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The usefulness of engine oils cannot be overestimated. Engine oil is essential for your vehicle to run smoothly. Because it is so important to your car’s efficient operation, you must ensure that you purchase only the best engine oil available for your vehicle from us. Most times, you can find the type of oil that your vehicle needs at the oil cap in your engine.
Your engine’s oil is the lifeblood of your vehicle, so learning a thing or two about the importance of engine oil and which kind is best suited for your vehicle is necessary. So, keep reading to learn about engine oil, the comparisons, and differences between conventional and synthetic engine oil, and find out why it matters to know which kind of engine oil is best for your vehicle.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Choosing the Right Engine Oil
How to Choose between Synthetic and Conventional Engine Oil
Engine Oil Reviews
Where to Buy Engine Oil in Nigeria
Frequently Asked Questions about Engine Oil
Conclusion
Engine oil is a substance that consists of base oil enhanced with various additives, particularly antiwear additives, detergents, dispersants, and for multi-grade oils, viscosity index improvers. Motor oil is used for lubrication of internal combustion engines. The main function of motor oil is to reduce friction and wear on moving parts and to clean the engine from sludge (one of the functions of dispersants) and varnish (detergents). It also neutralizes acids that originate from fuel and from oxidation of the lubricant (detergents), improves sealing of piston rings, and cools the engine by carrying heat away from moving parts.
Choosing the Right Engine Oil
To choose the right engine oil for your vehicles, use the viscosity grade(s) recommended by the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) for the life of the engine and especially during the engine’s warranty period. Viscosity grades are primarily recommended according to the expected ambient temperatures, particularly the starting temperatures.
When choosing an engine oil, you can also refer to the standards of the product. This information allows you to:
– know the type of engine, the engine oil is designed for (diesel or petrol
– know its performance level
– know if the oil meets your automotive manufacturer’s recommendations
On the current market, three standards are used to describe engine oils.
The ACEA Standard
This is the standard of the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (“Association des Constructeurs Européens Automobile” in French). It is a quality indicator that is determined by a letter and a number (e.g. A1). The letter indicates the type of engine:
A: oil designed for petrol engines
B: oil designed for private car diesel engines
C: for light engines equipped with catalytic converters or particulate filters
E: for commercial vehicles and trucks.
The number indicates the specific performances the oil must provide.
ACEA 2016 defines
– 3 category combinations for petrol and diesel engines: A3/B3, A3/B4, A5/B5
– 5 categories for vehicles with a pollution control device: C1, C2, C3, C4, C5
– 4 categories for commercial vehicles and trucks E4, E6, E7, E9, of which two are for vehicles with a pollution control device: E6 and E9.
The SAE Standard
Determined by the Society of Automotive Engineers, this standard describes the degree of oil viscosity. It is indicated on the front of the container: the 00w00 index.
The API Standard
Established by the American Petroleum Institute. It classifies the product according to several criteria: dispersive power, and protection against wear, oxidation, corrosion and detergents. The standard consists of two letters: S for petrol engines, or C for diesel engines. The second letter indicates the oil’s performance. The “further” the letter is in the alphabet, the higher the quality of the oil. For example, an SH oil will have a lower performance than an SN oil.
To know the standard required for your vehicle, see your vehicle owner’s handbook or get advice from a professional.
How to choose between synthetic and conventional oil
Premium conventional oil: This is the standard new-car oil. All leading brands have these oils, which are available in several viscosities and tested under the latest API service level. Automakers usually specify a 5W-20 or 5W-30 oil for colder temperatures, with a 10W-30 oil as optional for higher ambient temperatures. These three ratings cover most light-duty vehicles on the road. Even more important, though, is changing the oil and filter regularly. We recommend changing your oil every 4,000 miles or four months. The absolute minimum is twice a year. If your car has an electronic oil-change indicator on its instrument cluster, follow its guidance instead and be sure to reset it once your oil change is done.
Full synthetic oil: Oils made for high-tech engines or heavy-duty uses, be it a Ford F-150 that tows frequently or a Chevrolet corvette with the latest supercharged LS engine, are full of synthetic additives. These oils’ labels indicate whether they’ve passed stringent special tests for superior, longer-lasting performance in all the critical areas, from viscosity index to protection against deposits. They flow better at low temperatures and maintain peak viscosity at high temperatures. So, why shouldn’t everyone use them? These oils are expensive and not every engine needs them. There may even be some features that your engine needs that synthetic oils don’t have. Again, follow the guidance in your owner’s manual.
Synthetic blend oil: These have a dose of synthetic oil mixed with organic oil, and are formulated to provide protection for somewhat heavier engine loads and high temperatures. This generally means they are less volatile, so they evaporate far less, which reduces oil loss and increases fuel economy. These oils are popular with drivers of pickups or SUVs who want extra protection for activities that put more stress on the engine, such as hauling heavy loads. They are also much less expensive than full synthetics, sometimes just pennies more than a premium conventional oil.
Higher-mileage oil: Today’s vehicles simply last longer. If you prefer to pay off your car and run the mileage well into the six figures, you have another oil choice, oils formulated for higher-mileage vehicles. Almost two-thirds of the vehicles on the road have more than 75,000 miles on the odometer. Consequently, oil companies identified this as an area of customer interest, and have new oils they’re recommending for these vehicles.
When your vehicle is somewhat older and has considerably more mileage, you may notice a few oil stains on the garage floor. Engine seals such as those around the crankshaft may have hardened and lost their flexibility, so they leak and may crack, especially at lower temperatures. You’ll need to check your oil levels more frequently and may need to top off your oil between oil changes.
Higher-mileage oils are formulated with conditioners that flow into the pores of the engine seals to restore their shape and increase their flexibility. Most rubber seals are designed to swell just enough to stop leaks, and oil refiners pick their “reswelling” ingredients carefully. Valvoline showed us the performance data of one of their seal conditioners that caused most seal materials to swell while reducing the swelling of one seal material that tended to expand too much from the ingredients found in some other engine oils.
Engine Oil Reviews
Shell Helix HX3 20W-50 1L
This Shell Helix HX3 20W-50 1L helps provide reliable protection for older, high mileage engines. Formulated with active cleansing technology to help prevent dirt sludge building up therefore assisting to protect prolong the life of the engine. Our Shell Helix HX3 20W-50 1L can be used for petrol, diesel and gas engines. The higher viscosity of Shell Helix HX3 helps to reduce oil consumption.
Technical Specifications of Shell Helix HX3 20W-50 1L
Brand: Shell
Product type: Engine oil for passenger car
Specification: API SL/CF
SAE Grade: 20W-50
Multi-fuel capability: Can be used for gasoline, diesel and gas engines.
Premium mineral oil with superior quality
Active cleansing technology
Helps to protect against harmful sludge and varnish deposits
Anti-wear additive
Multi-fuel capability
Provides reliable wear protection
High viscosity
Helps to reduce leaks in older, high-mileage engines.
Shell Helix HX5 15W-40
Shell Helix HX5 15W-40 Premium multigrade motor oil helps to remove sludge from dirty engines.
Helps to protect against wear and neutralise corrosive combustion acids.
Has high total base number (TBN) to help combat corrosion and help to prevent engine damage and prolong engine life.
Suitable for gasoline, diesel and gas engines; also suitable for biodiesel and gasoline/ethanol blends.
Specifications: API SN; ACEA A3/B3.
Shell Helix HX7 10W-40 Synthetic Engine Oil
This Shell Helix HX7 10W-40 Synthetic Engine Oil helps to keep engines clean and running efficiently. Makes use of both synthetic and mineral base stocks to achieve higher performance levels than can be formulated from mineral oils alone and helps to extend engine life by protecting against wear, even in daily traffic conditions.
Makes use of both synthetic and mineral base stocks to achieve higher performance levels than can be formulated from mineral oils.
Helps to extend engine life by protecting against wear, even in daily traffic conditions.
For gasoline, diesel and gas engines. It is also suitable for biodiesel and gasoline/ethanol blends.
Specifications: API SN/CF; ACEA A3/B3, A3/B4; JASO SG+; MB approval 229.3; VW 502 00/505 00; Renault RN0700, RN0710. Meets the requirements of Fiat 955535-G2.
Shell Helix Ultra 5W-40 4L
This Shell Helix Ultra 5W-40 4L is a fully synthetic motor oil scientifically formulated with ultimate active cleansing technology. It works harder to protect than conventional motor oils by continuously preventing dirt and sludge build up for better responsiveness and improved performance, enabling your engine to operate at its full potential right up to the next oil change.
Specifications of Shell Helix Ultra 5W-40 4L
Unsurpassed sludge protection – no other motor oil can keep your engine closer to factory clean 1.
Exceptional protection and cleansing, even at the longest manufacturer-recommended oil-drain intervals.
Approved for use by numerous makers of high-performance vehicles and is the only motor oil used by Ferrari.
Specifications: API SN/CF; ACEA A3/B3, A3/B4; BMW LL-01; MB approval 229.5, 226.5; VW 502.00/505.00; Porsche A40; Renault RN0700, RN0710; PSA B71 2296, Ferrari. Meets the requirements of Fiat 9.55535-Z2 and Chrysler MS-10725.
Where to Buy Engine Oil in Nigeria
You can buy quality engine oil in Nigeria from the offices below:
GZ Industrial Supplies Ikeja
18 Adesina Street Off Obafemi Awolowo Way,
Ikeja, Lagos.
Tel. +234 8181069339, +234 7031515985, +234 8060907072
WhatsApp: +234 8181069339
GZ Industrial Supplies Lekki
Suite 10, Olive Plaza by Osapa London Bus Stop,
Lekki, Lagos
Tel. +234 8181069339, +234 8053390169 +234 8060907072
GZ Industrial Supplies Apapa
10 Apapa Oshodi Expressway, Coconut Bus stop Opposite Total Jetty,
Apapa, Lagos
Tel. +234 8181069339, +234 7031515985, +234 8060907072
GZ Industrial Supplies Port Harcourt
238 Aba Road, Onyejieke’s Plaza beside Fidelity Bank,
Rumuogba, Port Harcourt.
Tel. +234 8181069339, +234 8053390169 +234 8060907072
GZ Industrial Supplies Calabar
30/32 Ndidem Usang Iso Road,
Marian, Calabar.
Tel. +234 8181069339, +234 8053390169 +234 8060907072
GZ Industrial Supplies Abuja
Shop 016, Zitel Plaza, Plot 227 P.O.W. Mafemi Crescent.
Utako, Abuja
Tel. +234 8053390161,+234 9121740191
GZ Industrial Supplies Ogba
79 Yaya Abatan, by College Road
Ogba, Lagos
Tel. +234 8181069339, +234 8053390169 +234 8060907072
GZ Industrial Supplies Sango Ota
Km 42 Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway,
Opposite Coronation Power and Gas Limited,
Ado-Odo/Ota, Ogun State
Tel. +234 8181069339, +234 9055793557
WhatsApp: +234 9055793557 +234 8181069339.
Frequently Asked Questions about Engine Oil
How often should I change my oil?
In the past, conventional wisdom suggested changing your oil every 3,000 miles. However, both cars and oils have come a long way since then. In most cases, you can comfortably drive for 5,000 to 7,500 miles between oil changes. Synthetic oil can help take you even farther, lasting anywhere from 10,000 to 20,000 miles.
To really gauge when your oil needs changing, we recommend that you keep an eye on it personally. Newer vehicles are equipped with an oil monitoring system, but you can always do it the old-fashioned way by checking your engine’s dipstick. New oil looks light amber and darkens over time. Inspect it every thousand miles up to the recommended change interval. Soon, you’ll know which shade of dark brown means it’s time for a change.
What is the difference between conventional oil and synthetic oil?
You might be surprised to learn that both conventional and synthetic oils are derived from crude oil. However, synthetic oil is manufactured with far fewer impurities and is less susceptible to breakdown. As a result of being cleaner and more refined, synthetic engine oil will flow better (higher viscosity) regardless of the temperature of the engine.
Synthetic motor oil does not break down nearly as fast as conventional motor oil. So while you may be used to changing your oil every 3,000 miles or so with conventional oil, you’ll likely only need to replace your synthetic oil about once every 6,000-7,500 miles.
Simply put, synthetic engine oil is just better for your vehicle. In fact, many vehicles are now manufactured featuring engines that require synthetic engine oil.
There are also synthetic blends, which provide extra protection at a more affordable price point. However, you shouldn’t expect these oils to perform at the same level as a full synthetic.
How does Oil protect my Engine?
By cleaning the engine. Our shell helix oils are designed to clear away dirt, debris and deposits from engine components and to prevent blockages in important oil ways. The oil helps to lock up the dirt and render it harmless until it is removed at the next oil change.
By reducing friction and minimizing wear – Engine oils form a protective film over your engine components and have special additives that act between the moving surfaces to prevent contact and reduce drag. This helps your engine to operate as quietly and effectively as the designers intended.
By removing heat – Engine oils carry heat away from hot areas, such as around the piston rings where the temperature can reach up to 320°C, and redistribute it around the engine.
By preventing corrosion and rust. Engine oils help to protect your hardworking engine components from corrosion beyond the normal oil change interval. Benchmarking studies show that shell helix oils provide best-in-class protection and helps to extend your engine’s life and avoid some expensive repairs.
Conclusion
Before you buy an engine oil, always check the owner’s manual to see what kind of oil you should be using in your car. That includes knowing the grade, which is often expressed as numbers such as 10W-30. You’ll also want to know if your vehicle requires synthetic oil, which isn’t uncommon among performance and luxury vehicles.
An engine oil’s operating temperature does not change significantly even in different ambient temperatures, so the recommended viscosity is quite consistent for various applications. The main difference is the viscosity grade “W,” which relates to the starting temperature, as this will determine the lubricant viscosity, its pumpability and readiness to lubricate the engine.
A 5W viscosity grade requires the lubricant to flow properly at lower temperatures than, for example, a 15W viscosity grade, so it is expected to be used at lower starting temperatures. In tropical weather, most OEMs still recommend multi-grade products, such as SAE 15W-40, because the lubricant flows faster through the engine than a pure SAE 40 even at higher ambient temperatures.
You should also know that oil filters are almost as important as the oil itself, helping prevent foreign debris from damaging the engine. We recommend an OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) oil filter, which is tested extensively for your vehicle.
It is very essential that you change your oil and filter at or before the end of oil-change intervals indicated by your vehicle manufacturer. These are based on distance travelled or time. Regular oil changing helps to keep your engine oil in good condition and provide the best protection for all of your engine components.
Contact GZ Industrial Supplies for more information about engine oil and how to choose the right engine oil for your vehicles.