What kind of oil is best to fill in the engine in winter. Aromatherapy in winter, winter essential oils What oil should be poured into the engine in winter

Many people are familiar with this picture: a frosty morning and two motorists make their four wheeled "friends". One, the owner of a well-deserved "pensioner" started, as they say, "with a half-kick", and his neighbor in a brand new car scares those around him with the ineffectual howl of the starter until the battery is completely discharged.

How so? The car is new, the manufacturer guaranteed a confident start even at lower temperatures! And the thing, in most cases, is in the engine oil filled in for the winter. Not in the vehicle itself.

The main parameters that you should pay attention to when choosing engine oil for winter

When operating a car in winter, when choosing an engine oil, a motorist should pay special attention to three of them, which are directly responsible for starting and trouble-free operation of the engine in Russian winter conditions.

Viscosity

The main parameter is viscosity. Everyone, without exception, has heard about him. But hearing this is one thing, and understanding what it is is quite another. In a nutshell, viscosity is the ability of an oil to maintain its properties within a certain temperature range. Simply put, to lubricate, to reduce the force of friction between parts, is equally good, both at minus twenty and at positive temperatures. And if it's quite simple - do not freeze or boil.

Video - which engine oil is the best:

It is the viscosity index that the manufacturer indicates when labeling its products, in SAE system... For example, take one of the most common multigrade oils SAE 5W40, where the number five is responsible for the viscosity at negative values, and 40 at positive values.

It should be remembered that this is exactly a "number", and not an indicator of the temperature regime!

Understeer and pumpability

But there are two more parameters that directly depend on the viscosity, but are no less important when choosing an engine oil for winter. Namely: understeer and pumpability. But the manufacturer does not directly spread about this. Let's talk about them in more detail, a little later.

Table of oils for cars by temperature

In the meantime, let's see which SAE markings correspond to different temperature conditions.

Remember we asked you not to confuse the number of marking with the temperature of the environment at which the oil is allowed to be used? The table below clearly shows which of the values corresponds to a certain threshold.

The lower the value of the first marking number, the higher the possibility of using the car in winter.

The first four oils are purely winter oils; their use in summer is prohibited. They are followed by four of their comrades, but already in the neighboring summer "workshop". Both the first and second groups in our time are used only by very meticulous motorists.

Most people prefer the so-called multigrade engine oil. And as we can see, some of them are able to seriously compete with their "pure" brethren. And don’t tell me - it’s convenient. Therefore, in the future, we will focus specifically on multigrade oils.

Video - what kind of engine oil to fill in the engine:

So what is the best engine oil for pouring in winter? The answer to this question is very easy to find in the owner's manual for the car. There the manufacturer answers it quite categorically. But there are two problems. The first is mentality. Almost any resident of our country will look at the instructions only when something breaks. The second - there is simply no such book at hand.

Therefore, we will figure it out ourselves and it's time to remember the parameters mentioned above: oversteer and pumpability. The essence is clear from the names themselves. Pumpability - the ability of oil to pass through the engine system under the influence of the oil pump, and cranking, respectively, is responsible for cold start at low ambient temperatures.

But how do they relate to viscosity? The table will help us.

And what can be seen from it? The above parameters, superimposed on the temperature scale, differ significantly from the viscosity values.

Consider oil labeled 5W40. The minimum pumpability is minus thirty-five degrees, the maximum is plus forty. Oversteer - minus twenty-seven. And what do we have in the viscosity table? Operation at minus thirty is allowed. Here it is the first underwater pebble. Look, only oil with the number zero has the best performance in these indicators.

Therefore, a preliminary summary can be drawn.

Which oil is better than 5W30 or 5W40 in winter?

For most regions of the Russian Federation, it makes absolutely no sense to purchase oils with a lower viscosity limit of less than 5. The ideal option is a pair of 5W30 and 5W40.

Well, you say, they sang "war songs" here, and now we have to choose one of the two? Quite right, but we propose to do it together by a simple comparison of the discussed parameters.

According to the parameters declared by the manufacturer for the winter period of operation, the 5W30 oil surpasses its "fortieth" competitor 5W40!

But we remember that both of these products are like twins in terms of pumpability and cranking. And which one to choose?

It sounds a little paradoxical, but it happens quite often in life. When choosing engine oil for the winter, you should pay attention to the summer characteristics. Winter is long, but not endless, and if you are not planning to change your oil in the spring, you should think about the upcoming warm days. Agree, autumn, winter, but remember the sun, sea, rest ...

And here we see that SAE 5W40 is confidently in the lead in both viscosity (work at +30) and maximum pumpability (the indicator reaches +40). The winner is determined: out of this pair of oils (5v30 or 5v40), it is better to use 5W40, if you will not change the oil for the summer period.

Diesel and gasoline power unit

“How - how,” the skeptic will say, “I have a diesel car, everything is different with me”. And no one will argue with him. Oil for diesel and gasoline engines is really qualitatively different. This is due to the different principles of operation of power units and the type of fuel.

Diesel fuel, even if it is of high quality, due to its chemical composition gives more carbon deposits and soot, with which, in addition to the main functions, engine oil fights. Therefore, diesel oils contain more detergent additives. In addition, diesel oils have a higher base number, which makes it possible to reduce the harmful effects of the acidic environment inherent in the combustion processes of diesel fuel.

American and European automakers have developed two additional standards for separating oils into gasoline and diesel: API and ACEA respectively.

In the first case, the letter S - indicates oil for a gasoline engine, C - for a diesel one. In the second: A - gasoline, B - diesel.

Also, these standards divide oils by engine types, depending on the timing of production and purpose (two-stroke, four-stroke, cars, trucks, and so on). This classification is indicated by the second letter of the marking.

For clarity, the tables are given below:

for gasoline engines

for diesel engines

Undoubtedly, these indicators should be taken into account, but they in no way supersede the SAE standard. The viscosity grade and other related parameters are the same for both diesel and gasoline oils.

In any case, there will be an SAE indicator on the label of each oil, but API or ACEA is already an additional marking, and even then not always.

And if we talk about the type of oil for diesel operation in winter, experts advise using the oil intended for diesel engines. The fact is that at present, manufacturers have released on the market a variety of universal oils suitable for both types of power plants, combining almost incompatible.

The main thing here is to be careful. If the canister has an API designation with the first letter S (SJ / CF) - this product is a priority for gasoline engines, letter C (CF / SJ) - a priority for diesel.

But versatility is not always good and convenient. According to the results of the studies carried out, such oils are very much dependent on the quality of the fuel used: the lower it is, the shorter the service life of the oil and, accordingly, its useful properties. We will not talk about the quality of fuel in our country, this is superfluous.

Climatic conditions in different regions

An equally important factor when choosing a motor oil is the region of residence, its climatic conditions. All of the above is applicable to the temperate climatic zone of the country: it is hot in summer, in winter it does not get a tooth on a tooth.

But if you live in the south, where winter and snow does not always fall, it is worth considering oils that are oriented more towards warm and hot weather.

And what about the places where the polar bears are? From the conducted surveys, both motorists and professionals operating vehicles in the Far North, we came to the conclusion that the overwhelming majority use SAE 5W40.

The lower threshold of operation is somewhat conditional, and you will not be able to start the engine at minus forty without installing heating systems with absolutely any oil, so why "fence the garden"?

Particularly attentive and picky readers may notice why at the very beginning they made a reservation “so-called all-season oils”. But we didn't make a reservation. To make it clear what exactly we had in mind, we will give a conversation between two motorists who start their cars in the morning.

One is already humming, warming up, the second, not in any. The frustrated owner asks the "lucky man": "What kind of oil are you pouring?" The answer is fresh. A joke, of course, but as you know, in every joke there is only a fraction of a joke.

The word all-season has already played a cruel joke with many motorists. The fact is that if the oil change was made in the spring, by the winter in the engine crankcase it is by no means the same product that you took off the shelf in the store.

It is difficult to say in what percentage ratios these very properties decrease for every thousand, but if this were not the case, there would be no need to change it. Right?

Therefore, it is preferable to change the oil in the winter. Such a simple rule allows you to use all the declared characteristics to the fullest. And go into the summer with a still quite suitable oil for mild operating conditions.

As you know, a miser pays twice. Therefore, a few simple tips related to changing oils. In order not to say in the service or other "knowledgeable" people, take your time and do not skimp, but use flushing oils.

They are not expensive, but they can significantly extend the operational properties of fresh oil. And, of course, we install a new oil filter. Iron rule: change the oil, change the filter! Expensive? How much does an engine repair cost? That's just it.

Conclusion

In conclusion, you can add, in which region you would not live and which type of oil did not find the most suitable, preparing for the winter is a responsible business. Do not be lazy, do THAT.

See what is in the battery banks after the summer heat, and what is the condition of the transmission and clutch. The smallest detail can be a decisive factor even at not very low temperatures.

It's a shame to walk or shake and huddle in public transport when your favorite car is left at the doorstep of the house, refusing to start.

Good luck on the road!

Video - which oil is better to fill in in winter (freezing 5W30, 5W40):

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Comments on the article:

Konstantin

I live on the border with Kazakhstan. Climate and temperature regime in summer +30, in winter -40. Since 1990 at the wheel. Now the owner of Toyota RAV 4. This is my fifth car. The first years I tried all the famous brands. Now I'm sure that only 10w40 synthetics should be cast.

Yuri Rodimenkov

I have a 2007 Hyundai Getz car. From the beginning I have been using Mobil 1 5W-40 synthetic motor oil. I am very pleased with the oil. The heated engine runs almost silently and without vibration. In cold weather, the car starts up without problems. There was not a single case of failure when starting the engine in winter. From replacement to replacement, the oil level remains within the permissible norm, never had to be topped up. I recommend this brand of oil to everyone.

novel

In winter, oil can turn to stone after prolonged storage due to the low temperatures and high viscosity of the oil. It is necessary to abandon mineral water and use better semisynthetics with 5W parameters. Also, do not forget to depress the clutch pedal before starting the engine.

Sergei

It is often recommended to use 5W-30 oil for new engines, and 5W-40 for older ones. Say, the gaps are increased, the oil must be thicker. But besides the density, one must pay attention to the design of the engine: if the oil channels are designed for a more liquid oil, then with a viscosity of 40 it may not be pumped. Therefore, in winter, of course, it is necessary to use 0w- and 5W- oils, but in the summer, pay more attention to the second figure. Perhaps a 10W-30 oil would be more optimal. Moreover, semi-synthetics, due to its greater stability, detergent properties, and less tendency to form slags and deposits. For the winter, you can pour both semisynthetics and synthetics. Here it is already necessary to look at the tests of specific oils for frost resistance. It so happens that semi-synthetics from one company are more fluid in the cold than synthetics from another.

Martin

Both in winter and summer I use Top Tec 4100 5W-40 moth liquidation oil, it starts up at -25 without any questions, there is no need for a long warm-up, 2-3 minutes and drove slowly, on the way it warms up completely. And in summer at +28 he feels calm in traffic jams. Good oil.

Koptev

Yes, what is one of the big advantages of Liquid Moli oil is that in reality the car in cold weather began to start without problems. But this is only one of the advantages, firstly, the car picks up speed faster, the engine stopped eating oil, fuel consumption has decreased. It is clear that the oil is of high quality and is the best for my car.

Arkady

Koptev will support the review, in fact, with LIQUI MOLI oil, the car even began to drive differently, the engine purrs like a cat, all sorts of grunts are gone. I regret that I did not fill this oil earlier.

Casimir

Regarding the liquidation of the moth, at first I was buying it, the price of course was biting, but then I got tired of the problems with the dviglom. As a result, now I fill in the liquidation of the moth, there are no problems at all, the car flies, the engine purrs.

Sergei

Naturally, any winter differs in viscosity, for this there is a marking of temperatures of 30-40 grams. Here you can choose yourself depending on the place of movement in the regions. It's simple - why load the engine and battery by oil at 40, if the temperature throughout the season will not exceed 30 grams. Also in the reverse order, the oil increases the viscosity by 30 at temperatures above. Well, the manufacturer is already from experience.

Nikita

I pour Top Tec 4200 5W-30 LM, everything is fine, we have such winters now you won't understand what, I call Eurozima that way)

Ivanovich

I know for sure that the main thing is a timely oil change. I am also sure that when changing the oil, it is necessary to use flushing oil, the procedure really does not take much time, and the effect is noticeable. And while living in the central part of Russia, for a domestic car, I use only semi-synthetic winter-summer oils. Together with the oil change, I must change the filter. Everything.

Igor

You just need to drive on good oil, then flushing will not be needed. What year have I been riding Livi Moth, there was never a need to rinse. Unless you change the brand of oil, of course.

Oleg

In winter, we all know that starting the engine can be problematic. This largely depends on the oil in the engine.
I try to always adhere to the instructions in the machine's service book.
Now there are a huge amount of oils and their choice is not always easy. I never use the advice of my acquaintances, let alone sellers.
Three types of oils are mainly used: mineral, synthetic and semi-synthetic. I never pour mineral water in winter, it freezes already at -10 degrees. But in the spring, I must change the filled oil for mineral water. Mineral water better than other oils cleans engine parts from carbon deposits, all this rubbish is drained in the fall along with working off.
For the engine I use only semi-synthetics in winter, because if you use synthetics, then if there is carbon deposits in the engine, then its delamination will quickly clog the oil filter and oil supply channels. This can lead to expensive engine repairs. You also have to take into account that our synthetics are not German Liqui Moly, but a surrogate.

Dmitriy

In winter, I fill my Chevy Niva with only Lukoil-Lux 5W-40 synthetics, 3 winters, oil from replacement to replacement, normal flight.

Vladimir

If you don't want to take risks and experiment, then pour what your manufacturer recommends. The same Honda and Toyota have their own oils and they are very good.
I recently poured Mobil-1 5w 50 and I can safely recommend it. It behaves perfectly in summer and winter. I have never had any problems. Tried another 5w 40 - I liked it too.

Kirill

Are there drivers who change their engine oil for the season like tires? I use 5w-40 because it is recommended by the manufacturer itself, moreover, I fill in oil that goes under the Nissan KE90090042R brand, because I have a car of this brand. For ten years now I have been pouring it, there are no problems with cold starting even in severe frosts, more, in this sense, the battery is worried.

Kostya

I know at least 2 people who change the oil every 5-7 thousand with a filter. But they love their cars very much and they have money.

I myself usually change when the car skated at least 10-15 thousand and by the way the oil even after 15 thousand is clean. I do not have special operating conditions, I do not carry cargo, but simply use it in the “home-work-purchase” format.

As for what to cast, I use 5w 40 for myself, and I think the ideal is LIQUI MOLY Synthoil High Tech. If you want to buy something cheaper, I advise you to pay attention to SHELL Helix Ultra. It is inexpensive, and the oil is really good, there are no problems with it.

Vladimir

Personally, I usually change the oil in the fall, that is, closer to winter. I use only synthetic oil and I think that in winter you shouldn't even fill in semi-synthetics, and even more so mineral water. Although it depends on the weather conditions. We have colds down to minus 40. Well, of course, the information is very interesting, especially for beginners. Moreover, there is still a video with full instructions. detailed information

Arkady

I'm just one of those people who love their car and take care of it. I change the oil every 8-10 thousand runs, and although the operating conditions are not the most difficult, I feel that the car says thank you to me.

Lil has a lot of different oils, from the simplest to the top ones, and now he settled on the MOBIL 1 ESP Formula 5W-30 variant. I do not advise you to drive it for a long time, it will not last 15-20 thousand, as many people like to drive. Here 10 is the maximum. But it has a huge plus, in winter the car starts up without problems at any temperature, and we often have -28 and below. And if on other oils my Honda started up with difficulty (even on the one recommended by the manufacturer itself), then on this the engine seized immediately.

I can also recommend Motul 8100 X-clean FE 5W30. The oil is really good, but expensive. If you take it in the long term, then Mobile is at least a little worse, but cheaper, and if you change it a little more often, it turns out to be profitable.

In general, I will say the following. You can pour even the cheapest oil, a more or less normal manufacturer, just change it more often, do not wait for 12-14 thousand, change after 8, it is inexpensive, and you can change the filter every other time.

Love the car and it will always reciprocate to you)).

Igor Ch.

My oil changes during scheduled maintenance. Regardless of the season, every 15,000 km. The service fills in what is indicated in the instructions - 5w40. Otherwise, it will fly off the guarantee. Naturally, I do everything with the officials. I don’t top up in between, but just in case I always carry a liter canister with me. So far, this need has not arisen. But I roll no more than 85,000 km, while still under warranty, then I change the car. Since 2010 I only go to Hyundai.

Michael

The correct answer is any, but not the cheapest. Pour any 5w30 and I assure you, for 10 thousand run you will not see any difference between expensive and cheap. At first, too, I took the top ones, but what's the point? We do not have harsh operating conditions, and if you do not live in the far north, then the car will start without problems. We rarely have below minus 15 in winter. The car, even in the simplest oil, starts with a kick.

The last one I tried is the ZIC X7 LS 5W-30. Very cheap and good option. Departure 9500 km and it was generally clean when it was replaced, but it costs 4 liters about 1600 rubles, which I think is generally inexpensive.

Zakhar

I don't understand people who buy a car and then start saving on it. If you are not able to service normally, be ready for expensive repairs - this rule always works.

I disagree with many here and believe that the ideal for winter is 0W30 or 10W40. This is due to the fact that it has a lower viscosity and in cold weather it will be much easier to pump it, which means that the chances of starting the car increase many times over.

Our winters are harsh and often -30 and even lower. Through trial and error, I found a good oil for myself - this is Ravenol Arctic Low SAPS ALS SAE 0W-30. The car can be easily started even at -35. It is perfectly pumped through the system and, of course, there are difficulties with starting, but it starts the first time, which I did not observe with another oil. So there is a difference in expensive and cheap oil for sure, it all depends on the region where the car is used.

If the winter is very mild, then I agree, then it makes no difference at all what to fill in the engine, especially if the replacement intervals are maintained. I change every 9-11 thousand mileage and be sure to change all filters, including oil, cabin and air filters.

Also, do not forget to take a little oil with you for topping up and check its level, you can not always rely on electronics.

Stanislav

To facilitate starting the engine at low temperatures, on cars with a manual transmission, there is such a technique as pressing the clutch pedal when starting the engine so that the input shaft and gears do not rotate in thickened transmission oil. I use engine oil with a viscosity of 5W40, as recommended by the manufacturer himself.

Anatoly

The main thing is to maintain the required viscosity, and then buy something for which there is enough money. This is the best rule of thumb.
If you bought a cheap one, then change it after 10 thousand. If the oil is expensive and of high quality and you have a car without load, then 20 will pass normally.
I have a different attitude to the car. I have not driven them for more than 4-5 years, and during this time nothing will happen to the engine for sure.
I have not seen statistics anywhere, if you change after 7-8 thousand, and not after 20, then the engine passes not 300 thousand, but a million.
In the cars that come to us from America, it seems that they don't even change the oil every 100 thousand, and nothing, cars drive.

If you need a cheap one - try GENERAL MOTORS Dexos2 Longlife 5W30. Just change it thousands after 10 for sure.

Maxim

By the way, many have completely forgotten that the engines are also different, or rather even their wear.
It is one thing to pour oil into a new engine, and quite another to pour oil into a worn one. My car has passed almost 250 thousand and I know what I'm talking about. Here it is definitely necessary to change the oil more often, and sometimes I change it after 8-9 thousand and pour it special, which is intended for them. Shell Helix HX7 works very well in principle. And it is also inexpensive.
If you have our old VAZ, then there is no point in pouring expensive oils, they will not be any better. Calmly pour Lukoil Lux 10W40 and you will not know grief, it generally costs less than a thousand rubles for 4 liters.

It is very important to choose the right oil and if your car drives it normally, there is no point in trying something expensive. You can even consult with oil sellers, they are usually adequate. If the car has a high mileage, then normal oil perfectly protects the engine from wear and you won't have to make capital for a long time.

Previously, I don't remember such a distinction at all, but now just say that you need oil for a car with high mileage. Well, I wrote a couple of quite successful options here.

If you change the oil normally, the engine will definitely be grateful to you.

Hello! With the arrival of cold weather, the question of how to choose the right winter oil for the engine becomes relevant. On the one hand, it is simple, but on the other, there are some nuances. If you pour the first liquid that comes across or thoughtlessly follow the advice of a neighbor, you can harm the motor. Why is that? Let's figure it out.

Do I need to change the oil in the winter

At subzero temperatures, the engine is most demanding on the quality of the oil. The lower the viscosity of the grease during cold start, the better. Just in winter, the effect of engine oil starvation is observed. What it is?

As you know, at start-up, oil must be pumped through the engine. The sooner this happens, the better. Because for a while, the motor has to run almost dry. And when, inside the engine, metal rubs against metal, nothing good will happen.

Naturally, the thicker the engine oils, the harder it is for them to spread over all the details. In addition, the load on the battery also increases. No wonder, most battery failures occur in the winter. Not only does it itself lose up to 40% of its capacity in severe frost, but also an additional load in the form of a thick lubricating fluid.

To combat this, you need to use high-quality winter or all-season grease that will be stable at low temperatures. Therefore, all experts recommend changing the oil before the onset of cold weather. Even if there are still several thousand left before the planned replacement, this will be justified. Especially if a liquid with a low low-temperature viscosity is poured under the hood.

What is oil viscosity

- this is its main characteristic. It defines the maximum allowable temperatures at which the lubricating fluid retains its properties. If the car is operated in a gentle mode, in a warm climate, you can ignore the viscosity. The engine will feel good on any multigrade grease.

But, when the machine is used at extremely low or high temperatures, special attention must be paid to viscosity.

What is viscosity? In fact, it is the ability of the oil to create a lubricating film between engine parts. There is a simple relationship here:

high viscosity- the film is thicker;
low viscosity - the film is thinner.

Basic viscosity requirements:

it should not be too high - the lubricant layer on the parts will be too thick and the engine will work harder - as a result, increased fuel consumption;
it should not be low - the layer of the lubricating film will turn out to be thin - as a result, grinding of engine parts and its rapid wear is possible.

Therefore, the viscosity of the oil must be optimal. It should be understood that the concept of optimality for each engine will be different.

Viscosity index

A very interesting and most importantly important parameter that determines the performance of a lubricant. Let's take a closer look at it.

When the engine is running, it heats up and the oil viscosity drops. Those. it liquefies. The dependence of the rate of oil dilution is the index of its viscosity.

From here you can get the following dependence:

the higher the index, the more slowly the oil loses its density, and, accordingly, the engine parts are better lubricated;
the lower the index, the faster it liquefies. In this case, the lubricating film becomes thinner and engine wear increases.

In a sense, this parameter is a characteristic of the stability of the lubricant. Those. determines how well it performs at extreme temperatures. For the choice of winter oil, this means that the higher the viscosity index, the easier it will be to cold start the engine.

Unfortunately, manufacturers do not indicate these values on the canister. But, it will not be superfluous to know their average characteristics for different types of oils:

Synthetic - 140-170.
Semi-synthetic – 130-150.
Mineral - 110-135.

As you can see, this indicator is the lowest for mineral water. Which is not surprising - it's not a secret for anyone that these lubricants turn into jelly in the cold.

Synthetics have the highest rate, but unfortunately, they can be used on new engines. Motors with high mileage no longer tolerate it so well.

SAE classification of engine oils

Each canister of oil has an SAE viscosity mark. For example:

10w40;
15w40;
5w30, etc.

What do these numbers mean, and how to understand which oil is best to pour into the engine for the winter? Let's figure it out.

There are 3 types of lubricant in total:

Summer.
Winter.
All-season.

It should be said right away that all-season fluids have practically supplanted summer and winter oil. Still, it is inconvenient to depend on the weather and change the lubricant when winter or summer comes. Moreover, all-season fluids provide stable operation over a wide temperature range.

In fairness, it is worth noting that there is:

5 summer stamps - 20, 30, 40, 50, 60;
6 winter - 0w, 5w, 10w, 15w, 20w, 25w.

All-season fluids are labeled as follows: 10w40, 5w30, etc. The number in front of the letter w (winter) indicates the lower temperature limit at which the engine is lubricated during a cold start. The number after - refers to work at positive temperatures.

By the way, do not assume that these figures are equal to the extreme operating temperatures of the oil. Things are a little more complicated. And we'll figure it out soon.

Temperature regimes

Let's see what the SAE markings mean, and in what temperature conditions they can be used. For clarity, let's take several brands of oil:

Mobile Super 5w30 - provides engine lubrication at temperatures up to -30 degrees;
Lukoil Genezis Polar Special 0w30- a real extreme, the liquid is able to withstand temperatures of -40 degrees;
Zik A + 10w30 is a universal multigrade oil that will provide a good cold start at temperatures down to -25 degrees
Mobil Ultra 10w40 - a fluid with a higher high temperature viscosity, best used in warmer regions;
Castrol GTX 15w40 - no longer suitable for cold winters, the cold start temperature is up to -15 degrees.

Thus, you can easily determine which engine oil is best for the winter.

Oil selection criteria

To determine what kind of oil to pour into the engine for the winter, several criteria must be taken into account. Among them:

recommendations of the car manufacturer;
mileage of a car;
terms of Use;
driving style;
API ACEA fluid specifications and tolerances.

In order not to get into the technical jungle, you can use the selection of oil by the make of the car. We will not dwell on this. It is enough to know that there are a lot of services on the Internet where you can make such a selection.

Motor to motor strikes. All units differ in their structure and nuances of work. Therefore, first of all, you need to pay attention to the recommendations of the plant - the manufacturer knows best of all what oil to pour into the car. Well, for tolerances, if any, of course.

For example, the recommended oil for a car is 10w40. If you fill in 15w40, it will be more difficult for the pump to pump liquid in cold weather. If you change it to 0w20, the motor will start to work for wear, because grease that is too fluid will not provide good lubrication to the motor.

Mileage and condition of the motor

As you know, when a car crosses the mark of 60-70 thousand, it is recommended to switch from synthetics to semi-synthetics. This is due to a decrease in the performance of the motor. Therefore, in order to determine which oil is best suited for the motor, you need to take into account its condition.

With an increase in mileage, the requirements for the density of the lubricant change for the engine. And it is recommended to use an oil with a higher high temperature viscosity index. In simple terms, you need to fill in the liquid thicker than before. It is also better not to pour too liquid oil into worn out motors - due to the increased gaps, the lubricating film will drain from the parts.

But, here is a double-edged sword. Too thick grease will kill the engine in cold weather. Therefore, a good engine oil for the winter should be a compromise solution.

If you listen to the experts, they advise:

with a car mileage of more than 100 thousand, all-weather use 5w40, and in winter 5w30 and 10w30;
with a mileage of more than 250 thousand, all-weather use 5W50, and specifically for winter - 5w40 and 10w40.

But, again, even with high mileage, the engine can be in very good condition, as well as be killed after 50 thousand. Therefore, the mileage should be considered only in conjunction with the general condition of the motor.

API, ACEA standards and approvals

Everything is simple here - in order to understand which oil to fill, you need to check the tolerance. If the liquid has it, then it is suitable for the car. If you do not know what tolerance is, then I will explain. This is a special marking on the canister, which means that the oil has passed internal certification from the car manufacturer and is approved by them for use in motors.

As for the API and ACEA standards, it is not difficult here either. These standards determine the compatibility of the motor with the lubricant brand. So, according to API (American standard):

Marking "C" - for a diesel engine.
Marking "S" - for gasoline engines.
"S \ C" is a universal liquid.

For example, the SL / CI-4 marking indicates a universal oil suitable for both diesel and gasoline engines. The second letters on the label speak of quality. The closer to the end of the alphabet, the later the specification was adopted - and therefore the liquid is better.

ACEA is a European standard. In it, everything is almost exactly the same. Only the letters are different:

"A" - gasoline;
"B" - diesel;
"E" - trucks;
"C" - universal class (analogue "S \ C")

Instead of the second letter, a number is indicated to decipher the specification. The larger it is, the better. For example, B5-2002 indicates a liquid for lubricating passenger diesel engines, and the specification was adopted in 2002.

So which oil is best for the winter? Naturally more fluid. Such a liquid will avoid oil starvation during a cold start and will not cause problems in severe frosts. At the same time, it is worth considering other criteria described in the article. Still, the operation of the car directly depends on the correct choice of oil.

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Before the winter season, motorists think about what kind of oil to pour into the engine in winter. It all depends on what kind of oil you use and what climate you live in. Winter oil for the engine, in contrast to the summer analog, should be more fluid for better engine start on "cold". Summer oils are distinguished by a thicker viscosity, therefore, in severe frosts, they freeze and prevent engine parts from turning, which not only harms the car, but also prevents them from being used in some cases.

Do I need to change engine oil in winter

The quality of consumables at low temperatures plays an important role. Winter engine oil differs, first of all, by a different viscosity, it is more liquid and does not thicken up to a certain temperature, which makes it possible to effectively lubricate the components, allowing them to spin. That is why you need to choose products with a low viscosity. This is necessary so that at start-up, the oil can get to all even remote engine nodes, lubricate them with high quality and create a protective film. Otherwise, the motor will run dry, which will adversely affect its technical condition and lead to rapid wear.

If you pour oils with a high viscosity, in the cold they will thicken very much, and will not lubricate the parts, and it is also possible they will stick to them, preventing them from moving. The car will either not start, or it will work with heavy overloads, which is highly undesirable. With this start-up, the load on the battery also increases significantly, as a result of which it quickly loses its charge. Due to frost, the battery already loses about 40% of its charge per night, not to mention the additional effort that is spent by the starter, which is not able to turn the engine flywheel due to the high density of the oil. It is in order to avoid various kinds of problems that it is necessary to use winter engine oil. In case of the onset of the winter season, you should not look back at the mileage, even if you change the oil earlier, it will only benefit the car.

Choosing the oil to pour into the engine in winter

It is imperative to pay attention to the viscosity of the product, not so much the brand of the product plays a role as its technical indicators. Pay attention to the temperature tolerance at which the oil can be used. If you live in a warm climate, then the viscosity is suitable for summer oils, but for more severe climates, you have to choose the appropriate product.

Viscosity refers to the ability of a product to form a protective film when exposed to certain temperatures. The higher the viscosity index, the thicker the lubricant and the thicker the film. The following requirements are imposed on the viscosity:

Not too high. With an excessively thick layer of lubricant, parts sticking can occur, because of this, the engine experiences increased loads, fuel consumption increases, regardless of whether you have a gasoline engine or a diesel engine.
Should not be too low. If the film is too thin, it may not be enough for good lubrication, which will lead to rapid wear of the parts.

Engine oil viscosity index

A characteristic such as viscosity index is a very important parameter. It should be noted that when the engine is running, the oil heats up and becomes more liquid. The viscosity index shows how quickly the oil becomes liquid. You can display the following dependency:

With a high index, the thickness of the product is lost slowly. Details are better lubricated;
With a low indexation of the product, it liquefies quickly enough, due to which the wear of the motor increases;
The index indicates the stability of the lubricant, determines its quality, shows at what temperatures it can work.

When choosing a winter type of lubricant, you need to look at products with a high index, this will make it easier to start the engine in cold weather. It is extremely rare that these values are indicated on the canister. Usually manufacturers don't do this. The type of oil will help to understand the maximum temperature values:

Synthetic - 140-170 degrees;
Semi-synthetic - 130-150;
Mineral water - 110-135.

The latter type has the lowest index, which means that such oil in the cold will look like jelly. However, mineral oils are not suitable for old cars, because they are designed for new types of engines that have a completely different structure.

What oil to fill in the engine for the winter according to the SAE classification

This is the most understandable and common classification for drivers, which is indicated on the cans, for example, it might look like this:

10w40;
15w40;

Oils are divided into three types: summer, all-season, winter. All-season ones are of higher quality and are often used at any time of the year. This makes them the most popular, since you do not have to monitor the weather, which is important if you can suddenly be overtaken by frost. Summer brands include oils with an indicator of 20-60: this figure is indicated before the letter W. There are six winter types, their number is from 0 to 25. An all-weather fluid can be recognized by the designation or, for example, 5w30. The letter W in this case stands for winter, the value in front of it is an indicator of the temperature limit at which the oil will remain of sufficient viscosity, the second figure shows the viscosity for summer. However, it is worth noting that the numbers indicated on the packaging are not the extreme limit at which the oil will work in a given temperature regime.

The SAE marking is much more complex and means the following:

5w30 - the grease will retain its properties until the external temperature drops below -30 degrees. This rule applies to an idle car that is stored in the cold, that is, at lower temperatures, the lubricant thickens and starting the engine will be much more difficult.
The marking shows that the oil is designed for use at temperatures up to - 40 degrees;
10w30 - up to -25 degrees;
15w40 - up to -15 degrees.

For some manufacturers, these figures may not match. Therefore, motor winter brands should be studied separately and choose exactly the one that will best match your car in terms of parameters. It will not be superfluous to study what kind of oil was recommended by the factory of your car brand.

So which engine oil for the winter is which is better

Before choosing an oil, you need to study its characteristics well. You will need to take into account several criteria at once:

Recommended lubricant by car manufacturers;
Which car has mileage, it is known that it is better to use special lubricants for engines with high mileage, since they are more demanding on quality;
In what conditions the vehicle is used;
Driving style. The more aggressive the driving style, the better the oil is needed, since the engine is under more load;
Does the liquid have the appropriate certificates, for example, API ACEA, in addition, the products must have various approvals, without which it is impossible to give it a quality guarantee;

Many stores have special catalogs with which they will be able to select oil according to the brand of your car. To do this, you will need to know the wine code and the year of manufacture. In addition, you can pick up products using the Internet, there are many directory sites where you can quickly find what you need.

Pay attention to the design of the engine. It would be most correct to listen to the recommendations given by the car manufacturer. However, you can deviate from them insignificantly, for example, if the service book indicates that you need to fill in 10w40 motor oil, nothing terrible will happen if you fill in 15w40, but you should prepare for the fact that the oil pump will be a little more difficult to work in severe frosts. Lubricants that are too thick should not be used, as the engine itself is designed for thinner lubricants. It is also worth paying attention to the fact that it is advisable to top up products similar to the one you are using; when changing the viscosity or brand of oil, it is better to flush the engine.

An important role is played by the mileage of the car, the technical condition of the engine. If you have used synthetics, but the mileage has reached 70,000, it is better to switch to semisynthetics, since it is softer in relation to parts, the performance of which has slightly decreased during the period of use of the car. This rule applies to both gasoline engines and those that use diesel fuel for operation.

If the engine is sufficiently worn out, oil with a high viscosity index should not be used. You should not use a product with high fluidity, that is, you need to use a slightly thicker oil than that which was standard for your car when it was new. Density begins to play an important role, since with production large gaps are formed that need to be closed with lubricant. However, excessively thick oil can damage the engine. That is why, when choosing which oil is better to pour into the engine in winter, experts recommend paying attention to the following products:

If the mileage of the car exceeds 100,000, you can use the all-season option; in winter, it is better to switch to lubricants marked 5w30 and 10w30.
If the mileage exceeds 250 thousand, you can use off-season oil or winter 5w40, 10w40.
If the condition of the engine is good, you can not change the oil for another, but if the mileage is low, but the power unit is dead, it is better to use oil for it as for old engines.

Approvals and standards

Only high-quality oil should be poured at any time of the year, which is why it is required to study the markings and tolerances well. This will allow you to choose exactly the product you need. It is imperative to check the oil tolerance before buying it, if there is one, then the car will work well on it, especially if the admission was issued by the same concern whose car you use.

Tolerance is the mark that must be on the liquid canister. This is an automotive company certification that is awarded to a product as a result of independent testing by an automobile manufacturer. Standards can differ from each other, most often these are API and ACEA, they are not difficult to understand. API is the American oil grading system. She has the following markings:

"C" - such products are used for diesel engines;
"S" - for engines running on gasoline;
"SC" is universal.

In addition, there may be products labeled SL / CI-4: this is also a universal grease for engines running on any type of fuel.

ACEA is a European standard. It is also easy to understand it:

"A" stands for gasoline engines.
"B" - diesel.
"E" for trucks.
"C" - universally applicable.

In custody

For the stable operation of the car at any time of the year, it is important to choose the right lubricant. It is necessary that it meets European or American standards, has high quality and sufficient viscosity.

For many experienced motorists, it is no secret that it will depend on the quality of the engine oil and a number of characteristics of the lubricant. If in the summer the material is mainly subject to the requirements for the protection of parts in conditions of high temperatures and loads, then in the winter it is necessary to take into account other additional parameters. Immediately, we note that the division into winter engine oil or oil for summer has almost completely lost its relevance today. The modern fuel and lubricants market offers products of a universal type.

In other words, a multigrade engine oil for year round use is widely available on the market. Moreover, the line between products only for and engines is gradually blurring, since more and more often an option is offered that can be equally poured into both a diesel and a gasoline unit. At the same time, it has not yet been possible to achieve an unambiguous and complete transition to a universal oil for gasoline and diesel, taking into account the peculiarities of work, the types of fuel used and other differences between diesel and gasoline units. In this article, we intend to talk about which oil is better to fill in the engine in winter, what is the conditional marking of winter oil for the engine, how to monitor the level and correctly add lubricant to the engine during winter operation of the car.

Read in this article

What kind of oil to pour into the engine for the winter

As mentioned above, the overwhelming majority of products on the fuel and lubricants market are all-season. At the same time, many car owners are in a hurry to change the lubricant before the onset of cold weather. Immediately, we note that such a winter is very much even recommended, especially in cases where the old grease has worked out half or two-thirds of its resource before the planned replacement.

Now let's move on to how to choose an oil for the winter season, taking into account the viscosity and other parameters that are extremely important for the proper operation of the internal combustion engine and its correct operation. To begin with, you need to fill the motor with those products that are recommended by the car manufacturer. This information is contained in the instruction manual. Moreover, the list is not limited to only one or two items. Also, not only the motor resource will depend on the parameters and quality of the poured lubricant. Oil affects the elasticity and noise level during engine operation, fuel consumption, ease of starting at low temperatures, etc.

It is well known that a more viscous lubricant creates a thick oil film, which allows the motor to run quieter. Also, such material is consumed less for waste, reduces the risk of gaskets and other sealing elements. For this reason, in the summer, car owners, especially those with a mileage of more than 100 thousand km, prefer to pour grease with a higher viscosity into the engine, while remaining within the limits of the tolerances and recommendations of the ICE manufacturer. The argument is that the gaps in conjugate pairs increase slightly with mileage. In other words, if a lubricant with an index, for example, 5W30, was initially poured into the motor, then after a run of 100-150 thousand. km. transition to 5W40 or 10W40 is in progress. It should be borne in mind that more viscous technical fluids in conditions of negative temperatures thicken more and are worse pumped. As a result, an engine that would normally start with more viscous oil in summer may have difficulty starting in winter. In this case, the answer, whether it is possible to change the oil in the engine in winter, will be completely yes.
Also let's take a look at how to check engine oil in winter. To check, it will be enough to remove the oil dipstick before cold starting the engine and look at the state of the lubricant, at what speed the oil collects into a drop at the end of the dipstick, etc. If the grease is seen to be very thick, then the need for replacement is quite obvious. By the way, given the fact that the lubricant in the engine thickens in the cold, it is useful to know how to properly add oil to the engine in winter. As you know, it is undesirable for the engine, that is, the grease is poured strictly according to the level. The oil level itself in the engine in winter is checked no more in the usual way (after parking), but after preheating the internal combustion engine to operating temperatures.

The fact is that if you evaluate the oil level on a cold engine, then the readings may be incorrect due to a decrease in the volume of oil during cooling. To accurately determine the level, the motor is fully warmed up at XX and then in motion (only if the level is not lowered to a critical level). Full warming up makes it possible to warm up not only the coolant, but also the oil itself, the temperature of which increases more slowly. After the unit is muffled, then there is a 10-15 minute pause. During this time, the completely liquefied grease has time to drain back into the sump, and the readings on the dipstick will allow you to make an objective assessment, that is, add or remove excess grease if necessary.

So, we decided on the oil check. It becomes clear that the less viscous it turns out to be, the easier it will be for the engine to start in cold weather. If you notice that the grease poured in for the winter is not suitable or you simply intend to find the most optimal solution, then we will return to the features and nuances when choosing. Next, we will try to answer common questions, which oil to pour for the winter, which is better, 5w30 or 5w40 in winter, etc.

Choosing a "winter" engine oil

The main parameters of the oil, which must be taken into account before purchasing, can be determined by a special marking. In the case of the selection of lubricants for the winter, it is necessary to choose a product that will best suit the viscosity and temperature indicators. Conditionally "winter" oil in the list of common universal solutions can be considered oils from 0W30 to 10W40.

0W30 oil will be the least viscous, that is, even in severe frosts (about -35 or -40) it remains fluid and is well pumped through the system.
Products with the 5W30 index are also good for winter, where the temperature drops in the region are quite significant. 10W30 is recommended for use in areas where winters are milder.
The 10W40 marking means that such an oil is universal, well suited both for winter with a slight drop in temperature (about -5), and for operation in summer.

It is important to know that the smaller the first digit is, the thinner the oil will be after the internal combustion engine warms up and the unit reaches operating temperatures. Too thin oil will mean that the lubricating fluid in some cases will be inferior in the effectiveness of protection of mating loaded engine parts compared to more viscous counterparts. In other words, the thinner the oil, the thinner the oil film and the more the engine wears out. It turns out that for a confident start and minimal wear during a cold start, it is better to use low-viscosity oils, while after warming up the engine, such oil may not provide the proper degree of protection. Taking these features into account, it is recommended to adhere to the instruction manual and the “golden mean” rule. For example, if the manufacturer indicated that for a particular engine it is possible to use oils with both 5W30 and 10W40 markings, then it is necessary to build on the degree of possible temperature drop in the region.

In other words, if winter temperatures usually do not drop below -5 or -7, then 10W40 may be the right option. If the temperature drop reaches -15 or -20 degrees, then it is wiser to stop at 5W30 or 5W40, etc. It is also necessary to take into account the fact that with the onset of heat, the oil may also need to be changed to a more viscous one for improved engine protection. It is for this reason that some experts recommend pouring less viscous lubricant into the engine in winter and more viscous oil in summer, that is, to replace it in season. We add that such a change is relevant only if the rise and fall of temperatures in the region greatly exceeds the calculated "universal" parameters of the oil. This means that if in the climatic zone in winter, on average, not lower than -20, and in summer not higher than +35, then oil marked 5W30 can be used all year round.

Now a few words about the manufacturers and types of oil. Experts and experienced motorists emphasize that first of all, the approvals of the ICE manufacturer are important, and only then one should give preference to one brand or another. Otherwise, first the required temperature and viscosity marking is selected, then compliance with all the tolerances specified in the manual is taken into account. Only after that the type of oil is determined (mineral, synthetic or semi-synthetic), and only then you can focus on the specific manufacturer of fuels and lubricants, the unique features of the product, the final cost, etc.

It turns out that it is not so important whether you pour Liqui Moly, Castrol, Mobil or Xado into the engine. The main thing is that the selected product is original, suitable for this type of engine, has the required viscosity, taking into account the seasonality and meets all the tolerances of the manufacturer of the power unit.

Let's summarize

Taking into account the fact that a large number of types and brands of motor oil are available for free sale, it is recommended not to stop your choice on the cheapest options. Also, it is better to purchase fuel and lubricants in proven car dealerships and large retail outlets, which will help reduce the likelihood of buying a fake product. We add that with the predicted significant drop in temperatures in the region, you should not stop your choice on mineral oil. In this case, it is optimal to pour in semi-synthetics.

Finally, I would like to note that if the car is in a heated box or garage during long-term parking, as well as in the process of daily use, it usually stays on the street for no more than 2-4 hours, then there is no particular need to fill in oil with a reduced viscosity in winter.

In this case, it will be enough to slow down the cooling rate of the internal combustion engine. Another way to reduce the risk of increased wear and facilitate cold starts is to install, use auto-warming of the engine with help, etc.

How to choose a winter scent?

However, not all oils are anti-stress, so choose one (or more) of the following scents: chamomile, grapefruit, mint, tangerine, lemon, basil, sage, geranium, jasmine, lemon balm, lavender, patchouli, neroli, sandalwood, ylang -langa or rose. The most famous antidepressant in aromatherapy is, of course, bergamot essential oil. Thanks to its aroma, the state of anxiety is dispelled, the mood improves and the vitality increases.

The most important thing in choosing the right scent is your own perception of the scent. Whatever characteristics the essential oil is famous for, if its aroma does not touch you or is even unpleasant, then you should not stop your choice on it. And if suddenly you liked the whole composition of smells, then feel free to call it your own, since only a pleasant aroma can bring real benefit and satisfaction.

The benefits of aromatherapy in winter

During the cold season, essential oils can boost immunity for overall health and relaxation, and are a great addition to your daily routine.

They have been treated with aromas since time immemorial, and today modern science recognizes the healing effect of essential oils. This is due to the fact that scientists have established how, through the olfactory receptors, aromas of essential oils quickly penetrate the body and have a direct effect on it. Smells affect the psychoemotional state and the human nervous system. They can both invigorate and calm. And those aromatic oils that are absorbed by the skin can serve as an excellent cosmetic product.

Acting to strengthen the immune system, aromatic oils help to increase energy metabolism in muscles and blood, they help to eliminate toxins. In moments of strong emotional stress, it is with the help of aromatherapy that you can reduce the negative load on the body, improve mood and normalize sleep. Some essential oils can even enhance your own sensuality.

Ways to use essential oils in winter

Aromatic baths

Aromatic baths are one of the most pleasant ways to use essential oils, which is especially relevant in the winter season. If baths are contraindicated for any reason, then you can try to replace them with soft compresses. Depending on the oil you choose, its effect on the body will also change.

Lavender oil... Helps to relax and calm down. It activates the regeneration processes, helps relieve redness and flaking of the skin, get rid of acne.

Cypress oil... This oil is especially useful for women, as it normalizes hormonal balance in a fragile female body. It helps to relieve swelling and excessive sweating.

Chamomile oil... Possesses bactericidal properties, relieves irritability, normalizes sleep. Perfectly soothes sensitive and dry skin.

Cedar oil... This oil gives confidence, helps to cope with nervous tremors. It has a wound healing effect and helps to tighten pores.

Bergamot or camellia oil... Has a calming effect on the nervous system, helps to relieve unnecessary stress. Has antiseptic and cooling properties.

Patchouli oil... The rather heavy aroma of this oil relaxes, gives confidence and strength. It has an anti-cellulite effect, the ability to smooth wrinkles and make the skin soft and velvety.

Massage creams

Before adding this or that essential oil to the cream, be sure to read the instructions in which the dosages are prescribed and strictly adhere to it, since the excessive use of aromatic oils will do much more harm than good.

In winter, it is very important to get a full-fledged moisturizing effect, which can be achieved with the help of mimosa, lily of the valley, rose, jasmine or fern oils. It is in the cold season that you can fully get rid of cellulite, and grapefruit and orange oils will help with this. Use peppermint or violet oils to renew the skin and make it more elastic.

Aromatic cocktails

If you like to experiment and do not want to enjoy just one flavor, then prepare an aromatic cocktail. This cocktail can contain no more than five different oils. First, mix 2-3 drops of each oil and be sure to add a neutral base - almond or olive oil.

These aromatic mixtures should be used in the same way as single essential oils. They are good for massage, bathing and scenting rooms.

Slimming fragrances

Of course, it is in winter that the body is least inclined to lose weight, as it seeks to accumulate the maximum amount of fat reserves to combat cold and bad weather. Still, you can fight for beauty, so as not to overgrow with excess fat and at the same time to cleanse yourself of toxins. The aromas of grapefruit, fennel and pepper essential oils will help in this. They help to activate the activity of the sympathetic nerve, which is responsible for the production of protein in the body.

Winter fragrances for the apartment

Here you can also experiment and create your own collection of fragrances. For example, in a living room, a combination of frankincense, ylang ylang, grapefruit and tangerine can help create an atmosphere of peace and joy.

In the bedroom, a mixture of myrrh, neroli, sandalwood and incense oils will help you to relax, sleep and fully relax.

And in the kitchen, the combination of mint, lemon and rosemary aromas will get rid of unpleasant odors and warm.

Try to create your own unique composition and enjoy it on long winter evenings.

Romanchukevich Tatiana
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