synthetic oil is added.

You can do it another way. So that changing the oil does not become such a surprise for your engine, first replace the old mineral oil with very high quality mineral oil and drive it for 500 to 1000 km, and only then change it to synthetic oil. This method is most often used by car owners and is more gentle for switching to “synthetics”.

Valve seals and oil seals

Oil seals and valve stem seals are also an important element when changing the oil.

First of all, pay attention to the oil seals and valve stem seals. If they are made from nitrite conventional rubber, which is exposed to synthetic oil, this will only mean one thing - the synthetic oil will make them soft, wash out and form holes from which expensive synthetic oil will ooze.

To avoid oil leaks under the hood, all old valve stem seals and oil seals must be replaced with new ones made of fluorine rubber or acrylic rubber. But if oil continues to guzzle from all gaskets and seals, check the gas pressure in the crankcase. At high pressure, install new oil seals and valve stem seals made of acrylic, which are installed on the crankshaft and camshaft, will not help - high pressure will squeeze oil through the seals and pour out of all the cracks. It's threatening major repairs engine, and only then can you change the oil.

Synthetic oil has the ability to wash away everything. This must be taken into account when changing the oil. First of all, this concerns compression; the engine will become cleaner, as will the cylinder walls, so a slight gap will form. But this can be easily solved - the cylinder head is opened, new compression oil scraper rings are installed, which will help increase compression to the required level and significantly save expensive synthetic oil in the engine.

Questions and problems that arise when switching from mineral oil to synthetic oil

First, the condition of your engine is assessed.

1. Could there be an oil leak? If the answer is yes, then it is necessary to understand the reasons that cause these leaks and eliminate them, and only then switch to “synthetics”.

2. Are there deposits on the engine? If there are significant deposits, the oil system requires flushing.

3. Is there any oil leakage where gaskets and seals are installed? If it leaks, it means that their seals have lost their elasticity and tightness. First you need to carry out general engine repairs, replace oil seals and gaskets, and then change the mineral oil to synthetic oil.

If the condition of your engine does not give you one hundred percent confidence and causes anxiety and fear, then you first need to switch to semi-synthetic oil. You need to drive a certain number of kilometers on this oil before it complete replacement. If no leaks are found when using semi-synthetic oil, the engine behaves perfectly, you can switch to “synthetics”.

Typically, the machine's operating instructions provide information about the requirements for using lubricants. Using this information, you can select the appropriate brand of “synthetics” for the engine.

Choosing “synthetics”

Choosing synthetic oil is a troublesome business. There are some points to consider here. Pay special attention to abbreviations.

The most common synthetic oil in our country is 10W40. The number 10 at the beginning according to SAE standards means the thickening index. Accordingly, the lower this figure, the faster the engine will start in cold weather. For our climate, it is most acceptable to use synthetic oil with an index of 0-15. The second digit reflects when operating temperature engine at 100 degrees viscosity oil temperature. The figure increases in accordance with the increase in viscosity. The optimal oil viscosity for our country is from 40 to 60 units. And the letter W means “Winter” type oil.

Today, there is a lot of debate among car owners about which oil is best to pour into the engine. Some prefer mineral liquids, others recommend taking them, and others do not choose anything other than semi-synthetics. In addition, many companies are being created that advertise their products as the most modern and optimal. In this article we will look at several criteria for choosing lubricants and find out which oil is best to pour into the engine.

Viscosity

The first thing you should pay attention to is the viscosity of the lubricant. Often, the characteristics of motor oils are divided into two types - summer (that is, those that should be filled in the summer) and winter (well, everything is already clear here). So, every manufacturer, be it Opel or the domestic GAZ, initially indicates in the operating manual the exact amount that needs to be filled at one time or another of the year. There are no exact indicators here, since each company sets its own optimal data range, and the difference between them is very large.

Car mileage

The answer to the question of which oil is best to pour into the engine directly depends on the service life of the car, that is, its total mileage. Many experts recommend that car enthusiasts use synthetic fuel only for new cars. Well, for old people there is nothing better than mineral liquids. It is also worth noting the exception - if you are the owner of a sports car that is 5 or more years old, it is better to give preference to “synthetics”, since the engine in such cars operates at very high speeds.

What liquid was there before?

An examination of motor oils has shown that in many respects the choice of the right fluid (in particular, on used cars) depends on what lubricant the engine used previously. For example, if over the last 50-80 thousand kilometers the engine has been running on mineral water, then this time it is best to fill it with synthetic. Why? The thing is that the first type of oil, due to its properties, forms various cracks and deposits in the units, which can only be washed out by the second type of lubricant (it has stronger acid properties, so this is very useful for the engine). But it is possible that “synthetics” will also wash away useful deposits, so you should not fill it a second time. But then, what oil is better to pour into the engine after synthetic fluid? In this case, it is best not to immediately switch back to mineral water, but to use a compromise - a semi-synthetic lubricant. Thanks to its special properties, it will not harm the operation of the engine and at the same time prepare it for the next consumption of mineral water.

As you can see, there is no clear answer to the question of which oil is best to pour into the engine. Each car is special, and you only need to fill it with that liquid that will not inhibit the operation of the engine (we have just listed these cases). Therefore, take care of your iron friend and pour only high-quality liquids into it!

Depending on the technical features engine and the requirements set for it by the manufacturer, the vehicle's operating manual indicates the recommended type of engine oil.

Today, all lubricants for internal combustion engines can be divided into three main groups. The main criterion is the type of oil base. Fig 1

• mineral;
• synthetically;
• semi-synthetic.

Each group of oils has its own characteristics: composition, scope, characteristics, performance indicators. Consider mineral oil.

Production technology

After the separation of light fractions from petroleum products, the remaining fuel oil is used to obtain oil bases as a result of several step-by-step steps.

What is the difference between mineral oil and synthetic and semi-synthetic oils?

In order to understand what mineral oil is and how it differs from synthetic and semi-synthetic lubricants, let’s consider its production process and features.

Mineral motor oil

Obtained as a result of purification of petroleum products and the addition of active additives that increase performance. The amount of additives in mineral oil can reach up to 15% of the total volume of lubricant.

How oils are produced in production and how they differ in the end - video

High viscosity makes the use of oils of this classification difficult and undesirable at low negative temperatures.

Since oil aging occurs primarily as a result of additives losing their properties, the service life is reduced due to the high content of additives included in the mineral oil. The recommended lubricant change interval is 6-8 thousand km.

Due to the increased viscosity of the base, mineral lubricants are good for use in engines with high mileage. The possible risks of leaks from under the seals are reduced, and a thicker oil layer provides maximum protection for worn-out parts. Low cost.

Synthetic oils

Obtained by changing the basic structure at the molecular level. The process allows you to obtain a fairly high level of oil base.

Compared to mineral lubricants, the washing, lubricating, and anti-corrosion properties are an order of magnitude higher, which allows the use of much less active additives. The value can reach up to 5% of the total volume.

A low content of active additives increases the service life of synthetic motor oils compared to mineral ones. A more advanced oil base allows you to achieve high performance under conditions of increased loads.

Good performance in low temperature conditions due to the low viscosity of the product.

Even a slight oil layer between the rubbing elements of the engine reliably protects the new engine. Can also be used in internal combustion engines with low mileage. The recommended replacement interval is 12-15 thousand km. Quite high cost of production.

Semi-synthetics

It is obtained by mixing a mineral and synthetic base with the addition of a package of active additives. An alternative between the above mentioned oils.

The mineral component can reach 70% of the total volume, synthetic up to 30%. The amount of additives is no more than 8%. Due to the moderate viscosity of the product, its use is possible both in hot climates and at low negative temperatures.

Suitable for motors with high mileage and internal combustion engines with low mileage. The recommended replacement interval is 9-11 thousand km. The cost of production is higher than that of mineral oils, but less than that of synthetic oils.

Conclusion

Mineral oil for an engine differs from synthetic and semi-synthetic lubricant in its base, number of additives, viscosity, service life, scope of application, operating temperature range, replacement interval and cost.

Mineral oil testing

Lubricants are checked according to the following parameters.

Mineral oil test Lukoil 15w-40, video

1. . Measurements are carried out using capillary viscometers immersed in a thermostat at temperatures of 40 °C and 100 °C. After the oil has reached the required temperature, the time period required for the oil to pass through the specified area is measured. Viscosity is calculated using the formula.
2. Sulfated ash content. It is measured by the amount of residue left after burning the lubricant. The greater the weight of the residue, the greater the amount of additives. The indicator should not be more than 1.3% of the total for gasoline and 1.8% for diesel internal combustion engines. Increased ash content causes increased carbon formation.
3. Base number. In other words, this is an oil resource. When operating a vehicle, oxides form in the engine oil, which cause corrosion of engine components. During production, active additives containing alkali are introduced into the oil composition. The higher this indicator, the greater the durability of the oil.
4. Flash point. The temperature of the lubricant placed in a special device rises no faster than two degrees per minute. Upon reaching a certain temperature and in the presence of fire, the oil bursts into flames. The data is recorded.
5. Pour point. Thermometer indicator at which the lubricant loses its fluidity. After placing the sample in the thermostat, upon reaching a certain temperature, the flask is set at an angle of 45 degrees. When the oil does not harden, it shifts. To ensure pumpability in the internal combustion engine system, the pour point of the lubricant should be 5% lower than stated.
6. Pollution factor. The amount of dissolved and suspended oxides in the lubricant.
7. Viscosity change indicator. A lower percentage indicates more stable qualities of the oil to temperature changes.

Based on the results of laboratory tests and consumer reviews, the following mineral motor oils can be distinguished.

• LIQUI MOLY MoS2 Leichtlauf 15W-40
• Lukoil Standard 10W-40 SF/CC
• MOBIL Delvac MX 15W-40

Is it possible to mix synthetics and mineral water?

From the above we can conclude that mineral, synthetic and semi-synthetic lubricants have different oil bases and different volumes and compositions of additive packages. Excellent viscosity characteristics and temperature ranges.

What happens when you add synthetic oil to a mineral lubricated engine and vice versa? Mixing different bases with different molecular structures and different viscosities will not allow achieving uniformity of the lubricant without losing its protective properties.

The interaction of different additives and volumes of one lubricant can lead to precipitation of additives in the second lubricant. This can happen due to the impossibility of dissolving “mineral” additives in a synthetic base and vice versa.

It is possible that a viscous mixture may form that can clog the oil channels and the oil pump. Oil fasting and expensive repairs as a result.

Another reason is the destruction of the oil film by additives of one or the second oil. Lubrication functions are reduced, and increased wear of engine elements occurs.

In cases of emergency, mixing oils of different bases is possible, but only in order to get to the point of changing the lubricant.

Advantages and disadvantages of mineral oils

pros

Minuses

1. Poor manifestation of qualities in conditions of low negative temperatures.
2. Not suitable for cars with high-tech internal combustion engines and low mileage.
3. A small resource. Rapid loss of properties due to the high content of additives.

When choosing engine oil, it is very important to pay attention to the manufacturer’s recommendations, as well as take into account the condition of the engine and operating conditions. Compliance of the engine oil with all tolerances and standards will ensure maximum engine protection and extend its service life.

An article about how to choose oil for a car engine. Types and classification, recommendations for selection. At the end of the article there is a video on how to choose engine oil.

The content of the article:

ABOUT making the right choice Even experienced car enthusiasts do not always know oils for car engines. The article will discuss how to choose the right oil for the “heart” of a car so that it matches the wear and tear of the vehicle, the current season, etc.

Indeed, how to choose engine oil? It is important to know that choosing the right engine oil and changing it on time are very important conditions that determine the stable operation and durability of each internal combustion engine.

However, such a huge variety of lubricants on the modern market can confuse even an experienced driver, and it is doubly difficult for beginners.

A special problem for buyers is created by advertising booklets, where “every sandpiper praises its own swamp,” that is, each manufacturer guarantees the reliability of its products, and here, when choosing engine oil, it is really not difficult to get confused.

And after you are completely at a loss, you have no choice but to contact the seller, relying entirely on his opinion. And this will be your mistake, because any seller will always pursue their own commercial goals, without thinking about the future fate of your car. In order not to be deceived in your expectations, continue reading the article further.

Types of lubrication

To better understand all the intricacies in choosing engine oil, let's first look at the basic basis of all engine oils. This basis is:

• mineral;
• semi-synthetic;
• hydrocracking;
• synthetic.

Mineral oil, called “mineral water” by car enthusiasts, is obtained through the distillation and purification of oil.

Synthetic oil, called “synthetics” by drivers, is obtained by synthesizing gases.

Semi-synthetic oil, or so-called “semi-synthetic” by drivers, occurs as a result of mixing synthetic and mineral oils in calculated parts.

Hydrocracking oil, like mineral water, is also made from oil, but it undergoes a rather complex processing procedure and therefore, in its structure, it becomes more like a synthetic substance than a “mineral water”.

Mineral oil

It is also called petroleum because this liquid is obtained directly from oil. To produce such oil, a distillation method or a refining method is used. Additionally it is divided into:

• paraffin;
• naphthenic;
• aromatic.

These subtypes differ from each other in the composition of hydrocarbons, which represent the base, but if we talk about lubrication, then it is most effective to prefer paraffin-based oil: it has better viscosity-temperature characteristics.

The main advantage of mineral oil is its relatively low price. However, those who are used to saving money need to understand that it does not last long and will have to be replaced more often. Experience shows that mineral-based oil is often used for units operating in a gentle mode. Only under such conditions will pouring oil into the engine not cause problems for the unit.

Synthetic oil

It is obtained through a process of complex synthesis of certain chemical compounds and, thanks to this, can retain the resulting quality for a long time. And this is expressed, first of all, in reduced viscosity.

The good fluidity of “synthetics” in cold conditions ensures easy engine starting in winter. On the other hand, this oil has a fairly high evaporation temperature, which makes it more resistant to heat.

Stable properties, as well as a considerable service life, indicate the constant quality of synthetic oil, and the reason is that it is in the process internal combustion engine operation Doesn't oxidize too much. This is why synthetic oils are not only considered the highest quality, but also cost much more than even the highest quality mineral oils.

Semi-synthetic oil and hydrocracking

Lubricants in this category occupy a middle position between cheap mineral water and expensive synthetic fluid. Let's consider semi-synthetic types of lubricants.

They are produced by mixing synthetic and mineral bases. This solution significantly increases the performance characteristics of mineral products, while keeping the cost quite reasonable.

That is why semi-synthetic oils For a long time they were the “golden mean” for car owners both in price and quality. But today, as an alternative, many car enthusiasts prefer to use hydrocracking oil.

Hydrocracking is a unique technology for processing mineral oil base. As a result of this processing, the natural molecular structure of the oil becomes artificial. In other words, hydrocracking is significantly different from simple “mineral water”, and in its quality it becomes identical to “synthetics”.

The process of hydrocracking itself consists of a kind of “leveling” of hydrocarbon compounds due to the movement of atoms, when isomers are ultimately obtained. The main advantage of these oils is their higher performance compared to “synthetics” and their relatively low price.

The main disadvantage of hydrocracking- relatively rapid aging. In other words, such oil loses its desired properties too quickly.

Choosing motor oil based on classification

So, we’ve sorted out the oil base, and now it’s time to move on to choosing an oil according to its classification in order to know exactly what kind of oil should be in the engine. This point is quite important, because here it is necessary to follow the recommendations of the car manufacturer.

The main problem is that the use of oils of a class lower than that specified in the manufacturer's recommendations often leads to premature engine wear, or even unexpected breakdowns. On the other hand, if you use oil of a class higher than the recommended one, it may turn out to be incompatible with the internal combustion engine of the car.

Therefore, it is necessary to take into account all the wishes of the manufacturer, which are reflected in the instructions for the machine. Let's look at this issue in more detail.

SAE is an international standard that defines viscosity grade. Do not forget that viscosity is generally considered one of the most important characteristics of any lubricant product.

After all, it is the viscosity that determines the fluidity of the oil in cold conditions, when it comes to starting and operating the engine in winter time of the year. In addition, it is the viscosity of the oil that makes it clear how liquid it will be when the engine reaches its optimal temperature after starting.

So, we now know that lubricant is divided according to seasonality: winter, summer and all-season oil. The canister containing winter lubricant is designated by the index “W” (from the German winter), as well as certain numbers that are placed in front of this index. On the canisters you can see SAE markings from 0W to 25W. Warm season oil is also designated by an SAE number from 20 to 60.

However, let’s say right away that winter and summer oils in separate form are quite difficult or even impossible to find today, because they have almost been replaced by all-season lubricants. This is easy to explain - few drivers will enjoy changing the oil according to the season. It's much nicer not to do it at all.

All-season oil is designated as a combination, reflecting combinations of winter and summer types: SAE 0W-20, 5W-30, 10W-40, etc.

Note: the degree of oil viscosity should be selected from the list specified in the instructions of the manufacturer that produced the machine.

Experienced car enthusiasts know about these features and therefore choose lubricant for use in any season. For example, for modern Vehicle it will be very good choice 5W30 or 5W40.

API stands for American Petroleum Institute. ACEA – Association of European Automobile Manufacturers. These organizations test oils and check performance. After verification, the product is assigned the necessary document.

The American analysis system (API) is recognized as more loyal. And the European testing system makes stricter claims against lubricants. The main task of testing is to analyze the most important qualities of the oil, and after that it is assigned to the appropriate class.

Tests are carried out in engines directly or on special stands. Experts analyze the oil’s ability to protect engine parts from corrosion, detergent, anti-acid properties, etc.

Here the oil is divided into two types, which are designated by the corresponding indices S and C. The index S denotes oils that are used in gasoline engines. Index C is placed on the lubricant used in diesel units.

If you look carefully at the packaging, then near the indicated indices S and C you will notice another Latin letter used to additionally designate the quality of the oil. Moreover, the distance of this letter from the beginning of the alphabet indicates the degree of quality - the closer, the worse, and vice versa.

For example, SA or SB lubricant is produced for a gasoline unit, but SA is of worse quality than SB. Have oil for diesel engines They also have their own designations - CA, CB, etc.

Established in 1996. The main difference compared to API is a more specific and accurate analysis of the area of ​​use of the lubricant product. Special attention is given to its anti-wear parameters.

The designation of oils of this classification is carried out in the form:

• letters A for gasoline internal combustion engines passenger cars, small vans and minibuses;
• letters B for diesel engines of the same types of vehicles;
• the letters E are for diesel heavy duty trucks and buses.

There are also digital markings. Moreover, the higher the number, the higher quality the oil is considered.

Note: in 2004, another class appeared in this classification, which is indexed by the letter C. This designates universal lubricants that are equally used in both gasoline and diesel engines.

Now we know how to choose good oil for an engine running on both gasoline and diesel fuel. The main thing is not only to take into account the oil base and viscosity of the lubricant, but also the compliance of the oil with the manufacturer’s instructions.

Choosing an oil brand

Based on the huge range of lubricant products on the modern market, sometimes even experts cannot accurately advise which manufacturer to give preference to. Some people use Shell or Mobile, others prefer Castrol or Total, others recommend using Lukoil or Liquid Moly, etc.

Attention: It is highly undesirable to select a lubricant by referring only to the manufacturer. The engine doesn't care about the manufacturer. For him, the timing of oil changes is important, taking into account the quality of the fuel and the nuances of using the machine.

If your car has a worn-out engine, do not rush to fill it with expensive “synthetics” - the gaskets and seals of such units may be incompatible with synthetic oils. And then expensive lubricant will not only be of no use, but will also cause harm, causing oil leakage and many other troubles.

As for the use of oil with high viscosity for a car with high or average mileage, this is not prohibited, but, nevertheless, the driver must be experienced enough to take into account the degree of engine wear, seasonality and much more.

Video on how to choose engine oil for a car:

When choosing engine lubricant for your favorite car, most car enthusiasts have to make a choice. What will be better for the car: mineral or synthetic oil? Let's help many car enthusiasts select the most effective lubricant product.

Why were synthetic lubricants created?

Even from the name you can understand that mineral products are something natural. These oils are obtained directly from petroleum. Synthetic products are special substances that are made by synthesis from some raw material. What is needed to undergo synthesis and why did specialists create these lubricants?

For work in unstable conditions

Car engines operate in unstable conditions. The engine heats up after starting, after stopping it cools down. The operating modes of internal combustion engines are also constantly changing.

To ensure reliable operation of engines under these conditions, it was decided to develop such a composition so that the properties and characteristics of the oil do not change and are stable regardless of the conditions. But this is practically impossible. After all, any liquid will become thicker after it hardens. If the friction speed increases, the lubricant will overheat.

That is why, when the automotive industry began to develop rapidly, the question was raised about creating a lubricating fluid that would have more stable properties. Since the mineral base in mineral products is somewhat limited in creating stability, specialists were able to obtain a special base by synthesizing some molecules. It differed from mineral oils in its greater independence from external factors. This is how synthetic oil appeared.

For lubricating aircraft engines

For the first time after its invention, this type of oil began to be used in aircraft engines. Standard mineral oil “refused” to work in extreme conditions at very low temperatures. It just froze.

Synthetic oil then had a fairly high cost and was not available to motorists. As time passed and technology developed, these products became cheaper. Today these lubricants are used in automobile engines.

What to choose?

Synthetics differ from their mineral “brother” by having more stable properties and characteristics even when operating under extreme conditions and temperatures. How can this be applied to a car? What advantages does synthetic oil have for the car enthusiast?

Firstly, synthetics work reliably at extremely low or high temperatures. Secondly, these oils are able to retain their characteristics and performance properties longer. And for some car models, mineral substances are simply prohibited, because compositions based on mineral components do not have the necessary properties that are relevant for modern engines.

The main advantages of synthetic oil

High-quality oils have higher fluidity characteristics. This allows you to minimize friction between engine parts. As a result, fuel consumption can be reduced and traction can be increased.

As already mentioned, these oils perform well even in severe frost and overheating. The internal combustion engine will not feel overload. Synthetics often retain their chemical stability much longer, since oxidation processes practically do not occur in them.

Synthetics are a clean motor.

When lubricant circulates in the lubrication system, sediment remains. If mineral-based oils are used, serious sludge deposits may form in the engine after some time of use. This significantly reduces the efficiency of the internal combustion engine and leads to increased wear.

Synthetic engine oil, unlike mineral products, does not contain impurities and effectively protects against sludge deposits. This is serious and maximum protection.

Protects against wear

Engine components constantly work in close contact with other parts or assemblies. This may cause wear or serious damage. To reduce the wear rate of parts, a lubricating fluid works between them. Mineral oils quickly lose their properties and lubricating effect. Synthetics retain their properties for a long time, and their lubricating characteristics are much higher.

What to “feed” the transmission?

It’s probably unpleasant to see mountains of “dead” gearboxes at some service station, and the make of the car from which the transmission was removed doesn’t even matter. Modern manufacturers are trying to make this unit disposable. Modern boxes cannot be repaired. They are simply changed. Do you know how much it costs to replace a box? That is why it is important to constantly pamper your gearbox with good lubricants. Synthetic gear oil is best suited for this. It is better to choose viscosity 75W, and the quality class should be at least GL-4. Such products are perfect for manual transmissions.

The only pity is that domestic manufacturers do not produce synthetics for transmissions. Everything that is offered in auto stores is imported products from Europe. Prices start from 350 rub. per liter up to 775 rub.

Tests have been carried out different oils. This is how a certain rating turned out. During the inspections, the lubricants were tested for certain characteristics, such as operation in extreme conditions, stability of properties, and the ability to quickly warm up.

Motul Gear 300 was named the best among the best. It is this product that provides maximum protection for the gearbox under maximum load. Two types of oils best protect against wear. These are transmission oils from Energear and ADDINOL products. In the energy saving rating are the Gear line from Motul and Mobil. In third place is ADDINOL. For those cars that sit in the cold all night, SRS products, the Shell Spirax and Energear line, are best suited. The best price/quality ratio is found in NGN oils.

And the winner in this test was the company that provides maximum protection even in sports conditions. This is the Motul company.

Choosing the best synthetic engine oil

Available in stores big choice various lubricant products. What to choose for those who need synthetics? There is a rating that is compiled based on the characteristics of lubricant products from different manufacturers.

Research specialists from the Russian laboratory are true professionals. You should trust the results of this test. During it, experts tested some types of synthetic oils.

Zic QX

This product can be called quite high quality. Oils can be used both in severe frosts and in the summer heat. The lubricant can work on both gasoline and diesel engines. Based on the results of testing the characteristics, this liquid fully complies with the standards of the class in which it is presented.

In addition, the composition has better stability and acidity levels. Car enthusiasts write in reviews about this oil that they have no complaints about it. Recommended mostly for those who use the machine in cold regions. The product contains special modifiers that reduce wear of parts. This synthetic has minimal consumption. The quality/price ratio is good.

Mobile Sint S

Liquids from this manufacturer are known to all car enthusiasts without exception. The series of oils works perfectly on both diesel engines and gasoline units. The product fully complies with the standards. A special polymer-based thickener that works great. It is designed to reduce oil wear.

A.G.A.

This is a domestic manufacturer. According to experts, the liquid has good characteristics. It also needs to be said that this synthetic allows the engine to start perfectly “in cold conditions”.

But with high performance, the lubricant ages quickly. The average mileage on this liquid is about 6000-8000 km, its price is 600 rubles.

Mannol Elite

This is a Belgian synthetic motor oil. Manufacturers claim that the liquid has maximum thermal-oxidative stability. This is a guarantee of long service life.

Overall, tests showed that this consumables suitable for use. One of the disadvantages is the slow response of polymers. Otherwise, this is a good liquid. Its cost is about 2 thousand rubles.

Shell Helix

According to the experts who conducted the tests, this manufacturer makes the best products. These lubricants have an excellent, long service life. It also needs to be said that universal lubricant has good level resistance to oxidative processes. This is perhaps the best synthetic oil. Reviews about it are only positive.