The World of Oil: The How, What, and Why

Bardahl motor oil comes in many types (mineral oil, synthetic oil), viscosities, packaging, etc. Bardahl motor oil always guarantees exceptional lubrication for your car, motorcycle, scooter, tractor, kart, etc., regardless of the type you purchase.

However, oil is an abstract concept for many people with many questions. Why is it important to change the oil, what is the right oil? With 10 questions and answers, we guide you into the world of oil.

1. What exactly does motor oil do?

The main tasks of oil are:
• Motor oil provides the seal between pistons and cylinders
• Motor oil prevents contact between different moving parts
• Motor oil dissipates heat from the combustion process
• Motor oil picks up combustion residues and wear particles and removes them.

2. How can I recognize the quality of motor oil?

The quality of motor oil is indicated by international standards API and ACEA and by the standards of the car manufacturer.

3. What does API mean?

API stands for: American Petroleum Institute. This is an American institute that indicates the quality of oils. API distinguishes between gasoline engines and diesel engines.
• Gasoline engines are indicated by the letter S.
• Diesel engines are indicated by the letter C.
With a second letter, the quality level is indicated. With a few exceptions, the further in the alphabet, the higher the quality. For example, a motor oil can have the quality designation SL/CF.

4. What does ACEA mean for motor oil?

The ACEA is a European standardization and stands for: Association des Constructeurs Europeens d’Automobile or Association of European Automobile Manufacturers. The quality designation of the ACEA consists of a letter, followed by a number.

ACEA distinguishes between gasoline engines (indicated by letter A), light diesel engines (indicated by letter B), diesel engines with a diesel particulate filter (indicated by letter C), and heavy diesel engines (indicated by letter E).
With a number, after the letter, the quality level is indicated. For example, a motor oil can have the specification A3, B4, C3.

5. What oil for my car?

The car's manual indicates what type of oil (i.e., what specification) the engine or gearbox of your car needs. Always choose a quality brand oil.

The conditions under which motor oil has to work during, on average, a year, can vary significantly. From temperatures of +30°C to -10°C. From short city trips to long distances on vacation. And from commuting to driving with a heavily loaded car and caravan through the mountains.

Motor oil is now available in many places. From the gas station to the garage and DIY store and supermarket. Remember that motor oil has many tasks during the time it is in your car and that the conditions vary greatly. The tasks that oil has, you have read above.

A 5W30 oil only indicates the viscosity. The specifications are e.g., SM/CF or SN/CF. This tells something about the quality level of the oil. And there is a lot of difference between them. Realize that the conditions under which oil has to work are diverse and demanding (as described above).

You will see which motor oil is suitable for your car. And you will also see which brake fluid, transmission oil, and coolant are recommended.

‘Cheap motor oil can also lead to expensive purchase’

You can imagine that 5W30 oil, developed by renowned brands, with the latest specifications, has a long, stable lifespan. Therefore, it is also well-suited to the demanding conditions that cars face. This is in contrast to a 5W30 oil that is marketed as cheap motor oil to attract customers with minimal specifications. Or in other words: a minimum package of additives.

The mechanics of an engine last a very long time. The condition for this is that the 'oil change' is done on time and with oil that meets the prescribed specifications.

In summary: a 5W30 oil is available in many places, but one 5W30 oil is not the same as the other.

6. What is viscosity, and how can I recognize it in motor oil?

The thickness of motor oil is an important value. This is indicated by the term viscosity, which depends on the temperature. Oil with low viscosity is thin, and oil with high viscosity is thick. SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) is the international institute that has established the standard for motor oil viscosity. The viscosity of motor oil is established at low and high temperatures. Thus, the designation is, for example, SAE: 5W30 oil, 10W40 oil, 5W40 oil, etc.

The first number with the letter W: the lower the number, the thinner the oil at low temperatures (important for cold starts). The most common are: SAE: 0W, 5W, 10W, 15W, 20W.

The second number after the letter W: the higher the number, the thicker the oil remains at high engine temperatures (important in summer). The most used are: SAE: 30, 40, 50. A general rule of thumb is: the higher the SAE number, the higher the viscosity.

7. What is the advantage of synthetic motor oil?

Using synthetic motor oil (compared to mineral oil) has several advantages:
• Synthetic motor oil has a lower resistance, which reduces fuel consumption. Lower fuel consumption naturally means cost savings. Lower fuel consumption is also better for our environment.
• Synthetic motor oil is thinner, so the oil will spread through the engine block more quickly, even during cold starts. Fast lubrication significantly reduces engine wear.
• Synthetic motor oil provides more stable thermal properties than mineral oil. This means the oil withstands heavy loads longer and better, resulting in longer oil change intervals. When should you change your oil? This depends on the car and type of engine. The manual states when you should change the oil.

8. When should I top up oil?

With the dipstick, you can measure whether there is still enough motor oil in the engine and therefore provide adequate lubrication. Note: the difference between the minimum oil that should be in it and the maximum is 1 liter. Check your oil level regularly. When the oil light on your dashboard comes on, you're actually already too late!

PS If you have a company car, you are responsible for the oil level in your company car.

It is advisable always to have a 1-liter container (of the correct type of motor oil for your car) in the car. Should the oil light come on, you can top up the oil and continue driving. Driving with too low an oil level can cause (permanent) damage to the engine.

9. Is topping up oil with a different brand harmful?

In principle not, provided the other oil has the same quality level (= same specifications) and (preferably the same) viscosity. In emergency situations, such as with too low an oil level, it is important to top up the oil to avoid permanent engine damage. However, always use oil that meets the minimum required specifications of the manufacturer to avoid damage. Consult your vehicle manual or a specialist if in doubt.

10. What if I have a particulate filter?

For cars equipped with particulate filters, it is very important that the correct motor oil is used. Using motor oil without the correct specifications will lead to (extra) a lot of pollution (including soot) and faster clogging of the particulate filter. The pollution is bad for the engine and particulate filter but also for the turbo, which is very sensitive to contamination.
Which motor oil you need depends on your type of engine. Bardahl has a range of motor oils suitable for particulate filters.

Buy Bardahl motor oil directly?

Did you know that 25% of engines have too low an oil level?

With the dipstick, you can measure whether there is still enough oil in the engine. Note: the difference between the minimum oil that should be in it and the maximum is only 1 liter. Therefore, also check your oil level regularly, for example, every month. When the oil light on your dashboard comes on, you're already too late!

How can I easily check my oil level?

1. Always check when the motor oil is cold. The oil is then completely at the bottom of the sump, and you can accurately measure how much motor oil needs to be topped up.

2. Ensure that the car is on a flat surface.

3. Then pull out the dipstick (if you can't find it, you will find in your manual where it is located).

4. Clean the dipstick with a cloth/paper and reinsert the dipstick fully.

5. Pull out the dipstick again and check now up to where there is motor oil on the dipstick. The dipstick has either markings or min-max.

6. If the motor oil does not reach max, you need to top up to max.

‘Never top up more oil than up to the MAX line!’

It is advisable always to have a 1-liter container of Bardahl motor oil of the correct type for your car in the car. Should the oil light come on, you can top up the oil and continue driving. Driving with too low an oil level can cause (permanent) damage to the engine!

‘What if the oil light comes on anyway?’

It is advisable to stop the car as soon as possible. Then immediately top up the correct motor oil. Then drive to the nearest gas station or garage and check how much oil you actually need to top up. Let your engine cool down first so that the oil has fully settled in the sump. Only then can you accurately check your oil level.

Change motor oil?

We regularly get the question: ‘I don't drive many kilometers, so do I really need to change my motor oil?’

The opposite is unfortunately true. Especially if you drive few kilometers and your car often stands still (for example, with a classic car and mineral oil), it is important to change the motor oil regularly (once a year). Several serious problems can arise if you do not pay attention to the aging of motor oil.

Sludge is yellow (looks like white mayonnaise) that forms due to contamination of the oil in the engine. It is quite common in the sump, because air is constantly drawn into and blown out of it due to the movement of the pistons.

‘Sludge forms when water (moisture) mixes with motor oil’

Sludge can form due to the movement of the pistons, and there is constant volume change. This causes air to be drawn into and blown out of the sump. The moisture in that air is the cause of condensation. This moisture mixes with the oil, resulting in white sludge. Sludge forms when water (moisture) mixes with motor oil. Especially with many short car trips, condensation is deposited.

The annoying consequence of sludge is that the motor oil (with too much moisture) starts to oxidize, and oil additives can be converted into acids. These acids can corrode the metal, and moisture can cause oxidation (rust). Finally, the cleaning and lubricating effect will significantly decrease. Wear is then quickly on the horizon, with all the associated consequences.

‘Changing oil too late can lead to increased oil consumption’

How often you should change the oil is initially stated in the car's maintenance manual. Take this seriously! Changing motor oil too late can lead to annoying problems such as increased oil consumption and consequences for the turbo, EGR, and particulate filter. The cleaning effect of oil decreases. It becomes saturated. With all the consequences. Better to change the oil a little earlier than too late.

‘Summary’

Learn More

Can't find what you're looking for? Through support@bardahl.nl we handle your question quickly and professionally. You can also contact us directly by telephone on 0031 (0) 78-651 23 22.
Or fill in our contactform