Should I use mineral motor oil. Mineral oil. Where it is used and how it differs from synthetics. Synthetics are pure motor

We continue to publish articles from the series "What will happen if ...". Today we will discuss what will happen if mineral oil is added to the engine, where there is already synthetic oil.

Disputes about what will happen if mineral oil is poured into synthetic engine oil and vice versa have been going on for more than a year. Some say that such a "cocktail" can cause irreparable harm to the motor. Others argue that there should be no problems, emphasizing that the main thing is to pour oil from the same manufacturer.

Let's see if it's so harmful to the motor - to mix mineral oil with synthetic oil.

What is engine oil for?

A motor without oil, as experiments show, can work. But - not for long, and after such a "dry" operation, the engine can be safely sent to scrap metal. The fact is that engine oil performs several important functions:

Protects friction surfaces from wear, seizing and other damage;

Minimizes energy losses due to friction;

It is a cleaning of the engine system;

Removes heat from friction surfaces;

Reduces noise and vibration of gears, reduces shock loads.

In a word, it ensures long and trouble-free operation of the car engine.

What is the difference between "mineral water" and "synthetics"

Let's remember what is part of mineral and what is synthetic motor oil.

Mineral oils are products of direct petroleum refining, which are characterized by instability of their characteristics and a high degree of volatility. To make such oils more efficient, a large amount of stabilizing additives are added to them, which are prone to relatively rapid destruction. Because of this, mineral oil is recommended to be changed to "fresh" as often as possible.

Synthetic oils are products obtained by synthesis, and their characteristics (viscosity, flash and pour points, base and acid numbers) can be set during production. The properties of such oils are stable, and their relatively high viscosity-temperature characteristics make it possible not to add a large amount of additives.

Thanks to these properties and a small amount of additives compared to mineral oil, synthetic oil lasts longer, and it needs to be changed less often than mineral water. In addition, synthetic oil differs from mineral oil in higher thermal and oxidative stability, low volatility and a slight tendency to form carbon deposits and deposits.

In addition to differences in the basic composition of mineral and synthetic oils, they differ in the amount and composition of additives added. These additives include:

Viscosity-thickening

Antiwear

Antioxidants

Rust and corrosion inhibitors

Anti-foam

Friction modifiers

depressant additives.

Mineral oils from different manufacturers will differ not only in the basic composition, but also in the composition of the additives used in them. The same can be said about synthetic oils. The difference in the composition of additives is dictated by many reasons and often depends on the climate zone in which the car is operated. It was not in vain that we focused on these chemical components of oils - after all, it depends on them whether the engine will run on a "cocktail" of mineral and synthetic oils.

The main harm is from additives

If only the bases of mineral and synthetic oils were mixed, then, perhaps, much less damage would be caused to the engine than that which is produced by the additives that are present in these oils with different chemical composition. The fact is that not all additives contained in mineral oil dissolve in a synthetic base. As well as not all "synthetic" additives will be able to dissolve in the mineral oil base. What can happen in each individual case of mixing such oils - no one can predict. One thing is clear - the engine from such a "cocktail" will be bad. It is bad, first of all, from the additive elements of the oil that has fallen into an insoluble precipitate, which is added - no matter mineral or synthetic.

This undissolved sediment can form a viscous mixture that will clog the oil receiver screens and oil channels, causing the motor to experience oil starvation.

Operation in this mode, even in a short time period, can lead to the failure of the unit. It must be remembered that oil of a certain composition (mineral or synthetic) forms chemically modified layers and adsorbed films on the rubbing surfaces of engine parts. When other additives are added, these layers are destroyed, and the wear of parts increases, which also significantly harms the motor.

What to do if you still mix mineral oil with synthetic

First of all, don't panic. And try as soon as possible, preferably in a gentle mode (without loads), to get to the nearest service station. Where they will diagnose the engine and determine if a flush is needed oil system, or you can get by with a simple oil and oil filter change.

P.S. In fairness, it should be said that adding mineral oil to synthetic oil and vice versa without causing serious damage to the engine is still possible. But only if you added oil from the same manufacturer and are going to ride on such a “mixture” for a short time. Ideally - to the nearest service station. But even in this case, changing the oil and filter cannot be avoided.

Depending on the technical features engine and the requirements imposed on it by the manufacturer, the recommended type of engine oil is indicated in the car's operating manual.

To date, all lubricants for internal combustion engines can be divided into three main groups. The main criterion of which is the type of oil base. Fig 1

• mineral;
• synthetically;
• semi-synthetic.

Each group of oils has its own characteristics: composition, scope, characteristics, performance. Consider mineral oil.

Production technology

After separating light fractions from petroleum products, the remaining fuel oil is used to obtain oil bases as a result of several step-by-step steps.

What is the difference between mineral oil and synthetics and semi-synthetics

In order to understand what mineral oil is and how it differs from synthetic and semi-synthetic lubricants, consider its production process and features.

Mineral motor oil

Obtained as a result of the purification of petroleum products and the addition of active additives that increase performance. The amount of additives in mineral oil can reach up to 15% of the total volume of the lubricant.

How oils are produced in production and how they differ in the end - video

High viscosity makes the use of oils of this classification difficult and undesirable at low negative temperatures.

Since oil aging occurs primarily as a result of the loss of its properties by additives, the resource is reduced due to the high content of additives that make up mineral oil. The recommended interval for changing lubricants is 6-8 thousand km.

Due to the increased base viscosity, mineral lubricants are good for use in high mileage engines. Possible risks of leaks from under the seals are reduced, and a thicker oil layer provides maximum protection for worn parts. Small cost.

Synthetic oils

Obtained by changing the basic basis at the molecular level. The process allows to obtain an oil base of a sufficiently high level.

Compared to mineral lubricants, detergent, lubricating, anti-corrosion properties are an order of magnitude higher, which allows the use of much less active additives. The value can reach up to 5% of the total volume.

The insignificant content of active additives increases the resource of synthetic motor oils in comparison with mineral ones. A more advanced oil base allows you to achieve high performance in conditions of increased loads.

Good manifestation of qualities in low-temperature conditions due to the low viscosity of the product.

Even a slight oil layer between the rubbing elements of the engine reliably protects new engines. It can also be used in internal combustion engines with low mileage. The recommended replacement interval is 12-15 thousand km. Relatively high cost of production.

Semi-synthetics

It is obtained by mixing a mineral and synthetic base with the addition of a package of active additives. An alternative between the above oils.

The mineral component can reach 70% of the total volume, synthetic up to 30%. The amount of additives is not more than 8%. Due to the moderate viscosity of the product, its use is possible both in hot climates and at low negative temperatures.

Suitable for engines with high mileage and internal combustion engines with low mileage. The recommended replacement interval is 9-11 thousand km. The cost of production is higher than that of mineral oils, but less than that of synthetic ones.

Conclusion

Mineral engine oil differs from synthetic and semi-synthetic lubricants in its base, the amount of additives, viscosity, resource, application area, operating temperature range, replacement interval and cost.

Mineral Oil Testing

Lubricants are tested according to the following parameters.

Lukoil 15w-40 mineral oil test, video

1. . The measurements are carried out using capillary viscometers immersed in a thermostat at 40 °C and 100 °C. After the oil has reached the required temperature, the time interval required for the oil to pass through a given area is measured. Viscosity is calculated by the formula.
2. sulfate ash. It is measured by the amount of residue after burning the grease. The greater the weight of the residue, the greater the amount of additives. The indicator should not be more than 1.3% of the total for gasoline, and 1.8% for diesel ICEs. Increased ash content is the cause of increased carbon formation.
3. Alkaline number. In other words, this is the oil resource. During operation vehicle Oxides are formed in engine oil, which cause corrosion of engine components. During production, active additives containing alkali are introduced into the composition of the oil. The higher this figure, the greater the durability of the oil.
4. Flash point. The temperature of the lubricant placed in a special device rises no faster than two degrees per minute. Upon reaching a certain temperature and in the presence of fire, the oil flares up. The data is fixed.
5. Freezing temperature. The thermometer value at which the lubricant loses its fluidity. After placing the sample in a thermostat, upon reaching a certain temperature, the flask is set at an inclination of 45 degrees. When the oil is not solidified, it shifts. To ensure pumpability in the internal combustion engine system, the pour point of the lubricant must be 5% lower than the declared one.
6. Pollution coefficient. The amount of dissolved and suspended oxides in the lubricant.
7. Viscosity change indicator. A smaller percentage indicates more stable qualities of the oil to temperature changes.

According to the results of laboratory tests and consumer reviews, the following mineral motor oils can be distinguished.

• LIQUI MOLY MoS2 Leichtlauf 15W-40
• Lukoil Standard 10W-40 SF/CC
• MOBIL Delvac MX 15W-40

Is it possible to mix synthetic and mineral water

From the above, we can conclude that mineral, synthetic and semi-synthetic lubricants have different oil bases and different volumes and compositions of additive packages. Excellent viscosity characteristics and temperature ranges.

What happens when synthetic oil is added to an engine lubricated with mineral grease and vice versa? Mixing different bases with different molecular structures and different viscosities will not make it possible to achieve uniformity of the lubricant without loss of protective properties.

The interaction of different additives and volumes of one lubricant can lead to precipitation of additives of the second lubricant. This can happen due to the impossibility of dissolving "mineral" additives in a synthetic base and vice versa.

Perhaps the formation of a viscous mixture that can clog oil channels, oil pump. Oil starvation and expensive repairs as a result.

Another reason is the destruction of the oil film by additives of one or the second oil. Lubricating functions are reduced, increased wear of engine elements occurs.

In cases of emergency, it is possible to mix oils of different bases, but only in order to get to the lubricant change point.

Advantages and disadvantages of mineral oils

pros

Minuses

1. Poor manifestation of qualities in conditions of low negative temperatures.
2. Not suitable for vehicles with high-tech internal combustion engines and low mileage.
3. Small resource. Rapid loss of properties due to the high content of additives.

When choosing engine oil, it is very important to pay attention to the manufacturer's recommendations, as well as take into account the condition of the engine and operating conditions. Compliance with engine oil to all tolerances and standards will provide maximum engine protection and extend its service life.

With the advent of various types of oils, disputes do not stop about which oil is better to choose in the engine of your car. Each type of oil has many supporters, but often their arguments are based on myths, so choosing the type of oil in a car engine needs to be approached a little more thoroughly. Mineral or synthetic oil? Or maybe semi-synthetic? This article will show the differences between the types of motor oils, what is their difference and whether it is possible to mix lubricants of different composition.

Engine oil in the engine - purpose

The original purpose of motor oils is to remove heat from rubbing parts inside the engine, as well as, if possible, to remove metal particles that form during friction. By and large, nothing has changed for a long time, and at the moment, the fulfillment of these tasks is presented when choosing an oil. However, it is worth considering the fact that with the advent of semi-synthetic and synthetic oils on the market, motorists begin to actively argue about the temperature regime of the ambient air at which they can be used. A large number of lubricant manufacturers and their well-organized marketing campaigns to attract new customers only exacerbate the matter.

Mineral motor oil

For the production of mineral oil, agricultural crops are used or it is obtained during the processing of fuel oil and the subsequent purification of processed products. Since this technology is quite simple and over the years people have successfully tried to simplify this process, this is the reason for the low cost of mineral lubricating oils. As a positive effect of the use of mineral oil in a car engine, high efficiency during use, hydrolytic stability and low mechanical impact when interacting with moving parts of the engine can be distinguished. In addition, mineral oil can interfere with other identical and natural oils have an excellent anti-corrosion formation coefficient.

But all these positive properties of mineral oils are often achieved at a comfortable temperature range from 10 to 25 degrees Celsius. The use of mineral oils at low or high temperatures requires the use of various additives. But this is the obvious disadvantage of using mineral motor oils: at high temperatures, additives burn out, and at low temperatures, the use of mineral oils is difficult due to their high viscosity coefficient.

Semi-synthetic engine oil

Such an intermediate type of engine oil can be obtained by diluting mineral oil with synthetic oil. Experts recommend using proportions of 50% to 50% or 70% mineral to 30% synthetic motor oil.

Synthetic engine oil

The coolant for the engine is obtained by the synthesis of molecules. So, during operation, synthetic oils show better stability indicators and do not depend so much on the impact low temperatures. The choice of synthetic oil is desirable to be carried out according to individual parameters: the region of residence and the presence of high or low temperatures during the use of the car, the nature of driving and starting, etc. Of course, it is worth considering the fact that such oil cannot be found unchanged in nature, but it has become so firmly established in the everyday life of modern life that people do not think about its origin. The price of synthetic oil is the most expensive of all the above materials, but in the presence of very low ambient temperatures, it is a necessity rather than a privilege.

The advantages of using synthetic petroleum products include:

• Increased anti-friction properties.
• There is practically no need to use additives, since the main part was added by the manufacturer at the production stage.
• Lower evaporation coefficient before mineral oil products.
• Use at low temperatures.

Advantages of various lubricant formulations over others

Synthetics and mineral composition - which oil is better: these oil products differ at the molecular level. The molecular structure of synthetics was achieved through long-term testing to achieve the required properties, and the molecular structure of mineral oil products was laid down by nature. If in some component synthetic oils are worse than mineral lubricants, then continuous work is being done on this. But the fact is that mineral mixtures clean the engine continuously and with approximately the same efficiency, while synthetics, in turn, due to their viscosity, clean quickly enough. Because of this effect, oil filters and oil lines are literally clogged with particle deposits from the engine. In this case, with improper control of the elements of the oil system, the effect of "oil starvation" and subsequent engine failure may occur.

Therefore, we can distinguish the main differences between the two main types of oils:

• different molecular structure.
• The different nature of the response of oils to changes in temperature, in this synthetics are much better than mineral ones.
• Different fluidity of oils: due to exposure to low temperatures, mineral oil becomes thicker, synthetics are much more versatile in use.
• Stability consists in the burnout of additives of mineral oil products, which leads to a change in the operation of the engine or its failure.

Mineral or synthetic oil? The answer will depend only on the car owner of a personal car.

Which oil is better: synthetic or semi-synthetic? What do the terms resistance and stability mean when using synthetics? This means that exposure to low or high temperatures practically does not reduce the viscosity, and hence the effectiveness of the oil for a long time. When choosing in favor of semi-synthetic oil, you should pay attention to the fact that in some cases its use is more reasonable than synthetics. For example, with a large impressive engine mileage, synthetics can give high carbon monoxide, as well as when using a car at comfortable temperatures in the winter season - up to -20 degrees Celsius. However, this oil needs to be changed more often than synthetic oil.

In addition to the molecular structure, oil products for engine cooling are usually broken down into seasonality of use: summer, winter and all-weather oil. Summer oil, due to its viscosity, is reasonable to use up to 0 degrees Celsius. Otherwise, there is a high probability that the engine will not be able to start or will fail. Marking of summer oils: SAE 20, SAE 30 and so on up to 60. The designation of the numbers indicates the viscosity of the oil at operating temperature engine, the higher the number, the thicker the oil when heated.

Winter oils are marked from 0 to 25 units with the prefix W - winter (winter). Discreteness through 5 units. The minimum threshold for the temperature regime used is determined by subtracting 40 units from a given number. For example, for oil products marked 5 W, the minimum temperature at which the correct pumping of the oil system is ensured will be -35 degrees Celsius. But for winter oil products, it is also necessary to know such a selection criterion as crankability. To determine this parameter, 35 must be subtracted from the given number, while it is safe to say that for 10 W oil, the lower limit for the safe start of a car engine is 25 degrees Celsius.

All season oils. Lubricant marking is indicated by a combination of alphabetic and numeric designations of winter and summer oil. As an example, 5W - 30 can be deciphered as follows: winter marking 5 W and summer marking 30 indicates that the engine can be safely started at a minimum ambient temperature of -35 degrees Celsius and the maximum allowable viscosity with a working engine will be 30 units. What is the difference between 5W-30 and 5W-40? The whole difference lies in the fact that the first of the presented types of lubricants has a more liquid consistency in the summer season. Therefore, if in the region of residence most of the year is positive temperatures, then for the proper operation of the motor, it is necessary to purchase a lubricant with a higher viscosity. In winter, these oils will ensure uninterrupted engine start at -35 degrees Celsius. Viscosity table of motor oil classification:

Small and useful recommendations for choosing oil for a car from experts:

• Before purchasing a lubricant for your car engine, you should carefully read the recommendations for using a particular type of oil directly from the manufacturer.
• Storage of lubricants is allowed with a tightly closed container lid, which prevents air, moisture or other foreign objects from entering the used oil.
• The use of more expensive oils is not always a smart choice, it can lead to a violation of the stability of the entire oil system.
• Do not succumb to the tricks of sellers, and buy oil only hoping for their advice. It is necessary to understand that all lubricants, including mineral or synthetic oil, are produced using approximately the same technology. The whole difference lies in the quantity and quality of additives added.
• An oil change must be carried out within the time specified by the manufacturer in terms of time or vehicle mileage. However, it is worth taking into account the situation that in a worn engine, the oil should be changed a little earlier. This is due to the need to remove more friction products and much more severe operating conditions.
• Always change oil when changing oil filter, this operation costs little money, but helps to ensure high-quality filtration of the lubricant.
• Can 2 different types of lubricants be mixed directly in the engine? The unequivocal answer is no! This leads to the formation of an insoluble precipitate.
• Carefully monitor the condition of the oil level in the engine, do not allow it to go beyond the upper or lower limits, which are marked on a special dipstick.
• If synthetics are filled in the engine (for example, 10W - 40 of a certain brand), then the best option in case of necessary addition, carry with you a small container of the same oil. However, it is allowed to add a lubricant from another manufacturer, but with the same marking.
• Sometimes arrange cleaning of the oil system of the car engine, using special tools and a large amount of oil. This allows you to completely renew the lubricant in the engine and completely remove metal wear products.
• Before purchasing a lubricant for an engine, you need to study its expiration date on individual packaging. Tip: to prevent the purchase of low-quality fake oil, it is most reasonable to buy it from official suppliers or trusted sellers in sealed metal packaging. This does not exclude the possibility of forgery, but reduces it to a minimum.

Conclusion.

Now many inexperienced motorists will be able to replenish their knowledge base on whether it is possible to mix and what is the difference between different types of oils. Which oil is better to fill in your car can be determined based on your knowledge of the properties and markings of these lubricants, as well as the nature of behavior at different times of the year, and not on the advice of annoying sellers and television advertising. And also to determine the type of lubricant for cars with high mileage, because it is far from always reasonable to use expensive oil instead of a cheaper one, but effective in a particular case.

If you own a car, you have probably heard of synthetic and mineral oils. There is also semi-synthetics, but it occupies an intermediate place between them, so we will not consider it. What is the difference between synthetic and mineral oils, and what factors to consider when choosing these lubricants?

What are mineral oils?

Mineral motor oil is a distillation product of fuel oil, but there are also liquids made from industrial crops, but this is rare. Technological process, used for the production of mineral lubricants, is quite simple, therefore the oils themselves are relatively inexpensive. Among the positive distinctive features such oils are distinguished:

• composition stability;
• efficiency in solving basic problems;
• minimal destructive effect on metal surfaces.

Mineral liquids in their natural form are rarely used. They have high lubricating properties only in a small temperature range or in the presence of additional additives. The latter are needed to give the lubricant composition certain properties:

• antiwear;
• anticorrosive;
• washing.

Modern oils for automotive engines, even mineral ones, not only reduce friction resistance, but also clean the surfaces of engine parts from fuel combustion products, that is, soot.

Under the influence of high temperatures, the additives present in the mineral water burn out, and when the ambient temperature drops, the lubricant becomes very thick and makes it difficult for the mechanisms to function. To eliminate these shortcomings, synthetic fluids had to be invented.

What is synthetic oil?

Synthetic oils are produced by the synthesis of molecules. They are not so susceptible to environmental factors and better maintain a stable state during operation. This is confirmed by the results of the analysis of the engine cycles, during which the temperature interval for the oil is determined. In order for the internal combustion engine to function equally over the entire range of temperatures and operating loads, you need to use good synthetic oil, which is better than mineral oil in this criterion.

Today, among car owners, there is a lot of controversy about which oil is better to fill in the engine. Some prefer mineral liquids, others recommend taking it, and still others do not choose anything other than semi-synthetics. In addition, they create many companies that advertise their products as the most modern and optimal. In this article, we will consider several criteria for choosing lubricants and find out which oil is best to fill in the engine.

Viscosity

The first thing to pay attention to is the viscosity of the lubricant. Often, the characteristics of motor oils are divided into two types - summer (that is, those that should be filled in in the summer) and winter (well, everything is clear here). So, each manufacturer, be it Opel or domestic GAZ, initially indicates in the operating manual the exact one that needs to be filled in at one time or another of the year. There are no exact indicators here, since each company sets its own optimal data range, and the difference between them is very large.

Car mileage

The answer to the question of which oil is better to fill in the engine directly depends on the life of the machine, that is, its total mileage. Many masters recommend that motorists use synthetic oil only for new cars. Well, for the old there is nothing better than mineral liquids. Also worth noting an exception - if you are the host sports car, which is 5 or more years old, it is better to give preference to "synthetics", since the engine in such machines runs at very high speeds.

What was the liquid before?

An examination of motor oils showed that in many respects the choice of the desired fluid (in particular, on used cars) depends on what lubricant their engine was previously running on. For example, if over the past 50-80 thousand kilometers the engine has been running on "mineral water", then this time it is best to fill it with "synthetics". Why? The thing is that the first type of oil, by its properties, forms various cracks and deposits in the units, which can only be washed out by the second type of lubricant (it has stronger acid indicators, so it is very useful for the engine). But it is possible that “synthetics” will also wash out useful deposits, so it should not be poured a second time. But then what kind of oil is better to fill in the engine after a synthetic fluid? In this case, it is best not to immediately switch back to mineral water, but to use a compromise - semi-synthetic lubricant. Thanks to its special properties, it will not harm the operation of the engine and at the same time prepare it for the next consumption of mineral water.

As you can see, there is no definite answer to the question of which oil is better to fill in the engine. Each car is special, and you only need to fill it with the liquid that will not inhibit the operation of the engine (we just listed these cases). Therefore, take care of your iron friend and pour only high-quality liquids into it!