Tagged: engine oil

How to Properly Dispose of Used Engine Oil

Changing our motor oil is important and must be done regularly, but how do we dispose of the used oil in a safe and environmentally friendly manner? Approximately 42 gallons of crude oil are required to produce 0.5 gallons of new oil for lubricants. However, only one gallon of used oil needs to be converted into 0.5 gallons of new oil.

Hence, recycling used oil significantly reduces the number of resources required to produce new oil. There are numerous benefits to recycling used oil, which can help in the fight against declining resources. Let’s dive into this a bit more.

Environmental Impact of Improper Disposal

When motor oil reaches the end of its life, it can become contaminated with harmful pollutants, which can negatively impact the environment if improperly disposed of. Some of these can be toxic to plants, and it only takes the used oil from one oil change to contaminate one million gallons of fresh water!  Therefore, we need to be mindful of the disposal of our oils.

Used motor oil can typically contain metal fillings (from engine wear), chemicals from by-products, and possibly fuel. Improper disposal, especially into waterways, can disrupt the supply of clean drinking water for many people. If this used oil seeps into the soil, it could also contaminate the water table and negatively impact plants and, by extension, humans who may consume these plants at some point.

Laws and Regulations for Disposing of Oil

The EPA (United States Environmental Protection Agency) provides guidelines in Title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulations, specifically CFR part 279, regarding the disposal of used oil. In the UAE, there are strict guidelines for the disposal of used oil; otherwise, individuals may face severe fines and legal action. These used oils should never be poured down drains, onto the ground, or into bodies of water.

Community Recycling Programs

Some communities have a local collection point for used motor oils, which they then take to the larger refineries. This way, a larger volume of oil is collected and recycled by the refineries.

Tips for Safe and Responsible Oil Disposal

Motor oils contain 30% additives; therefore, mixing them with other used oils may not be the best option for those trying to recycle them. Ideally, these oils can be reconditioned (where they are cleaned up) or re-refined (where they are reused as base stock). Collecting your used motor oil in a clean container and taking it to your local recycling facility, where it will be properly disposed of.

Some facilities may burn it to process it for energy recovery, using it as fuel after removing the water and contaminants. One gallon of used oil processed for fuel contains about 140,000 British thermal Units (Btus) of energy. Regardless of the method you choose to dispose of your used motor oil, ensure you do not harm the environment.

Find out more in the full article featured in Precision Lubrication Magazine.

The Importance of Regular Engine Oil Changes

Some oil manufacturers claim that their oil, when added to your engine, will remain “golden” in color and not turn dark. Every engine produces soot /carbon as a byproduct, so if the oil does not change color, it means that the soot/carbon is likely remaining stuck on the insides of your engine, which can lead to engine failure.

In these cases, the oil, especially motor oil, contains detergent and dispersant additives that keep the soot or carbon suspended in the oil. This ensures that these deposits do not adhere to the engine’s internal components, causing clogging of smaller clearances and damaging the engine. Hence, an oil change removes these accumulated deposits. There are several other advantages to changing oil regularly for these engines.

Preventing Engine Wear and Tear

Motor oils are formulated with around 30% additives. These additives can perform various functions, including protecting the internal components from wear. However, over time, they become depleted and should be replenished. Changing your oil regularly can help with that. With an oil change, there is a replenishment of additives that protect the equipment.

Maintaining Proper Engine Functioning

Over time, the viscosity of the oil in engines will decrease due to the conditions that exist within the engine. There will come a time when it reaches the end of its life and will no longer be able to protect the engine. At this point, the crosshatch on the cylinder walls can begin to experience some polishing, as the oil can no longer provide the necessary protection. By changing the oil on time or regularly, this can be avoided, and the engine can maintain its proper functioning.

Avoiding Costly Repairs

When the oil starts to degrade, it loses all its protective elements, and wear can start to occur. With frequent oil changes, this can be avoided as new oil will be able to protect the engine and its components to the best of its ability. This way, increased wear can be minimized, and costly repairs can be avoided.

Following Manufacturer Recommendations

Manufacturers typically recommend oil changes every 5,000 to 7,000 kilometers for passenger cars; however, this interval can vary depending on driving habits, environmental conditions, and even the type of fuel used. Oils are designed to protect the engine, and when they reach the end of their life, they can no longer fully perform this function. By changing the oil regularly (or, in some cases, as recommended by the manufacturer), the engine’s lifespan can be extended.

Monitoring Oil Levels and Quality

In some passenger cars, engine manufacturers specify that there is a loss of oil over time. One manufacturer, Audi specifies that owners should top up 0.5 liters of oil every 1000km. As one can imagine, if there is no top-up or oil replenishment, the oil levels can fall below the minimum value, causing damage to the engine.

Hence, it is essential to follow your manufacturer’s recommendations for topping up your engine to prevent damage. These top-ups also serve to replenish some of the used additives, providing additional protection for your engine.

Find out more in the full article featured in Precision Lubrication Magazine.

Understanding the Different Engine Oil Change Intervals

At the beginning of this article, we reiterated that there are more than 5000 models of engines that exist. Every engine was built to different specifications, but they all provide the user with the ability to move the vehicle. With different manufacturers, there will also be varying oil specifications for each model, including the recommended oil change intervals. Let’s look at some of those.

Factors Affecting Oil Change Frequency

Lubricants are designed for certain conditions; however, if those conditions are exceeded, then the lubricant can degrade at a faster rate. For instance, if the driver frequently starts and stops or experiences prolonged periods of idling, these patterns can stress the oil more quickly, causing it to degrade.

If the fuel quality is not as expected, it may also contribute to the oil degrading more quickly. In such cases, users may opt for shorter oil change intervals to ensure their engine remains protected.

Another factor affecting the frequency of oil changes is the quality of the oil used. Typically, synthetic oils may have longer oil change intervals than mineral oils. However, there are some cases where the manufacturers advise the same interval length, whether mineral or synthetic.

Using Oil Analysis to Determine Engine Oil Life

There are instances where the oil drain interval can be extended beyond the manufacturer’s recommended interval. However, this must be done with guidance from a lab while utilizing oil analysis. Typically, some applications do not utilize the additives in the oil as quickly and may not require the regular oil change interval; instead, the oil remains healthy by the time it’s supposed to be discarded.

This can be considered a waste of resources. With oil analysis, one can monitor the health of the oil and determine if it is nearing the end of its useful life, allowing for informed decisions on whether to change it or not.

The Debate over Extended Oil Change Intervals

There will always be a debate over whether it is wise to extend the oil change intervals for equipment, as it goes against the manufacturer’s recommendations (or, in some cases, this could void the warranty). However, just as with blood testing (or condition monitoring for oil), close monitoring allows us to justify the outcomes of extending the intervals.

Some of the benefits of extending the intervals include reduced manpower, allowing staff to perform other critical duties, a reduction in oil consumption and its disposal, as well as reduced downtime for maintenance. One can also include the reduction of safety risk depending on the application. These all add up in the end, and the benefits of safely extending the intervals may outweigh remaining at the recommended intervals.

Find out more in the full article featured in Precision Lubrication Magazine.

Benefits of Using the Right Engine Oil

As we’ve covered in this article, various types of engines require different levels of performance, and engine oils have been specifically designed for these conditions. Hence, it becomes critical to select the right engine oil for your engine. But what are some of the benefits of selecting the right oil?

Improved Fuel Efficiency

Firstly, the primary purpose of a lubricant is to reduce friction between contacting surfaces. By reducing the friction, a smaller amount of energy is required to perform the same amount of work. Overall, this leads to a more efficient system.

When we’re talking about engines, fuel is also required to produce energy for the engine to work. As engine oils have become more advanced, they have enabled significant improvements in fuel efficiency for many engines. This is one of the requirements in the API service categories. By selecting the incorrect viscosity of oil or type of oil for your vehicle, you can negatively impact the fuel efficiency, which in turn adds up to a higher fuel bill at the end of the month!

Longer Engine Life

The occurrence of wear is one of the most common challenges with engines. By using the correct oil (as recommended by the manufacturer), the viscosity of the oil is ideal for keeping the engine surfaces from touching, which can prevent wear.

Additionally, engine oils contain additives that can also help protect the oil and the engine’s components. Hence, with the right oil (as specified by your OEM), your engine will have the ideal conditions it needs to last longer compared to using an oil that does not provide the optimal protection.

Better Engine Performance

Engines were created with particular standards in mind. OEMs designed engines to withstand certain temperatures and conditions. These attributes are passed to lubricant suppliers who would design engine oils capable of withstanding and performing in these conditions. Using the recommended engine oil ensures better engine performance.

For instance, if the customer decides to use an API CK4 oil in their diesel engine but uses 500 ppm sulphur fuel, they can run the risk of poisoning their catalyst or damaging their aftertreatment devices. This would not lead to better engine performance! Therefore, it is essential to follow the OEM’s recommendations to achieve optimal engine performance.

Reduced Emissions

Many of the newer specified oils are designed to reduce emissions. However, the older spec oils were not developed with reducing emissions in mind. Hence, using an older-specification oil (API SL) in a vehicle manufactured in 2024 may not necessarily help reduce emissions. On the other hand, the API SP oil is designed with enhanced emission control in mind, making it ideal for reducing emissions.

Enhanced Lubrication and Protection

If we recall the straw example from earlier in this article, we will realize that engines have been designed for specific lubricants, both in terms of viscosity and additive packages. By using the recommended lubricants, we can ensure that our engines receive the necessary protection and have the correct amount of lubrication to prevent wear. Use lubricants specifically designed for your engine to ensure enhanced lubrication and protection.

Find out more in the full article featured in Precision Lubrication Magazine.

Common Misconceptions about Viscosity and Engine Oil Grades

Common Misconceptions about Viscosity and Engine Oil Grades

Many people believe that “thicker” oil is better for their vehicle. This is the furthest thing from the truth! Over the years, engine sizes have been reduced dramatically. With this size reduction, we can infer that the clearances within the engines have also decreased. Hence, a “thicker” oil from 50 years ago will not suffice in a modern-day engine.

Think of trying to drink molasses with a thick (or wide) straw. This may be possible (although challenging), but if we swapped the thick straw for a thinner, narrower straw, the person would have to use significantly more force to pull up the molasses. A similar phenomenon occurs with engine oils.

In modern engines, the oil lines are narrower, so trying to force a heavier-weighted oil (such as straight 50) would put more pressure on the engine. This is where we begin to see leaks in the engine, particularly at the bottom of the sump near the seals, where the most pressure is exerted during start-up to pump the thicker oil to the top of the engine. However, if we used the correct viscosity of the oil, the engine would not be subjected to this amount of additional pressure. So “thicker” is not always better.

Another common misconception is that the number in front of the “w” in a multigrade oil represents the thickness of the oil, and if it’s zero, then it must be very thin! The number in front of the “w” for multigrade oils represents the viscosity of the oil at start-up conditions (typically 0°F or -17.8°C for Winter).

Hence, the lower the number, the faster the oil will flow at startup. As such, a 0w20 will get from the bottom of the sump to the top of the engine faster than a 20w50. In this case, the 0w20 will provide more protection during startup compared to the 20w50, as most wear occurs during this period.

On the other hand, the number behind the “w” indicates the viscosity at operating temperature. This is where a higher number may not always be agreeable, depending on the year of manufacture of your engine or the ambient conditions. When deciding which oil to use, both numbers (in front of the ‘w’ and behind the ‘w’) are important.

Find out more in the full article featured in Precision Lubrication Magazine.

Choosing the Right Engine Oil Grade for Your Vehicle

Choosing the Right Engine Oil Grade for Your Vehicle

This begins with understanding the requirements of your engine and the type of fuel it uses. As we saw above, various classifications exist, and when selecting diesel engines, we must pay particular attention to the concentration of sulphur in the fuel being used. This would be highly dependent on the availability of these fuels in the market, as not all countries have ready access to varying grades of fuel.

All original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) provide a recommended range of oils for your vehicle, typically listed in the vehicle’s owner’s manual. They typically provide various operating conditions and corresponding grades of oils to select. For example, for the Nissan Qashqai 2024 model with the HR13DDT engine, a 5w30 or 0w20 oil is recommended, but the manufacturer also provides this chart to guide the user:

Figure 6: Nissan Qashqai Manufacturer recommendation chart
Figure 6: Nissan Qashqai Manufacturer recommendation chart

It is important to consult with your Car manufacturer before purchasing the correct oil for your vehicle.

Find out more in the full article featured in Precision Lubrication Magazine.

API & ILSAC Certification

API Certification

The American Petroleum Institute has a dedicated Engine Oil Licensing and Certification System (EOLCS), a voluntary license and certification program that authorizes engine oil marketers who meet the specified requirements to use their quality marks.

It is a cooperative effort amongst additive industries and vehicle and engine manufacturers such as Ford, General Motors, and Fiat Chrysler, which are represented by the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association and the Truck and Engine Manufacturers Association. The performance requirements and test methods are established by vehicle and engine manufacturers, as well as technical societies and trade associations, including the ASTM, SAE, and the American Chemistry Council (ACC).

Figure 2: API’s Shield vs Starburst
Figure 2: API’s Shield vs Starburst

While the API initially included designations for both gasoline and diesel specifications, it later established these as two separate classes. Gasoline engines designed for cars, vans, and light trucks were allocated to the “S” or Service category. On the other hand, diesel engines designed for heavy-duty trucks and vehicles fall under the “C” or Commercial category.

These standards have been in place since 1947 and regulate both gasoline and diesel engine oils. One of the major changes since 2020 is the introduction of 0w16 oils, which now have their certification mark, the “shield” instead of the traditional “starburst”.

What’s the main difference between ILSAC GF-6A & 6B?

Both are designed to provide protection against low-speed pre-ignition (LSPI), timing chain wear protection, improved high-temperature deposit protection for pistons and turbochargers, more stringent control of sludge and varnish, enhanced fuel economy, and protection of the emission control system for engines operating on ethanol-containing fuels up to E85. However, ILSAC GF-6B applies only to 0W-16 oils.

The current gasoline engine oil standard is API SP. This standard was introduced in May 2020 and is designed to protect against low-speed pre-ignition (LSPI), provide timing chain wear protection, enhance high-temperature deposit protection for pistons and turbochargers, and implement more stringent control of sludge and varnish.

API SP with Resource Conserving matches ILSAC GF-6A by combining API SP performance with improved fuel economy and enhanced emission control system protection for engines operating on ethanol-containing fuels up to E85.

Figure 3: API SP Service Donut
Figure 3: API SP Service Donut

On the diesel side of things, there has been a slight break from tradition, as two new categories, CK-4 and FA-4, have been introduced. The main difference with these is the type of fuel used, specifically in terms of its sulphur concentration. CK-4 is ideally used for vehicles using diesel fuel with 500 ppm (0.05% weight) sulphur, while FA-4 is used for vehicles using diesel fuel with less than 15 ppm (0.0015% weight) sulphur, and they must be Xw30 oils.

Figure 4: API CK-4 Service Donut
Figure 4: API CK-4 Service Donut

CK-4 oils are used in high-speed four-stroke cycle diesel engines designed to meet 2017 model year on-highway and Tier 4 non-road exhaust emission standards, as well as previous models of diesel engines. They are formulated for use with diesel oils containing up to 500 ppm sulphur. However, if they are used alongside fuels containing more than 15 ppm sulphur, this can affect the exhaust after-treatment system durability or oil service drain interval.

They effectively sustain the durability of emission control systems, particularly when particulate filters and other advanced after-treatment systems are employed.

API CK-4 oils are designed to provide enhanced protection against oil oxidation, viscosity loss due to shear, and oil aeration, as well as protection against catalyst poisoning, particulate filter blocking, engine wear, piston deposits, degradation of low- and high-temperature properties, and soot-related viscosity increase.

FA-4 oils are specifically for certain Xw30 oils formulated for use in high-speed four-stroke cycle diesel engines designed to meet 2017 model year on-highway greenhouse gas emission standards. They are formulated for use in on-highway applications with diesel fuel sulphur content up to 15 ppm. These oils are blended to a high-temperature, high-shear (HTHS) viscosity range of 2.9cP – 3.2cP to assist in reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

They are effective in sustaining the durability of emission control systems, particularly when particulate filters and other advanced after-treatment systems are employed.

API FA-4 oils are designed to provide enhanced protection against oil oxidation, viscosity loss due to shear, and oil aeration in addition to protection against catalyst poisoning, particulate filter blocking, engine wear, piston deposits, degradation of low and high-temperature properties, and soot-related viscosity increase. It is essential to note that FA-4 oils are not interchangeable or backward compatible with API CK-4, CJ-4, CI-4, CI-4 PLUS, and CH-4 oils.

An exhaustive list can be found here.

Figure 5: API FA-4 Service Donut
Figure 5: API FA-4 Service Donut

Understanding Viscosity and Engine Oil Grades

Engine oil is a lubricating fluid designed to reduce friction and wear between moving parts inside an internal combustion engine, while also cooling, cleaning, and protecting components from corrosion and deposits.

While we may think that there are numerous car manufacturers globally, as of 2025, there are only slightly over 100 original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), but over 5,000 models. Whether it’s a luxury vehicle or a basic, functional one, they all require one thing to keep them running: lubricants (in the EV market, this can mean greases as opposed to traditional oils).

Parallel to the various models of vehicles, there are also numerous types of lubricants on the market, each designed specifically for different requirements. In this article, we will share some knowledge on the areas you need to be familiar with for these types of lubricants, and of course, what impacts they have on your vehicle of choice.

Understanding Viscosity and Engine Oil Grades

Before exploring the types of oils, it is essential to understand one of the most important characteristics of oil: its viscosity. This is what governs the engine’s functionality and, to some extent, dictates its performance.

engine-oil-vis

What is Viscosity?

Oil viscosity is the internal friction within an oil that resists its flow. It measures the oil’s resistance to flow and is one of the most important factors in lubricants. Viscosity is also defined as the ratio of shear stress (pressure) to shear rate (flow rate).

The SAE Viscosity Rating System

The SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) developed viscosity grades to classify engine oils, enabling engine manufacturers and oil marketers to make recommendations and label their products accordingly. The SAE J300 is a series of two viscosity grades: one with the W and one without the W.

Monogrades with the letter “W” are defined by maximum low-temperature cranking and pumping viscosities and a minimum kinematic viscosity at 100°C. (Typically, this represents the start-up condition of an engine.)

Monogrades without the W are based on a set of minimum and maximum kinematic viscosities at 100°C and a minimum high temperature / high shear measured at 150°C and 1 million reciprocal seconds (s-1). (Typically, this represents the operating conditions of the engine when it is in use.)

Multiple viscosity grade oils or multigrades are defined by:

  • Maximum low-temperature cranking and pumping viscosities
  • A kinematic viscosity at 100°C that falls within the prescribed range of one of the non-W grade classifications
  • A minimum high temperature / high shear viscosity at 150°C and 1 million reciprocal seconds (s-1).

These represent the extremes of startup and engine operation.

The table below gives a summary of these.

Figure 1: SAE J300 revised January 2015. Source Widman International SRL
Figure 1: SAE J300 revised January 2015. Source Widman International SRL