1. Don’t ALL engine oils do the same job?
Motor oils are complex compounds consisting of base oils with several additives for various functions.
These functions include:
a. Lubricating moving parts and reducing friction and thereby reducing wear (base oils and antiwear additives as well as friction modifiers)
b. Keep the engine clean from sludge and varnish (using dispersant and detergent additives).
c. Neutralizes acid which results from combustion.
d. Prevents or reduces oxidation of the lubricant.
e. Improves sealing of piston rings via a layer of lubricant on the cylinder walls.
f. Cool engine components by removing heat away from the parts.
g. Inhibits corrosion of engine parts (corrosion inhibitors)
h. Handle extreme pressures (using EP additives).
i. Protect sealing and gasket materials in the engine from premature degradation.
With such varying demands placed on engine oils as well as the type and quality of the additives used, there can be much variation in the performance of oils. So while most modern engine oils perform these functions, the extent to which they perform each of these and protect your engine, may vary.
2. Why do I need specific engine oils with manufacturer approvals for my European vehicle?
The different OEMs worldwide create different engines which have different requirements and therefore require different oils which meet certain specifications. These specifications are arrived at after extensive study, research, and tests are conducted. The manufacturer approval means that the oils meet the performance demands placed on it by the manufacturer and are therefore suitable for use in their engines.
3. Are the Fuchs Titan engine oils suitable for use in my Japanese or Korean vehicle?
Yes, Titan oils are suitable for use in the Japanese and Korean made vehicles. Important is that the manufacturer’s specifications are fulfilled. Titan oils also meet and exceed American Petroleum Institute (API) specifications.
4. The car manufacturer recommends 0W-30; 5W-30; or 5W-40 for my vehicle. My mechanic suggests that I use 15W-40 or 20W-50 engine oils in my modern European vehicle because we are in the tropics where it is hot (ambient temperature 35-40C). Which advice should I follow?
In general FUCHS technical experts always recommend to follow the recommendation of the manufacturer. They have designed, engineered and built the engines and know the technical requirements of the engine oils for their engines. Also, viscosity recommendation is but one property of the oil; the other functions of the engine oil have to also be considered. Purchasing engine oils by viscosity only is analogous to buying shoes by size only. You may wear a size 10 shoe but you have to also consider what is the function of the shoe before purchasing i.e. whether you will use it for running, hiking, dancing, construction work etc.
5. Why are vehicle manufacturer approvals important when choosing an engine oil?
The different OEMs worldwide create different engines which have different requirements and therefore require different oils which meet certain specifications. These specifications are arrived at after extensive study, research, and tests are conducted. The manufacturer approval means that the oils meet the performance demands placed on it by the manufacturer. Such demands may also include protecting the exhaust catalyst or after-treatment systems.
6. The oil filler cap on my vehicle has a specific oil manufacturer listed. Can I use another brand of engine oil in my vehicle?
Yes! Certainly! As long as the other brand of oil fulfills the specifications and approvals indicated by the vehicle / engine manufacturer.
7. Can using the incorrect engine oil harm the catalyst and exhaust after-treatment systems on my vehicle?
Yes it can! HIGH SAPS can affect the catalyst and the particle filter and can negatively impact the performance. Sulphur, sulphated ashes, phosphorous compounds plug the filter and poison the catalyst surface. Certain additives used for other functions in the oil, may produce harmful by-products during the combustion process which could also harm the catalyst material.
8. What factors should I consider when choosing an engine oil for my vehicle?
Vehicle Manufacturer Specifications and approvals.
Please check out our “oil chooser” at https://www.fuchs.com.
Also shown in the video attached.