What is Lube ?
Lube is a shorter, more casual way of saying lubricant or lubrication.
Why we use lubricants ?
In general, lubricants help machines of all kinds in minimizing friction, heat & wear between two moving parts.
How lubricants are made?
The base oil is mixed with additives to give the desired physical properties (such as ability to withstand low & high temperatures). At this point, the lube oil is subjected to a variety of quality control tests that assess its viscosity, color,specific gravity, flash, and fire points. Oil that meets quality standards is then packed for sale and distribution.
What is API ?
API is the abbreviation used for “American Petroleum Institute".
Which grade of oil is suitable for my vehicle ?
Always consult your vehicle owner's manual to know which motor oil you should use.
What are the different types of grades of lubricating oil ?
Different Oil Grades for Gasoline Engine Service Vehicles (specified by API) :-
|
Category |
Status |
Service |
|
SN |
Current |
Introduced in October 2010 for 2011 and older vehicles. |
|
SM |
Current |
For 2010 and older automotive engines. |
|
SL |
Current |
For 2004 and older automotive engines. |
|
SJ |
Current |
For 2001 and older automotive engines. |
|
SH |
Obsolete |
|
|
SG |
Obsolete |
|
|
SF |
Obsolete |
|
|
SE |
Obsolete |
CAUTION :- Not suitable for use in gasoline-powered automobile engines built after 1979. |
|
SD |
Obsolete |
CAUTION :- Not suitable for use in gasoline-powered automobile engines built after 1971. Use in more modern engines may cause unsatisfactory performance or equipment harm. |
|
SC |
Obsolete |
CAUTION :- Not suitable for use in gasoline-powered automobile engines built after 1967. Use in more modern engines may cause unsatisfactory performance or equipment harm. |
|
SB |
Obsolete |
CAUTION :- Not suitable for use in gasoline-powered automobile engines built after 1951. Use in more modern engines may cause unsatisfactory performance or equipment harm. |
|
SA |
Obsolete |
CAUTION :- Not suitable for use in gasoline-powered automobile engines built after 1930. Use in more modern engines may cause unsatisfactory performance or equipment harm. |
Different Oil Grades for Diesel Engines :-
|
Category |
Status |
Service |
|
CJ-4 |
Current - 2006 |
Introduced in 2006. For high-speed, four-stroke engines designed to meet 2007 model year on-highwayexhaust emission standards. |
|
CI-4 PLUS |
Current - 2004 |
Used in conjunction with API C-4, the " CI-4 PLUS" designation identifies oils formulated to provide a higher level of protection against soot. |
|
CI-4 |
Current |
Introduced in 2002. For high-speed, four-stroke engines designed to meet 2004 exhaust emission standards implemented in 2002. |
|
CH-4 |
Current |
Introduced in 1998. For high-speed, four-stroke engines designed to meet 1998 exhaust emission standards. |
|
CG-4 |
Obsolete |
Introduced in 1995. For severe duty, high-speed, four-stroke engines using fuel with less than 0.5% weight sulfur. |
|
CF-4 |
Obsolete |
Introduced in 1990. For high-speed, four-stroke, naturally aspirated and turbocharged engines. Can be used in place of CD and CE oils. |
|
CF-2 |
Current |
Introduced in 1994. For severe duty, two-stroke-cycle engines. Can be used in place of CD-II oils. |
|
CF |
Current |
Introduced in 1994. For off-road, indirect-injected and other diesel engines including those using fuel withover 0.5% weight sulfur. Can be used in place of CD oils. |
|
CE |
Obsolete |
Introduced in 1985. For high-speed, four-stroke, naturally aspirated and turbocharged engines. Can be used in place of CC and CD oils. |
|
CD-II |
Obsolete |
Introduced in 1985. For two-stroke cycle engines. |
|
CD |
Obsolete |
Introduced in 1955. For certain naturally aspirated and turbocharged engines. |
|
CC |
Obsolete |
CAUTION: Not suitable for use in diesel-powered engines built after 1990 |
|
CB |
Obsolete |
CAUTION: Not suitable for use in diesel-powered engines built after 1961 |
|
CA |
Obsolete |
CAUTION: Not suitable for use in diesel-powered engines built after 1959 |
What is SAE ?
SAE is the Society of Automotive Engineers which defines a numeric system for grading the motor oils according to it's viscosity.
The suffixes (0,5,10,15 and 25) followed by the letter “W” designate the “winter” grade of the engine oil.
What is the most common grade used now-a-days ?
The most common grade used now-a-days is SAE 5W-30.
Is SAE 5-30 & SAE 5W-30 are the same grades ?
No. SAE 5-30 is not the same as SAE 5W-30.
What is SAE Donut ?
SAE service symbol is also known as Donut. It is a circular label having Two concentric circles which contains the following vital information’s :-
-
Viscosity Grade - SAE oil grade written in the smaller circle viz SAE 5W-30
-
Performance Level - API Service classification mentioned in the upper portion -between smaller & bigger circle i.e API Service SN
-
Resource Conserving Or Energy Conserving (Mentioned on the Lower portion between smaller & bigger circle).
Is it important to change oil and how often should I do this?
You should change your oil and filter at or before the end of oil-change intervals indicated by your vehicle manufacturer. These are based on time or distance travelled.
What is the benefit of changing oil at regular interval ?
Regular oil changing helps to keep your engine oil in good condition and provide the best protection for all of your engine components.
How should I dispose of used oil?
Used oil can pollute the environment and should never be poured down the drain. In many markets it is also illegal to do this. Instead, take your waste to an official oil-disposal or recycling agency. Alternatively, ask your local authority recycling officer for guidance.
Will I really notice the difference if I don’t make frequent oil changes?
Not changing your oil on a regular basis can significantly reduce the level of protection provided against engine wear. Changing the oil on a regular basis ensures that the right balance of components is present in the oil.It also removes waste materials that might otherwise result in increased deposit formation, corrosion of metal components and increased wear.
Why not just keep topping up the engine oil?
If you simply keep on topping up your oil, you put more stress on the older oil that remains in the engine.Oil has a powerful ability to clean up your engine components and goes on keeping engines clean through to the next oil change.
Is switching motor oil brands harmful to my engine?
No. Switching brands is not harmful to your engine since all motor oil manufacturers must meet the same industry standards for performance and compatibility. However, you must follow the recommendations provided in your owner's manual for viscosity of oil and API category.
Will changing my vehicle's motor oil myself or using a certain brand void my manufacturer's warranty ?
Changing your vehicle's motor oil yourself or using a different brand of oil from your manufacturer's factory will not void the warranty as long as the motor oil being used meets the manufacturer's standards required for the vehicle, the warranty cannot be considered void.
Does motor oil expire?
Normally motor oil does not have a documented expiration date. Under optimal conditions, the product is stable for an extended period of time and can be used as long as the American Petroleum Institute (API) rating on the label continues to meet or exceed the requirements listed in your owner's manual. If the rating is still current, shake the container before use to blend any additives that may have settled.
Do I have to change my vehicle's oil filter with every oil change?
Yes. Company recomends replacing the oil filter every time your vehicle receives an oil change by following the oil change frequency recommendations in your vehicle's owner's manual. This eliminates any risk of contaminants trapped by the oil filter (e.g., dirt) from re-entering the oil.
I heard that when motor oil becomes dark, that means it's time to change it. Is this true?
This is not a true oil change tip. You cannot determine the life of motor oil by looking at its appearance since it may change color for several reasons. To ensure the best quality product, the best oil change tip is to always follow the owner's manual guidelines for oil change intervals.