If you love your car and want it to give you joy and drive you as long as possible without any problems, then you need to monitor and make a replacement in time. This is because the gearbox is a part that is constantly working under load. Sharp starts, untimely gear changes, the weight that the car is loaded with - all this and much more creates a load. Gears, shafts and many other components are constantly rubbing in the box, and in order for all this not to wear out once again, it is necessary to carry out “revisions” from time to time. It does not matter what type of gearbox you have installed: mechanics or automatic, in any case, pay due attention to your car.

Mix mineral and synthetic oil Absolutely forbidden.

Lines of operation of the transmission before changing the oil in it

Due to the fact that during the friction of the internal parts of the gearbox during use of the car, small metal particles are deposited in the oil, serious problems may arise in the future, which will lead to a repair or complete replacement of the transmission. For a manual transmission, the recommended mileage is 100,000 kilometers, or replacement should be done every seven years if the car is used by the owner on very rare occasions. But if you suddenly began to notice extra noise from the box, you need to urgently check the lubrication level. In cars with automatic transmission replacement should be done sooner. Approximately once every 90,000 kilometers or every six years.

We begin to select the right transmission lubricant

If it's time to change the lubricant in the box, the first thing you should pay attention to is manufacturers or specific models. lubricating fluid submitted car manufacturer in the operating instructions for the specific vehicle. For mechanical transmissions it is necessary to choose ordinary gear oil, in contrast to the machine for which it is used special liquid, which is abbreviated as "ATF". In no case should this be forgotten, because this liquid is specially quality lubrication internal components.

Also, from time to time, you need to look at the parking space where the car has been standing for a long time to check for oil leaks from the transmission. If you find a puddle of gear lubricant under your car, you should immediately do a full inspection of the gearbox. Experts recommend changing the transmission lubricant before the onset of frost. Everything is connected with the fact that with a sharp temperature drop, these products tend to lose their properties.

Mineral or synthetic oil?

When choosing an oil, there are two main points to consider. Now we will consider them. Synthetic gear grease is good in that it is less viscous than mineral and its thickness does not depend on temperature, which means that the range of temperatures at which it is used is much greater than when using mineral water. Also, synthetics are less prone to aging, which prolongs the period of its use.

When choosing a gear lubricant, one must take into account the degree of wear of various rubber parts, since over time they lose their elasticity. If you have doubts about the condition of the rubber elements of the transmission, then you should not fill in synthetics. The fact is that it is liquid, and parts that have lost their acceptable elasticity will not be able to keep the lubricant inside the transmission, which will cause a leak. This happens due to the use of mineral water or semi-synthetics before synthetics.

These two types of oil, after entering the box, form a coating on the rubber components. And when synthetics are poured after replacement, it washes away plaque. If you are using the vehicle in a very low temperatures indicators, then winter groups of oils should be used. They do not freeze in the box, which prevents wear of its parts. Index W indicates such a group of lubricants. If, however, at temperatures below -30 degrees you use the usual lubricant, you can wait for the start of problems with the operation of your transmission.

The universal gear lubricant to use is 80w90 (can be used at temperatures above -30 degrees). For use in cold climates, 75w80 is suitable, it retains its usual viscosity down to -40 degrees.

What happens if you mix different types of gear lubricants?

Now the answer is for those who are thinking about mineral water with synthetics or semi-synthetics. So, in no case should you mix, all three types of lubricants have a different base, and when mixed, we get a precipitate of solid particles, which will destroy our gearbox from the inside, instead of preventing unnecessary wear.

conclusions

Now to summarize, the following points must be taken into account:

• First, the condition of the rubber products inside the gearbox to prevent leakage.
• Secondly, we make a report for ourselves under what weather conditions we will use the car so that there are no unexpected “surprises” in the winter season.

Now you know the main properties of different types gear oils what will help you do right choice, thereby you can extend the life of the components of your box.

If you own a car, you have probably heard of synthetic and mineral oils. There is also semi-synthetics, but it occupies an intermediate place between them, so we will not consider it. What is the difference between synthetic and mineral oils, and what factors to consider when choosing these lubricants?

What are mineral oils?

Mineral motor oil- This is a product of fuel oil distillation, but there are also liquids made from industrial crops, but this is rare. Technological process, used for the production of mineral lubricants, is quite simple, therefore the oils themselves are relatively inexpensive. Among the positive distinctive features such oils are distinguished:

• composition stability;
• efficiency in solving basic problems;
• minimal destructive effect on metal surfaces.

Mineral liquids in their natural form are rarely used. They have high lubricating properties only in a small temperature range or in the presence of additional additives. The latter are needed to give the lubricant composition certain properties:

• antiwear;
• anticorrosive;
• washing.

Modern oils for automotive engines, even mineral ones, not only reduce friction resistance, but also clean the surfaces of engine parts from fuel combustion products, that is, soot.

Under the influence of high temperatures, the additives present in the mineral water burn out, and when the ambient temperature drops, the lubricant becomes very thick and makes it difficult for the mechanisms to function. To eliminate these shortcomings, synthetic fluids had to be invented.

What is synthetic oil?

Synthetic oils are produced by the synthesis of molecules. They are not so susceptible to environmental factors and better maintain a stable state during operation. This is confirmed by the results of the analysis of the engine cycles, during which the temperature interval for the oil is determined. In order for the internal combustion engine to function equally over the entire range of temperatures and operating loads, you need to use good synthetic oil, which is better than mineral oil in this criterion.

Read also: Varieties of German motor oils

Synthetic oil does not exist in nature - it was invented by man. At the same time, today it is impossible to even imagine the correct operation of engines in modern machines. Synthetics better resist oxidative processes and are more expensive than mineral water, but without it it would be impossible to use equipment in the Arctic. Which synthetic oil is better to choose, read the link.

How is synthetic different from mineral water?

Synthetic and mineral oil - what's the difference? First of all, at the molecular level. Mineral water molecules are created by nature. Mineral lubricants wash away deposits from internal metal parts, and do it gradually. Synthetic oils are more fluid, so they scrape deposits from parts, which can lead to clogging of filter screens and even oil lines. This can lead to oil starvation and engine failure later.

Main distinctive features characteristic of synthetic oils are as follows:

• different molecular origins: mineral water is created by nature, and synthetics are made by chemical synthesis of molecules;
• oils react differently to changes in the temperature factor (synthetics are superior to mineral water);
• liquids have different fluidity: mineral water cannot be used at extremely low temperatures, as it becomes very thick;
• the difference in the stability of the parameters under the influence of different temperatures: when heated, the additives in the mineral water begin to burn out and this is harmful to the operation of the motor.

What is the difference between mineral oil and synthetic oil, we figured out. Synthetics are definitely superior to mineral water and are more useful for modern powertrains. Consider the main advantages of synthetic oils.

Engine cleanliness

As oil circulates in the engine oil system, sediment collects in it. When using mineral water, sludge deposits will gradually form in the internal combustion engine, reducing power and performance, as well as reducing engine life.

Synthetic oils contain more impurities than mineral water, so they flush out sludge better and protect the unit from fresh deposits.

Read also: Self-changing engine oil: errors

Wear prevention

The internal parts of the motor are constantly in contact with each other, and with intensive use of the car, they actively wear out and the motor may fail. Oil is a protective barrier between parts. At the same time, the mineral water is destroyed at a certain moment and begins to lose its protective abilities. As for synthetics, it retains its original properties better and prevents wear. power unit. This increases the life of the motor.

Good fluidity

Synthetic oils, compared to mineral oils, have better fluidity. If the machine has been standing for a long time with the engine turned off, the grease may thicken. When the motor is turned on, it begins to pump, preventing dangerous friction of metal surfaces. Mineral oil needs more time to start full circulation in the internal combustion engine. In winter or in places with extreme cold, the situation is even more complicated.

Synthetic oils are created using a special technology that allows you to maintain high fluidity even at minimal and negative temperatures. These lubricants protect the motor immediately from the moment the power unit is started.

Thermal protection

A running motor heats up to high temperatures. Gradually, they lead to the destruction and even evaporation of mineral oil, and because of this, the engine begins to wear out more actively. Synthetics are more heat resistant, and this is especially important parameter when operating the machine in hot climates.

Keeping the turbine running

Many modern cars are equipped with turbochargers to save fuel and increase the power of the power unit. As mentioned, the motor gets very hot during operation, and in the presence of a turbine, the situation is even more aggravated. The turbocharger shaft rotates at a frequency of up to 200 thousand revolutions per minute, so the oil must lubricate it thoroughly. Mineral oil under such conditions, it quickly breaks down and begins to leave deposits. Synthetic fluids do the job better, so if you have a turbocharged engine, don't skimp on the lubricant.

So, it is theoretically clear that synthetics are better than mineral water. But how much? And how significant is this for the engine? The answer to this question should give a special experiment.

The experiment was set up in this way. We took two oils from the same company, 10W-40 mineral water and 5W-40 synthetics. One and the same engine at the stand worked first with one oil, then with another in the same mode of operation - with a given load and at the same speed for 120 hours. The engine operation mode corresponded to the speed of the car with an average load at a speed of 100 km/h. If you count on the mileage, you get somewhere around 12,000 km. During the tests, oil samples were taken every 30 hours and viscosity parameters were measured at different temperatures, base and acid numbers. The dynamics of changes in these parameters clearly characterizes the behavior of the oil in the engine.

Kinematic viscosity of synthetic and mineral oils

The results are in the figures. They are very revealing. For mineral water, we first see a decrease in viscosity, and quite a significant one - this is the destruction of thickening additives. Starting from a certain moment, it begins to grow - and this is the effect of the accumulation of the products of its decomposition and oxidation in the oil. But there is practically no area of ​​stable viscosity at all. By the way, this is also taken into account to a certain extent by the requirements of the SAE - after all, according to them, for these oils, a viscosity variation is allowed at 100 degrees. from 12.5 to 16.3 cSt!

Viscosity beyond this range is one of the rejection parameters. If the viscosity of the oil either fell or rose above the limits of the range - that's it! We diagnose his death, an urgent replacement is required.

Mineralka, judging by the results of the experiment, died at 7,500 kilometers. By the way, a very good result, but the conditions for the experiment for the oil were almost ideal - no winter starts, standing in traffic jams ... But the fluctuations in the viscosity of synthetics in the range of our measurements fit within the measurement error limit. Synthetic oil has calmly traveled 12 thousand kilometers, and is ready to go further. In our opinion, quite a visual result!

Another indicative trend is the change in base and acid number of mineral and synthetic oils during the same test cycle.

The dynamics of change in base number characterizes the rate of response of detergent additives in oil. If their concentration falls below half of entry level, the oil begins to wash much worse, which means that it does not fully perform its functions. For mineral oil, even at an initially higher concentration, the base number decline rate is faster. And it reaches a critical value at a run of about 5000 km. In "synthetics" everything is much more stable, by the time the tests are completed, the stock of base number still remains. Reason is more high stability synthetic base of this oil, it is less susceptible to oxidation, traces of which are struggling with detergent additives.

Synthetics left traces in the engine much less than mineral water, this is obvious. And - with an initially lower alkaline number, therefore, a lower content of detergent additives. Once again, it was confirmed that synthetic oil is more stable in operation than mineral oil. So, in the direct competition of "synthetics-mineral waters" the first ones won with a clear advantage. And the difference in price of a thousand and a half in this case, probably, is not so significant. After all, the reliability and resource of the motor, the calmness and confidence of the driver are at stake - and this is much more expensive.

With the advent of various types of oils, disputes do not stop about which oil is better to choose in the engine of your car. Each type of oil has many supporters, but often their arguments are based on myths, so choosing the type of oil in a car engine needs to be approached a little more thoroughly. Mineral or synthetic oil? Or maybe semi-synthetic? This article will show the differences between the types of motor oils, what is their difference and whether it is possible to mix lubricants of different composition.

Engine oil in the engine - purpose

The original purpose of motor oils is to remove heat from rubbing parts inside the engine, as well as, if possible, to remove metal particles that form during friction. By and large, nothing has changed for a long time, and at the moment, the fulfillment of these tasks is presented when choosing an oil. However, it is worth considering the fact that with the advent of semi-synthetic and synthetic oils on the market, motorists begin to actively argue about the temperature regime of the ambient air at which they can be used. A large number of lubricant manufacturers and their well-organized marketing campaigns to attract new customers only exacerbate the matter.

Mineral engine oil

For the production of mineral oil, agricultural crops are used or it is obtained during the processing of fuel oil and the subsequent purification of processed products. Since this technology is quite simple and over the years people have successfully tried to simplify this process, this is the reason for the low cost of mineral lubricating oils. As a positive effect of the use of mineral oil in a car engine, high efficiency during use, hydrolytic stability and low mechanical impact when interacting with moving parts of the engine can be distinguished. In addition, mineral oil can interfere with other identical and natural oils have an excellent anti-corrosion formation coefficient.

But all these positive properties of mineral oils are often achieved at a comfortable temperature range from 10 to 25 degrees Celsius. The use of mineral oils at low or high temperatures requires the use of various additives. But this is the obvious disadvantage of using mineral motor oils: at high temperatures, additives burn out, and at low temperatures, the use of mineral oils is difficult due to their high viscosity coefficient.

Semi-synthetic engine oil

Such an intermediate type of engine oil can be obtained by diluting mineral oil with synthetic oil. Experts recommend using proportions of 50% to 50% or 70% mineral to 30% synthetic motor oil.

Synthetic engine oil

The coolant for the engine is obtained by the synthesis of molecules. So, during operation, synthetic oils show better stability indicators and do not depend so much on the effects of low temperatures. The choice of synthetic oil is desirable to be carried out according to individual parameters: the region of residence and the presence of high or low temperatures during the use of the car, the nature of driving and starting, etc. Of course, it is worth considering the fact that such oil cannot be found unchanged in nature, but it has become so firmly established in the everyday life of modern life that people do not think about its origin. The price of synthetic oil is the most expensive of all the above materials, but in the presence of very low ambient temperatures, it is a necessity rather than a privilege.

The advantages of using synthetic petroleum products include:

• Increased anti-friction properties.
• There is practically no need to use additives, since the main part was added by the manufacturer at the production stage.
• Lower evaporation coefficient before mineral oil products.
• Use at low temperatures.

Advantages of various lubricant formulations over others

Synthetics and mineral composition - which oil is better: these oil products differ at the molecular level. The molecular structure of synthetics was achieved through long-term testing to achieve the required properties, and the molecular structure of mineral oil products was laid down by nature. If in some component synthetic oils are worse than mineral lubricants, then continuous work is being done on this. But the fact is that mineral mixtures clean the engine continuously and with approximately the same efficiency, while synthetics, in turn, due to their viscosity, clean quickly enough. Because of this effect, oil filters and oil lines are literally clogged with particle deposits from the engine. In this case, with improper control of the elements of the oil system, the effect of "oil starvation" and subsequent engine failure may occur.

Therefore, we can distinguish the main differences between the two main types of oils:

• different molecular structure.
• The different nature of the response of oils to change temperature regime, in this synthetic is much better than mineral.
• Different fluidity of oils: due to exposure to low temperatures, mineral oil becomes thicker, synthetics are much more versatile in use.
• Stability consists in the burnout of additives of mineral oil products, which leads to a change in the operation of the engine or its failure.

Mineral or synthetic oil? The answer will depend only on the car owner of a personal car.

Which oil is better: synthetic or semi-synthetic? What do the terms resistance and stability mean when using synthetics? This means that exposure to low or high temperatures practically does not reduce the viscosity, and hence the effectiveness of the oil for a long time. When choosing in favor semi-synthetic oil it should be noted that in some cases its use is more reasonable than synthetics. For example, with a large impressive engine mileage, synthetics can give high carbon monoxide, as well as when using a car at comfortable temperatures in the winter season - up to -20 degrees Celsius. However, the replacement this oil needs to be produced more often than synthetic.

In addition to the molecular structure, oil products for engine cooling are usually broken down into seasonality of use: summer, winter and all-weather oil. Summer oil, due to its viscosity, is reasonable to use up to 0 degrees Celsius. Otherwise, there is a high probability that the engine will not be able to start or will fail. Marking of summer oils: SAE 20, SAE 30 and so on up to 60. The designation of the numbers indicates the viscosity of the oil at operating temperature engine, the higher the number, the thicker the oil when heated.

Winter oils are marked from 0 to 25 units with the prefix W - winter (winter). Discreteness through 5 units. The minimum threshold for the temperature regime used is determined by subtracting 40 units from a given number. For example, for oil products marked 5 W, the minimum temperature at which the correct pumping of the oil system is ensured will be -35 degrees Celsius. But for winter oil products, it is also necessary to know such a selection criterion as crankability. To determine this parameter, 35 must be subtracted from the given number, while it is safe to say that for 10 W oil, the lower limit for the safe start of a car engine is 25 degrees Celsius.

All season oils. Marking lubricant is indicated by a combination of alphabetic and numeric designations of winter and summer oil. As an example, 5W - 30 can be deciphered as follows: winter marking 5 W and summer marking 30 indicates that the engine can be safely started at a minimum ambient temperature of -35 degrees Celsius and the maximum allowable viscosity with a running engine will be 30 units. What is the difference between 5W-30 and 5W-40? The whole difference lies in the fact that the first of the presented types of lubricants has a more liquid consistency in the summer season. Therefore, if in the region of residence most of the year is positive temperatures, then for the proper operation of the motor, it is necessary to purchase a lubricant with a higher viscosity. In winter, these oils will ensure uninterrupted engine start at -35 degrees Celsius. Viscosity table of motor oil classification:

Small and useful recommendations for choosing oil for a car from experts:

• Before purchasing a lubricant for your car engine, you should carefully read the recommendations for using a particular type of oil directly from the manufacturer.
• Storage of lubricants is allowed with a tightly closed container lid, which prevents air, moisture or other foreign objects from entering the used oil.
• The use of more expensive oils is not always a smart choice, it can lead to a violation of the stability of the entire oil system.
• Do not succumb to the tricks of sellers, and buy oil only hoping for their advice. It is necessary to understand that all lubricants, including mineral or synthetic oil, are produced using approximately the same technology. The whole difference lies in the quantity and quality of additives added.
• An oil change must be carried out within the time specified by the manufacturer in terms of time or vehicle mileage. However, it is worth taking into account the situation that in a worn engine, the oil should be changed a little earlier. This is due to the need to remove more friction products and much more severe operating conditions.
• Always change oil when changing oil filter, this operation costs little money, but helps to ensure high-quality filtration of the lubricant.
• Can you mix 2 different types lubricants directly in the engine? The unequivocal answer is no! This leads to the formation of an insoluble precipitate.
• Carefully monitor the condition of the oil level in the engine, do not allow it to go beyond the upper or lower limits, which are marked on a special dipstick.
• If synthetics are flooded in the engine (for example, 10W - 40 of a certain brand), then the best option in case of necessary addition, carry with you a small container of the same oil. However, it is allowed to add a lubricant from another manufacturer, but with the same marking.
• Sometimes arrange cleaning of the oil system of the car engine, using special tools and a large amount of oil. This allows you to completely renew the lubricant in the engine and completely remove metal wear products.
• Before purchasing a lubricant for an engine, you need to study its expiration date on individual packaging. Tip: to prevent the purchase of low-quality fake oil, it is most reasonable to buy it from official suppliers or trusted sellers in sealed metal packaging. This does not exclude the possibility of forgery, but reduces it to a minimum.

Conclusion.

Now many inexperienced motorists will be able to replenish their knowledge base on whether it is possible to mix and what is the difference between different types of oils. Which oil is better to fill in your car can be determined based on your knowledge of the properties and markings of these lubricants, as well as the nature of behavior at different times of the year, and not on the advice of annoying sellers and television advertising. And also to determine the type of lubricant for cars with high mileage, because it is far from always reasonable to use expensive oil instead of a cheaper one, but effective in a particular case.

Mineral oils are products of petroleum origin. They are obtained by distilling oil. Therefore, they are characterized by unstable performance and a high level of volatility. They are based on mineral origin.

In addition, industrial crops can be used in the production of mineral oils. Taking into account the fact that the manufacturing process of mineral oils is quite simple, accordingly, their prices are more reasonable than for other types of synthetic oils.

What is mineral oil?

It is quite difficult to find an application where mineral oils are used in their pure form. In order for it to work more efficiently, it is used in composition with stabilizing additives. They make mineral oils more anti-wear and anti-corrosion.

In addition, stabilizing additives can significantly improve the cleaning properties of mineral oils. The thing is that the characteristics of the operation of oils do not make it possible to withstand high temperatures. At low and sub-zero temperatures, mineral oils thicken quite quickly.

If oils are used at a temperature of 80 degrees, then the car engine will instantly become clogged with its combustion products. It is because of the above indicators that mineral oils contain 12 percent of stabilizing additives.

Good mineral oils are made from high quality petroleum products and undergo rigorous refining before being sold.

What is in mineral oil

The composition of the mineral water includes such substances:

• Paraffins (alkaline and cyclic)
• Alkane and unsaturated hydrocarbons (minimum)
• Cyclanic (about 80%)
• Aromatic (about 10%)
• Cyclano-aromatic hydrocarbons (about 15%)

The composition of the oil also includes hydrocarbons of oxygen and sulfur origin, and some formations that are resinous and asphalt in nature. As for lubricating oil, these constituents are not included in its composition in large quantities. The fact is that lubricating oils undergo high-level purification.

The base oils can have different viscosities, but regardless of this, it contains a variety of additives that serve to improve performance.

They are also a minus of the lubricating fluid. The problem is that under the influence of high temperature, the additive that is part of the oil burns out in a very short time. And then, the mineral water is already changing its main characteristics and properties. The changes become quite noticeable on cars with significant mileage.

Viscosity properties of "mineral water"

Viscosity is a very important indicator for both mineral and synthetic oils. As for motor oils, their viscosity can change under the influence of temperature: the lower it is, the greater the viscosity of the liquid.

In order for the engine to work more than properly, the viscosity of the oils must be at the indicated level: not above it, not below it. This suggests that when starting an unheated engine in cold weather, the viscosity of the engine oil should not be very high, and vice versa, when starting in hot weather warm engine, the oil may not be thin enough.

Properties of oils of mineral origin

In addition to the viscosity property itself, such an indicator as the viscosity index is of great importance. It shows the relationship between viscosity and temperature. The viscosity index is a measureless value that does not have any units of measurement. The index indicates the level of thinning of the mineral oil.

The higher the index, the better. In this case, the best performance of the automobile motor is ensured. If the composition of the "mineral water" does not include any stabilizing additives, then the level of the viscosity index is in the range of 85-100. If additives are present, then the indicator can reach up to 120.

There is a very low viscosity index, which indicates that the engine will be difficult to start at low and sub-zero temperatures, and at high temperatures, the motor will be poorly protected from wear. When choosing engine oil, you need to clearly understand that its viscosity changes in inverse proportion with temperature. The higher the temperature, the lower the viscosity of the mineral oil and vice versa.

This dependence is due to several factors. Consideration must be given to the raw material from which the oil was made and the way in which it was made. The thickness of the oil film between two contacting surfaces directly depends on the viscosity of the mineral water. Subsequently, this has a direct impact on the efficiency of the machine motor.

In order for the engine to serve its owner faithfully for many years, care must be taken to ensure that it does not wear out. For this reason, in addition to additives that provide viscosity, EP additives are added to mineral oils.

This is necessary to create a film of the desired thickness, otherwise it will not be possible to prevent wear of engine parts. Depending on the manufacturer, various additives are added to mineral oils. Sometimes in practice it may turn out that they are not compatible with each other.

Mineral oils, in addition to the main ones, have several other important characteristics.

1. For low-boiling fractions, such an indicator as the flash point is of great importance. It indicates how quickly the oil evaporates during the operation of the vehicle. If low-quality oil is used, then it has a very fast flash point. And this suggests that the oil will be consumed faster than usual.
2. Another important indicator is the pour point. It indicates the temperature at which the mineral oil hardens rather quickly and loses its fluidity.
3. The third indicator is the alkaline number. It indicates how much the oil is able to neutralize the effects of harmful acids with the help of available additives.
4. The last indicator is called the acid number. It indicates the presence of products that are formed during the oxidation of mineral oils.

Mineral oils have their drawbacks. They consist in the instability of some of their parameters when changing temperatures. Indeed, because of this, the oils quickly oxidize and break down, and this, in turn, leads to a negative effect on the operation of the automobile motor.

The big plus of mineral oils, of course, is their price. Typically, mineral oil is used as a mechanical lubricant. Each manufacturer who is interested in selling a quality product offers detailed instructions, on the use of mechanical oil.

Most often, synthetic oil is used, but its price is much higher than the price of mineral oil. Most often, mineral oil is used to operate old engines or engines that have significant mileage and only at positive temperatures.