Engine oil is essential to keep your car running smoothly—it lubricates, protects, and cools engine components. But with modern engines becoming more advanced, choosing the correct oil is more critical than ever.

Why the Right Oil Matters

Using the wrong oil can lead to:

• Reduced fuel efficiency
• Faster wear and tear on engine parts
• Shortened engine life

Every engine is designed to use oil with a specific viscosity and specification. Choosing oil that doesn’t meet your car manufacturer’s standards may result in poor performance and even costly damage—especially if your vehicle is still under warranty.

Understanding Engine Oil Specifications

Look for these key industry standards on the oil label:

• API (American Petroleum Institute): 

  - “S” series: For petrol engines

  - “C” series: For diesel engines

  - Terms like “SN Plus” or “Resource Conserving” reflect added performance benefits

• ACEA (European classification):

  - A: Petrol engines

  - B: Diesel engines

  - C: Low SAPS for emission system compatibility

Many manufacturers also have their own oil specifications. Always prioritize what’s recommended in your vehicle’s manual—e.g., “VW 507.00” for Volkswagen.

Viscosity Grade: What Do 5W-30 or 10W-40 Mean?

Viscosity refers to how thick or fluid the oil is:

• The first number (before “W”) shows how the oil performs in cold temperatures
• The second number shows how it performs at engine operating temperature

For example:

• 5W-30 flows well in cold weather and maintains good protection when hot
• 10W-40 is thicker and may be better for older engines or high-load conditions

Check your owner’s manual to know which viscosity your engine needs.

Oil Types: What’s the Difference?

• Conventional oil: Affordable and suitable for basic driving needs
• Synthetic oil: More durable and cleaner, ideal for modern engines
• Synthetic blend: Balanced performance and cost, great for heavy loads
• High-mileage oil: Designed for older engines, with extra protection additives

Always follow your manufacturer’s recommendation when choosing the oil type.

Petrol vs Diesel Engines: Different Oils for Different Needs

Diesel engines often require higher-viscosity oil with more cleaning additives. Petrol engines typically use lighter oils with less detergent

Never interchange the two—always choose oil based on your engine type.