Frequently Asked Questions

In general, these are substances that reduce friction when placed between two surfaces with relative motion.

There are lubricants with different grades and viscosities, although their functions have a lot of similarities:

• Reduce friction between two metal surfaces.

• Protect mechanical components from wear and corrosion.

• Clean and cool engines.

• Act as a sealant between the segments/pistons and jackets in order to prevent gas leaks from occurring inside the combustion chamber.

• To reduce friction between two metal surfaces.

• To protect the mechanical parts from wear and corrosion.

• To clean and cool them.

• In engines, the lubricant acts as a sealant between segments/piston and sleeves, avoiding compression leaks.

• Most oils on the market (gasoline oil or diesel engine oil, mineral oil or synthetic oil), can be mixed between them. 

• However, since mixing two qualities of different oils reduces the quality of the oil, it is not recommended.

• Although many lubricants are formulated to be used in both gasoline engine oil and diesel engine oil vehicles, some lubricants are designed especially for gasoline engines, and others for diesel engines. 

• It is important to ensure suitability prior to use.

Crude oil, as it is extracted from the oil well, is not usable for industrial and automotive applications. For this reason, it has to be subjected to special treatments in specific plants, refineries, where a great variety of products is obtained. Among these products, those that are used for the manufacture of lubricants are the so-called base oils, which can be:

Minerals:

• Obtained directly from petroleum. They are the most widely used.

Synthetics:

• Made with bases that come from complex transformations or synthesis.

Semi-synthetic:

• Mixture of the two above.

Thus, a lubricating oil is a product formed by a base oil, generally derived from petroleum, and additives (compounds which are incorporated in small amounts into the base oils to obtain a lubricating oil finished with the quality level and type of desired application).

The origin of the base oil is not indicative of lubricant quality. In other words, a lubricant is no better or worse for being mineral or synthetic. The quality of the compounds is determined by laboratory and engine tests that the lubricant must undergo during the design phase.

• Viscosity is the resistance of a liquid to flow, and in the case of lubricants, it is an essential characteristic to take into account when selecting which is the best product for you.

• Vehicle manufacturers are responsible for establishing the most adequate viscosity for their different models, which is included in their manuals. Usually, several viscosities are recommended since it may be necessary to adapt the viscosity to the vehicle’s usage conditions and the climatic conditions.

• Viscosity is not necessarily indicative of the quality of the oil. It is just one of the properties to take into account when choosing a lubricant. However, quality level is what sets one lubricant’s properties apart from another. These quality levels are usually indicated on the label.

• The SAE organization has established an internationally accepted standard based on the differentiation of viscosity at different temperatures.

• This classification defines a series of grades for engine oils and contains two sub-classifications: one designated by a “W” which refers to the properties of the oil at low temperatures, and another without “W” which refers to the properties at high temperatures.

• Therefore, oils designated with a numerical grade followed by the letter W (such as SAE 10W) or simply with a number (such as SAE40) are called “monograde” oils. On the contrary, those which are designated by the two types of grade (such as SAE 10W-40) are called “multi-grade” because they are capable of simultaneously bringing together viscometrical properties at both low and high temperatures.

• The one recommended by the vehicle manufacturer.

• Yes. It may be necessary to adapt the viscosity according to the conditions of use of the vehicle, the environment, and climatic conditions.

• It is not recommended, but if for some reason different oils must be mixed (due to availability for instance), it is important to follow certain recommendations.

• It is a good idea to use an oil with the same level of quality as the one that is currently being used in the vehicle, and if possible, from the same manufacturer.

• TBD

• The time interval between lubricant changes is not the same for all vehicles. 

• This time interval is determined by vehicle manufacturers in accordance with the quality level of the lubricant, the engine characteristics, and the vehicle usage conditions. 

• In general, it is associated with two parameters: mileage or use time in months or years, whichever comes first.

• Some vehicles have built-in electronic systems that monitor the status of the lubricant in order to inform the driver when the oil must be changed.

• Nature of the lubricant: Mineral, semi-synthetic, synthetic. Usage tips, benefits.

• Specifications and Approvals.

• SAE viscosity.

• No. When performing its lubrication function, the oil suffers multiple assaults. 

• In particular, it is charged with impurities, combustion residues and oxidation. 

• The oil degrades and loses effectiveness. Once its lifetime is exceeded, its qualities are altered and no longer guarantee the protection of the engine elements: it is necessary, therefore, to change the oil according the manufacturer’s guidelines.

• The oil level should be checked periodically (every 1000 km), and especially before a long journey.

• The dark color of the lubricant does not necessarily mean that it is not in good condition, but rather indicates that it is working properly. Soot and other impurities are generated during the engine combustion process, and the lubricant must trap these.

• One of the lubricant’s functions is to keep the engines internal components clean, due to which it darkens over time.

• Always follow the recommendation of the manufacturer. It is a good practice to replace the filter at time of oil change.

• The quality of the oils and their biodegradability is improving every day, but these products at the end of their useful life contain contaminating particles.

• You must always place them in the special containers placed by the administrations for this purpose, or in the nearest workshop, to be treated by an authorized waste manager.

• Modern lubricants must be put through field trials/testing to certify that they lower fuel consumption or certain properties inherent to that feature are required. 

• Some manufacturers’ specifications highlight the fuel saving properties of the product, which are normally used to promote it.

• They are lubricants that are specifically designed for diesel vehicles that have particulate filters (DPF) as an exhaust gas treatment system. 

• These lubricants must have an appropriate composition to make them compatible with this type of device.

• It is an exhaust gas treatment system that reduces the emission of particles into the atmosphere, particularly the soot produced by combustion in diesel vehicles. 

• DPFs can deteriorate if the correct oils are not used.