The need for regular engine oil changes has become so commonplace for motorists that it is taken for granted by many. Few people think about why this is necessary and what affects the service life of the oil. Meanwhile, many important nuances are not taken into account by someone, and unknown to someone.

Types of engine oils

Historically, the first to appear mineral oils obtained during the distillation of oil. Sometimes it was mixed with castor oil (for example, this technology was used by Castrol, where its name is taken from).

Such oils were sufficient for use in low-power engines, although they had significant drawbacks: their viscosity significantly depended on temperature, mineral oils quickly oxidized and contaminated the engine.

If the first problem was solved by making seasonal oils(summer and winter), then the second is only a frequent replacement.

The development of the chemical industry made it possible to stabilize and improve the properties of motor oils: thanks to viscosity modifiers, it was possible to create all-season mineral oils, a large number of antifriction and detergent additives allow mineral oils to work successfully in highly loaded motors.

Payback for low price mineral oil is preserved weakness —low resource, because, in addition to useful work, additive packages also counteract negative qualities the base oil itself.

The synthesis of the base oil makes it possible to obtain a significantly higher quality product, but at a significantly higher price.

Synthetic motor oils, depending on the production technology, can have different composition.

Most common polyalphaolefin oils- the technology for their production is the cheapest. However, in a number of qualities they are superior to polyester oils - for example, their volatility and flammability are much lower, and their viscosity is more stable.

Manufacturers often use polyolester oil as an additive to the polyalphaolefin base to improve oil quality at a lower cost compared to all-polyolester oils.

Mixing a synthetic base oil with a mineral base oil gives the so-called semi-synthetics. In fact, these oils usually contain no more than 20% synthetic base oil. Such measures make it possible to obtain a more stable motor oil, increasing its resource in comparison with mineral, as well as stabilizing its viscosity.

Why change the engine oil?

Few can immediately describe all the functions performed by engine oil.

In fact, there are only three of them:

1. Lubrication. The most important job of engine oil. In modern automobile engines, the loads on the parts are very significant, hence the requirements for engine oil are high. That is why modern engine oils contain a high amount of antifriction, extreme pressure and viscosity-stabilizing additives ( up to 20-30 percent). However, operation at high temperatures, contamination from gases bursting through piston rings, lead to oil aging - the effectiveness of the additive package decreases. The drop in the viscosity of the engine oil is best seen: the used oil is much thinner than at the time of filling. A significant decrease in the strength of the oil film, combined with aging of the anti-friction additive package, increases engine wear.
2. Cleaning. Even the most the best oil will not be able to completely defeat engine wear. It is important that the wear products of the friction couples are retained by the oil in order to retain them in the oil filter. This is provided by a package of detergents, which also do not last forever. Since the days when only low quality mineral oils were available, it has been a misconception that a dark oil means it is oxidizing and needs to be replaced. In fact, the darkening of the oil is precisely the result of the work of the package of detergents, which allows the oil to retain all contaminants in its mass, preventing them from precipitating.
3. Cooling. It is engine oil that cools the most heat-loaded engine components, for example, by spraying it onto the piston bottoms. Thus, the oil is constantly in contact with parts heating above two hundred degrees, which accelerates its oxidation.

How often should the engine oil be changed?

The main problem is that it is impossible to accurately estimate when exactly concrete oil much will lose its properties in a specific engine.

Even if you take two identical cars, they can be operated in different ways:

• frequent and short trips accelerate the aging of the composition compared to long trips, urban operation is harder for engine oil than highway driving.

For instance, the amount of deposits formed in the engine in urban operation higher by 10-30% depending on the quality of the oil.

The quality of the fuel also noticeably affects the change in the composition of the oil: the use of high-sulfur fuel increases the contamination of the oil, especially during heating, the increasing acidity disrupts the work of the additives.

Oils of different compositions have different service lives.

So, mineral and semi-synthetic oils force manufacturers to introduce a sufficiently high amount of additives to compensate for the suboptimal properties of the mineral base. At the same time, when creating a synthetic oil, the necessary properties can be laid down in the very base.

That is why aging of synthetic oil takes longer - aging and deterioration of additives has less effect on its properties.

How to determine the optimal oil change interval in a car?

The simplest method is refer to the manufacturer's recommendations.

For example, Peugeot sets the frequency of engine oil change for Russia 10,000 kilometers.

This rate is lower than, say, for Western Europe: the manufacturer takes into account the more difficult operating conditions of the engine, and, consequently, the faster aging of the oil.

Another French manufacturer, Renault, sets oil change intervals for gasoline engines in 15,000 kilometers, and for diesel - 10,000. At the same time, it is indicated that it is necessary to halve the service interval in severe operating conditions (long idling, short trips).

Indeed, standing in a traffic jam with the engine running, you do not increase the mileage, while the oil ages faster than usual.

It should be noted that the oil change intervals are negotiated by the car manufacturer with the condition that the recommended oils are used. Filling the motor with a cheap semi-synthetic and, moreover, mineral oil, it cannot be expected that it will last as long as synthetics. Thus, applying less quality oils, you need to shorten the replacement intervals.

For most modern mineral oils, a mileage replacement is reasonable. 5000 kilometers, average lifespan of semisynthetics - no more than 7000.

Synthetic oils, no matter how their manufacturer insists on increasing the resource of their product at times, would be reasonable to change with a run of 10-12 thousand kilometers.

How long does it take to change synthetic oil in a VAZ 2110 and VAZ 2114 engine?

Indeed, the manufacturer, according to notice No. 41635, standardizes oil change intervals for engine oils of API SG and SJ quality groups, which have long been outdated. So after how many kilometers should you change the oil? At the same time, the frequency of oil change is set at 10,000 kilometers, which in difficult conditions is reduced up to 5-7 thousand.

It would seem that better quality oils should have a longer service life in these engines. But if you compare these numbers with the recommendations of other manufacturers, you can see that the oil change intervals for all car brands are almost equal.

Therefore, you should not increase the service mileage when using modern synthetic oil - no one can guarantee the consequences of such savings.

How to change the oil in a Renault Logan engine?

The do-it-yourself oil change procedure may differ in labor intensity. depending on the configuration and vehicle generation. So, on modern Renault logan 2nd generation oil filter access is much more difficult due to redesigned layout engine compartment and attachments.

On cars previous generation, especially in poor configurations, the filter is much more convenient to remove.

The work is most convenient to carry out on the lift by removing the crankcase guard. However, here you need to take into account that it is fastened with M6 bolts, which often break off even on cars with low mileage. In this case, you need to be prepared for the need to drill out the debris.

You don't have to remove the protection, but it should be borne in mind that when the oil filter is unscrewed, a noticeable amount of used engine oil will get on it.

Next, unscrew with a square key 8 mm drain plug pallet. While the oil is draining, unscrew oil filter located at the front of the cylinder block. Its landing plane is cleaned and installed new filter, before this the sealing gum is lubricated with oil.

It is widely believed that the oil filter must be filled with oil prior to installation. In fact, it does not make sense - to expel air from the lubrication system to the oil pump faster just through the dry filter.

When the engine oil is drained, the drain plug is returned to its place. It should be noted that its O-ring is disposable and must be replaced.

Filler neck on the Renault engines Logan conveniently located and oil filling is not a problem... After filling the crankcase to the upper mark on the dipstick, you need to start the engine, let it run a little and turn it off.

Next, you need to add oil so that its level is again just below the upper mark of the dipstick or reaches it. It should also be taken into account that the eight-valve engine and the sixteen-valve engine have different filling volumes.

The Vechmobile will work without requiring an oil change.

Clifford Simak. Ring around the sun

Why change it?

Now - a little bit of arithmetic. Suppose the instruction for the car prescribes to change the oil at least every 15,000 km. At an average speed of 50 km / h, this corresponds to 300 hours. If we take this value as a guideline, then even at a lower average speed, it is possible to change the oil after the same 300 operating hours, although the mileage will be less.

Actually, there is a fourth way. Many readers argue that one should be guided by the amount burned. Roughly speaking, burned a thousand liters of fuel - get ready to change the oil.

But this method is only suitable for pedants who have the patience to collect fuel checks and then add up the burned liters.

In addition, in this way it is difficult to compare, for example, the three-cylinder Matiz and the full-size american SUV with "eight" under the hood. Therefore, when choosing such an algorithm, you need to start from a certain average consumption for a car, taking into account its class, in order to keep your own "bookkeeping".

And the last thing. In some cases, it can serve as an impetus for an immediate oil change. For example, if a frightening drop similar to tar hangs on the engine dipstick, or, on the contrary, the consistency of oil began to resemble water, then there is no time to think. It is clear that monitoring will have to climb under the hood from time to time, but ... But we believe that this is not a bad habit.

Photo: depositphotos.com and "Behind the wheel"

For most car owners, the question: how often and when to change the engine oil simply does not exist. After all, there is service book, where it is clearly written: after 10 - 15 thousand kilometers, what is there to think about? But as we can see, neither the mode of operation of the car, nor the quality of the flooded one are taken into account here. In fact, everything is somewhat more complicated, and if you take into account only the mileage, determining when to change the oil in the engine, and do not pay attention to the operating conditions of the engine and the characteristics of the engine oil, the choice of the replacement frequency will not be optimal. I operate a car in especially harsh winter conditions, do not forget to change the oil for summer in the spring, and change the oil for winter in the fall.

Influence of engine operating conditions on oil

Equal mileage in the city and on the highway is almost a threefold difference in engine running time. For example, to overcome 15 thousand km in city mode with traffic jams and speed limits, the motor will have to work about 600 hours, outside the city no more than 250. This huge difference in operating time leads to the fact that in urban operation the oil loses its properties much faster based on mileage. After all, the temperature effect on it, even when the motor is running with a low load, is quite large. In modern powertrains, a fairly high working temperature, which enhances this effect.

On the track, loads can also vary significantly. The car at speeds up to 130 km / h does not have to experience even average loads. Therefore, the oil in the engine at such speeds undergo insignificant loads and almost does not lose its qualities. Machines with powerful motor at such speeds, they experience minimal stress at all. This means that their negative impact on engine oil in such conditions will be small.

At high speeds, together with an increase in load on power unit, the load on the oil also increases.

On cars with low-power motors and a small transmission ratio, at speeds above 130, the oil is very hard. With an increase in the load on the engine, the conditions for its operation deteriorate - the temperature of the pistons rises, the volume and pressure of crankcase gases increase, destructively acting on its base.

Optimum working conditions for engine oil

• the speed of movement, which is half of the maximum permissible for this vehicle;
• short idling time after warming up;
• good crankcase ventilation;
• compliance temperature regime ICE operation.

If we focus on car manufacturers who give recommendations on the engine oil change interval in operating hours, then the typical replacement period is from 200 to 400 hours of total engine operation in various modes, excluding long-term operation with maximum efficiency. Simple calculations show that 400 hours of engine operation in a city at an average speed of about 25 km / h corresponds to a mileage of 10,000 km. And the same hours of driving outside the city with an average speed of 60 km / h - this is already 24,000 km of run, although it is doubtful that it is necessary to delay the replacement so much.

Not all car owners had the privilege of driving exclusively on highways, and even slowly. What should those who drive mainly around the city do and, moreover, have a car with a forced engine. Apparently, shorten the oil change intervals.

A considerable influence on the frequency of replacement is also exerted by what type of engine oil is used.

Engine oil properties

The huge selection of this consumable in stores often confuses the car owner and makes him ask the seller a rather stupid question - which is better? But they are not divided into good and bad, they are all intended for different types engines. For example, what is suitable for a diesel engine is not suitable for a gasoline engine, but this does not mean that it is worse.

Any oil consists of a base and additives added to it. Basics types:

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

Mineral minerals are extremely rare in our time. They were replaced by semi-synthetic, with a higher content of additives. Their base is not persistent - the products of its decay strongly pollute the engine. The additives are also not held very reliably. And the viscosity changes significantly over time. Despite all this, the stability of this basis is enough for the recommended 10-15 thousand km of run. But under more difficult operating conditions, this interval should be reduced.

Synthetic hydrocracked oils are considered common semi-synthetics, but they are significantly better because their viscosity is more stable and the additives are held more securely. Most of the oils from car manufacturers are made on this basis. Even at high mileage, they perform better than their mineral-based competitors. They have fewer harmful decomposition products and better detergent properties.

Types of classifications

• SAE - viscosity classification;
• API - classification by purpose and quality.

The SAE class indicates the temperature range in which the oil allows the crankshaft to be cranked by the starter and is pumped through the lubrication system by the pump without allowing dry friction.

Winter classes:

Summer classes:

• 20 - min viscosity at 100 ° C 5.6 mm2 / s;
• 30 - min viscosity at 100 ° C 9.3 mm2 / s;
• 40 - min viscosity at 100 ° C 12.5 mm2 / s;
• 50 - min viscosity at 100 ° C 16.3 mm2 / s;
• 60 - min viscosity at 100 ° C 21.9 mm2 / s.

All-season are designated by two numbers, one winter class, the other summer, for example: SAE 5W-30 or SAE 10W-40. Each of them corresponds to the parameters of one winter and one summer class.

According to the API version, oils are divided into the following operational categories:

• S (Service) - for gasoline engines subdivided into quality groups, presented in chronological order;
• С (Commercial) - for diesel engines, subdivided into groups of quality and purpose, presented in time sequence;
• EU (Energy Conserving) - energy saving: a new group oils High Quality which are not overly viscous, have good fluidity and reduce fuel consumption as proven by tests carried out on gasoline engines.

Each new class indicated by the next letter in the alphabet. Universal use (for gasoline and diesel engines) are indicated by two letters, the first in the designation is the main one, the second indicates the possibility of using it in engines of a different type.

API quality classes

For gasoline:

• SM - from 30.11.04 for current multivalve and turbocharged engines, the oil is protected from oxidation with improved properties at low temperatures;
• SL - for multivalve and turbocharged engines released later than 2000, running on lean fuel mixtures... It is permissible to use when the manufacturer recommends oils of class SJ and earlier.
• SJ - for engines passenger cars, minibuses and light trucks after 1996 release. Oils of this class can be used with recommendations of SH class and earlier.
• SH - for engines manufactured later than 1994.
• SG - for engines manufactured later than 1989.
• SF - for engines manufactured later than 1980.
• SE - for engines manufactured later than 1972.

For diesel:

The consequences of exceeding the life of the oil

In cases of significant excess of the life of semi-synthetics or synthetics in the engine, coking occurs on the pistons, leading to a loss of ring mobility, a drop in compression and increased wear of parts piston group, as well as an increase in oil consumption due to the occurrence of rings.

Engine oil protects the engine from overheating and corrosion, slows down wear of rubbing parts and neutralizes the effect of harmful products of incomplete combustion of fuel - carbon deposits and soot. During the operation of the car, the oil loses its useful properties and requires periodic replacement.

How do the characteristics of an engine oil change as we age?

1. Loss of initial viscosity.

• The increase in viscosity occurs due to the accumulation of soot and carbon deposits in it, and as the light hydrocarbon fractions contained in the fresh oil evaporate.
• If the viscosity is less than normal, then fuel or water has got into the oil.

2. Violation of the thermal stability of the oil. Old oil can easily overheat, which leads to intense formation of solid deposits (coke) and accelerates wear and tear of engine parts, causing them to break.

3.Reduction of flash point. The penetration of volatile fuel fractions into the oil leads to a decrease in the flash point.

4. Deterioration of the protective and detergent properties of the oil, preventing wear and corrosion of engine parts. The reason may be the ingress of antifreeze into the oil from the engine cooling system, excess amount decomposition products of additives, dust and dirt particles.

5. Violation of the strength of the oil film.

6.Reduction of base number (oil oxidation).

Important! Any engine oil has an alkaline Total Base Number and a set of additives. The higher the TBN, the longer the oil will last.

7. Loss of fluidity. Engine oil curdles due to overheating. The reason is heavy loads on the engine, poor ventilation of the crankcase, insufficient blowing of the oil cooler, the oil level in the crankcase is below the minimum permissible, malfunctions in the cooling system.

Important! The longer the engine oil retains its characteristics, the longer the engine's service life.

How often is an engine oil change required?

The well-established opinion that the oil in the engine must be changed after 10-15 thousand kilometers, but at least once a year, is partly true. When determining the real time interval before changing the oil, it is necessary to take into account:

1. The brand and company of the manufacturer of the oil to be poured into the engine.

What kind of engine oil is:

• Synthetic oils.

Advantages:

Heat resistance. If the temperature of the oil is exceeded by 10⁰C during poor operation of the cooling system for half an hour, it causes the formation of coke and carbon deposits, polymerization, and also destroys the additives added to the oil. When heated, synthetic oils practically do not lose their viscosity. At the same time, synthetics retain their detergent and dispersant, antioxidant and anticorrosive properties until the next oil change. The disadvantage is the high cost compared to other engine oils.

• Semi-synthetic.

They are inferior to synthetic oils, as they are a mixture of high quality base oil (50 - 70%) and mineral oil (30 - 50%) with the addition of various additives. For example, if mineral oil loses fluidity in winter at a temperature of -35⁰C, then semi-synthetic oil is poured into the engine of a car operating in less severe conditions - at a temperature of no more than minus 20⁰C. Semi-synthetics are popular with motorists, since the technical characteristics are worse than those of synthetic oils, but the cost, depending on the brand, is several times less.

• Synthetic oils based on PAO.

PJSC - completely synthetic oil obtained by the synthesis of polyalphaolefins. Advantages: resistance to oxidation under temperature overload and improved antifriction properties, which reduce fuel consumption, made this oil popular with racers and fans of fast and aggressive driving.

• Hydrocracking oils.

While PAO synthetics is produced from gas, HC-synthetic oil is produced from heavy oil products. Oil produced using hydrocracking technology is 20-30% cheaper than PJSC, and is practically not inferior in anything in terms of technical specifications, except for thermal stability. PAO synthetics have two times better resistance to thermal overloads, and the oil change interval is longer.

• Ester oils.

They are made on the basis of ethers. The main advantage is that during a cold start of the engine dry friction of engine parts is eliminated due to the presence of a constant oil film that can withstand a load of 22 thousand kg / cm². For comparison, an oil film of PAO synthetics holds an impact load of 6500 kg / cm². Lack of esters is one of the most expensive types of oil.

• Polyglycolic oils.

It is 70% a mixture of PAO and esters, to which PAG polyester (polyalkylene glycol) has been added. The "cleanest" oil with excellent performance when starting the engine in winter cold. The viscosity of this oil is 180 units. For a long time it does not lose its properties and therefore it is called "oil for the lazy", since PAG oil has the largest motor resource.

2.Conditions of operation. The rate at which the oil ages depends on the nature of the journey. Severe operating conditions are driving a car in urban conditions in a ragged rhythm, when the trip alternates with long standing in traffic jams and forced mode in free areas. But trips on intercity routes at top speeds also negatively affect the oil resource.

3.Features of your own car. Majority automobile concerns it is not advised to change the recommended for this car brand of oil. Switching to another oil can lead to unpredictable consequences. If the car owner decides to take such a step, then when choosing an oil, you need to consult with specialists.

4. The money factor. The table will help you compare engine oils by price (approximate, of course).

How do I change the engine oil?

The oil is changed at the dealer's auto centers or at the stations Maintenance... For those who want to do it on their own, but do not have the skill, it is recommended to watch the video.

• Cars that are under warranty are filled with oil of that brand and within the terms indicated in the service book.
• The usual oil change interval is 10 thousand kilometers. Taking into account the operating conditions, driving style, vehicle features, the replacement frequency can be reduced to 5-8 thousand km or increased to 15,000 km.
• The use of oil with an extended service life of up to 20-30 thousand km requires agreement with the manufacturer.
• Together with the oil change, the filter also changes. If the engine after overhaul, then after 3 thousand kilometers, only the oil filter changes.

Outcome

It is better to entrust the oil change to a professional - a mistake can cost you the breakdown of the entire engine. If it is not possible to use the services of the service, try to choose the oil as accurately as possible and approach the replacement procedure as responsibly as possible.

As you know, engine oil is a working fluid in. The main function of the material is to protect loaded mating elements from dry friction by creating an oil film. Also, the lubricant allows for effective cleaning of the oil system, acts as a neutralizer of oxidative processes, removes excess heat from parts and assemblies to prevent local overheating, etc.

Taking into account significant temperature fluctuations and high heating, as well as due to active chemical processes to which it is exposed lubricant inside, engine oil is prone to accelerated aging and rapid loss of its beneficial properties. It becomes clear that the lubricant is consumable, at the same time, the required frequency of oil change is strictly defined for any engine. In parallel, a number of specific factors can additionally influence the life of the material.

Next, we'll talk about why you need to change the oil in your engine and how often you need to change the oil. It will also consider such issues as the minimum oil change interval, how long it takes to change the oil in the engine in terms of time and mileage, whether the oil in the engine is often changed and what conditions the change intervals depend on.

Read in this article

Why you need to change the engine oil

As already mentioned, the lubricant, even in an absolutely serviceable engine, is subject to a natural aging process. This means that its properties, one way or another, deteriorate as a result of oxidation, as well as in connection with the gradual cessation of operation (operation) of active additives and detergents in the composition of the lubricant.

Ultimately, the oil accumulates a large amount of soot, wear products and other contaminants, the viscosity-temperature characteristics are violated (the lubricant thickens, blackens), the shear stability under load changes, the strength of the oil film, etc. Prolonged driving on dirty lubricant leads to clogging of filters and channels of the oil system with deposits, the resource of the internal combustion engine is also greatly reduced.

The fact is that the engine in this case is much less protected from mechanical wear at the interface of the loaded elements. Also, as a result of a significant change in the viscosity index towards an increase, there is a general deterioration in the pumpability of the oil through the system. Together with a decrease in throughput and / or clogging of oil channels (the power unit begins to experience), significant engine wear occurs.

In parallel, it should be noted that various ICE malfunctions also affect the properties of the oil. For example, dust and dirt entering through the intake, oil dilution due to leaks into the fuel crankcase, penetration. In these cases, wear is also significantly increased, and engine seizure can occur.

Determine when to change the oil in the engine

So, it is quite obvious that the lubricant in the motor needs to be replaced. At the same time, it is important to clearly understand when to change the oil. Taking into account the fact that the material in the internal combustion engine is aging, it turns out that the more often it is replaced, the better. However, it should be borne in mind that too early replacements in many cases are not needed.

This approach is irrational, as it will lead to serious financial costs, and the benefits for the motor may not be so obvious. For this reason, service intervals should be calculated taking into account a number of additional factors and features. Otherwise, you need to know on what basis and how to choose the correct replacement intervals.

At the very beginning, we note that there simply does not exist an unambiguous and accurate answer, after how many kilometers, engine hours or months to change the oil. There is only the engine manufacturer's recommended oil change interval, which is indicated in the owner's manual. At the same time, in many cases, the frequency of replacements remains rather individual.

• Most importantly, do not exceed the grease life. To do this, do not rely solely on the recommendations of the vehicle manufacturers. For example, if the manual says that replacement should be done every 15 thousand km, then this does not mean that you always need to adhere to only such an interval.
• You also do not need to rely on the statements of oil manufacturers in the fuel and lubricants markets. Even if a high-quality oil from the Longlife line is used (for example, with an extended service life up to 30 or 50 thousand km.), There is no guarantee that the lubricant normally runs out for the entire declared resource or even half of that mileage.

The fact is that the manufacturers of both internal combustion engines and oils indicate highly averaged indicators. In other words, many external factors that reduce oil life are simply not considered. Let's figure it out.

Let's start with the service interval in the manual. As a rule, you can find an indication that the oil needs to be changed, for example, every 15-20 thousand km. or at least once every 12 months (whichever comes first). However, it should be understood that such recommendations of auto manufacturers are average for a particular type of engine.

This does not take into account the general air pollution, fuel quality, individual properties of a particular engine oil, individual characteristics of vehicle operation, etc. Only in some cases can the manufacturer take into account regional peculiarities separately, but this practice is more typical for cars that are specially developed for specific markets. This does not apply to mass models.

It should also be added that the car manufacturer itself is not particularly interested in the engine working for the maximum possible period. The main task becomes a serviceable ICE operation during warranty period, then the unit must go through a certain average number of operating hours to maintain the prestige and confirm the competitiveness of the brand.

It turns out that it is more profitable for the manufacturer to extend the service interval for a new car under warranty, which makes the product more attractive and convenient for the client, but at the expense of the internal combustion engine resource. At the same time, there is also no particular interest in further extending this resource. What's more, breakdowns after the end of the warranty period is a proven way to get customers to change their car for a new one rather than doing repairs.

It becomes clear that for auto manufacturers, the service interval today is a marketing ploy, since it implies the opportunity to offer customers reduced costs for warranty service... If we talk about the motor and its resource in the long term, then the interval stated in the vehicle maintenance and operation manual can be greatly increased.

Now let's move on to the oils. Many modern products are positioned as motor oils with an extended service life (service interval). As a rule, such a grease has an additional Longlife mark. At the same time, it is a mistake to believe that this oil can be safely poured into any engine and changed at an increased interval.

1. First of all, the ICE manufacturer must separately indicate that in the case of using the Longlife oil group, an increase in the service interval is allowed for a specific type of engine.
2. Longlife oil must also be approved by the engine manufacturer for use in its engine, that is, the product of a particular brand must undergo a separate certification.
3. The engine manufacturer only permits the use of oils according to the Longlife scheme if the vehicle is used exclusively in the prescribed operating conditions and is under conditions suitable for the use of lubricants according to the extended drain schedule.

If everything is more or less clear with the first and second points, then questions about the third position immediately arise. Usually, there is no detailed description of the "optimal" modes, while the declared extended oil change intervals are calculated based on these modes.

We add that, based on practical use, an increase in the interval for Longlife oil is possible if the car constantly drives on the highway with medium engine loads. At the same time, high-quality fuel is poured, high-quality filters are installed, there is no dust on the roads, etc.

It is noteworthy that such conditions are quite real for developed countries, which cannot be said about cars that are operated in large cities or drive on the highway in the territory of the CIS countries. For such machines, the so-called severe operating conditions are more relevant, while any lubricant ages very quickly. In view of the above, replacing old used oil (both regular and Longlife) is only desirable with a decrease, and not with an increase in the interval.

What affects engine oil life

• seasonality;
• operating modes;
• fuel quality;
• oil base;
• the efficiency of the filters;
• the general condition of the internal combustion engine;

Some of these factors can be influenced by the driver himself (choose high-quality oils and filters, monitor the operation of the engine and troubleshoot in a timely manner), while other features cannot be changed, that is, they must be additionally taken into account. Subsequent analysis allows you to more accurately determine in what conditions the vehicle is operated.

The fact is that the frequency of engine oil changes is highly dependent on the operating conditions. If the machine is subjected to so-called harsh conditions, the oil change interval is necessarily reduced.

• Severe conditions should be understood to mean certain conditions. These include long-term downtime of the car, after which trips are made, but then the car stops again. This mode especially greatly reduces the lubricant resource in winter. The fact is that condensate accumulates inside the engine, chemical processes are activated, and oil is oxidized.

On motors that are operated daily and warm up to operating temperatures, the formation of condensation is less intense. At the same time, even constant, but short trips, during which the internal combustion engine does not reach operating temperatures, still do not allow the formation of condensation to be prevented.

• Driving in the city at low speeds, traffic jams, frequent accelerations and stops. This mode is difficult for the motor, since heavy loads on the internal combustion engine arise precisely during the start of movement from a standstill. Moreover, on low revs oil pressure is not high, its heating increases, engine coking occurs, etc.

As for traffic jams and downtime at traffic lights, the engine in this case runs at idle. Mode idle move it is also considered heavy for the engine, since the power unit cools worse, runs on lean mixture, oil pressure is not high.

• Poor quality fuels also greatly affect the properties of the oil. The fact is that combustion products accumulate in the lubricant, impairing the useful properties of the material. It is important to understand that the recommendations for replacement intervals in the service book are often indicated for fuel that meets European standards. There is simply no such fuel on the territory of the CIS.
• Frequent loads on car engine, riding with maximum speed on the high revs, trailer towing, constant transportation of a large number of passengers and cargo.

In these cases, the engine must be "turned" in order to get more power from it. It is quite obvious that the oil in this case oxidizes faster and loses its properties. By the way, riding in mountainous or hilly terrain with alternating long ups and downs is also a difficult condition. On uphills, the driver loads the engine, and on downhills, engine braking is often used.

• Driving on dirt roads, vehicle operation in conditions of increased air pollution. In this case, the oil actively accumulates pollution from the environment, the lubricant resource is noticeably reduced.

As you can see, domestic operating conditions are far from the "calculated" ideal and can be fully considered difficult. For this reason, the relubrication intervals must be adjusted separately, taking into account the above factors.

Oil operation in practice

To determine which replacement interval is better to adhere to, one should proceed from:

• features of operation;
• operating modes;
• quality ( basic framework) oils;

If the car is operated in the CIS, and a mineral or is used, then it is recommended to reduce the replacement interval by 50-70% from that stated in the manual. In other words, if the instructions provide for a planned replacement after 10 or 15 thousand km. in terms of mileage, and also at least once a year in time, then the lubricant must be changed every 5 thousand km. or every 6 months (whichever comes first).

Checking the oil level in the engine, determining the exact indicator. When is it best to check the lubricant level on a cold or hot engine. Helpful hints.