How To Choose The Right Engine Oil For Your Car?

The primary function of engine oil is to lubricate the moving parts of the engine and protect them from any wear and tear. The idea of using the right engine oil for your car can never be understated, as it may significantly impact the performance and longevity of a vehicle. Nowadays, given all the engine oil options available in the market, choosing the right oil for your car might seem like a daunting task. Although there is a mountain of information about various oil choices, the initial step is quite simple: Look in your car’s manual.

CAR MANUFACTURER AND SERIES

When choosing the right engine oil, the first thing that one must look into is to know the make and model of your vehicle.

DRIVING ENVIRONMENT

Another major factor to be considered is the condition in which you normally drive your vehicle. Different conditions can put a strain on your vehicle in various ways, such as requiring frequent changes in your engine oil. The conditions in the place where you live and drive, like the climate and road conditions, are the most important factors to consider while deciding what type of engine oil is right for you.

TYPES OF ENGINE OIL

Once you know the make and model of the vehicle, you can choose which type of oil suits your car the best. The base oil accounts for 80%-90% of an engine oil’s composition. This is the most important step in the oil selection decision. Each type of oil has its pros and cons, so knowing which type of oil suits your car and your driving style is of utmost importance. There are three major types of oils to choose from and they are as follows:

Synthetic Oil: 

Synthetic oil for cars provides superior performance and protection for engines. It is prepared by chemically altering base oils, mainly to improve their properties, like viscosity, thermal stability, and oxidation resistance. Synthetic oil for cars is typically more expensive than other types of oil, however, it can offer better performance and longer drain intervals. Fully synthetic engine oil usually has a longer oil change interval and hence it does not need to be taken to the mechanic time and again.

Semi-Synthetic Oil:

 Semi-synthetic oil is made from a mixture of mineral and synthetic oil. It has the advantages of synthetic oil, although can be obtained for a comparatively lower cost. It gives the performance of synthetic oil at the affordability of mineral oil. It also adds to the viscosity and wear resistance of the engine oil at high temperatures, although is slightly bigger than the mineral oil price. However, Semi-synthetic oil could be a good choice for people who are keen on performance and protection but are on a strict budget.

Mineral Oil: 

Mineral oil is the most standard engine oil. It is the senior in engine oil genesis. It is simply a heavily refined version of the oil sourced from the ground and so is the least expensive option. Although it offers basic protection and lubrication for engines, it cannot really beat synthetic or semi-synthetic oil in performance. Besides, it is often objected to breakdowns in high temperatures. As mineral oil has relatively low resistance to heat and oxidation, it is critical to change engine oil more frequently.

VISCOSITY GRADE

While comparing engine oils, one may notice the confusing codes with numbers and letters on the packaging. These indicate viscosity grade, a measurement of the oil’s resistance to flow. This is a significant factor to be considered while searching for the right engine oil.

There are two numbers that define the viscosity of an oil. The first number ends with the letter “W”, which stands for Winter. This measurement is related to the flowability of the oil when it is cold, such as on engine start-up. The second number is defined by how oil flows at normal operating temperatures.

Low-viscosity oils flow easier to protect engine parts at colder temperatures. Thick, high-viscosity oils are better at maintaining film strength to protect engines at higher temperatures. You can find the right viscosity for your vehicle by looking at the oil cap or in the owner’s manual.

OIL STANDARDS

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is responsible for setting standards for engine oils in India. BIS issues licenses to manufacturers of lubricants and oils and these products are tested and confirmed to Indian Standards (IS) specified by the BIS and therefore become essential while looking for the best engine oil in India. The major certifications and standards that manufacturers follow are API (American Petroleum Institute) and ACEA (European Automobiles Manufacturers Association) and ILSAC (International Lubricant Specification Advisory Committee). These certifications demonstrate that the oil meets certain performance and quality standards, which is why it is fundamental to check the certification while looking for the best engine oil.

Understanding the engine oil and making the right choice for your car can be difficult but choosing the right engine oil will extend engine life and allow your engine to operate efficiently. One must always keep these significant factors in mind while looking for the right engine oil for your car.

Food-Grade Lubricants

A Food-grade lubricant is a type of industrial lubricant which is considered safe for incidental contact with items that may be consumed by humans or animals, as long as it does not exceed the permissible concentration. These lubricants must not only meet the high requirements for use in industrial machinery like gearboxes, compressors, hydraulic systems, and chains, but also comply with strict food law guidelines for the protection of the consumer.

Lubricants used in the production and packaging of food, beverages, animal feed, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics must not have any negative impacts on the quality of the product. 

Certifications and Approvals

Lubricants are classified in compliance with food regulations and national stipulations by following several internationally accepted standards. A few of the certifications are discussed below:

NSF

The American NSF (National Sanitation Foundation) is an accredited certification body that tests and certifies products to verify they meet public health and safety standards. It is the most significant classification of food grade lubricant worldwide. The NSF classifications are as follows:

NSF H1 Lubricants- 

H1 lubricants are tasteless, odorless, physiologically inert and are suitable for “incidental, technically unavoidable contact with a food product up to 10 ppm.” They are used for machinery such as pumps, conveyor belts and mixers and for applications such as canning, blending, cooking, cutting, slicing, peeling, handling, bottling, and brewing.

NSF H2 Lubricants

H2 lubricants are considered to be food grade but are not specifically food safe. These are used for machinery that does not come in direct contact with food, such as forklift.

NSF H3 Lubricants-

H3 Lubricants are additives that can be used in the formulation of food- grade products. These are edible oils and are safe for human consumption such as corn oil, sunflower oil, soybean oil or cotton oil.

Halal Approval

The halal approval requires the production of food according to the Islamic dietary regulations. To ensure this, Addinol does not use any animal products in the manufacture of our lubricants. In addition, all food lubricants are free of ethanol. This means, they are alcohol-free. 

Kosher Approval

Kosher approval of food lubricants is subject to compliance with Jewish dietary regulations. Addinol guarantees that our lubricant doesn’t contain any animal ingredients. 

Types of Food-grade Lubricants

Addinol has a wide range of food-grade lubricants that can cater to any industrial application possible. Addinol has formulated special high-quality food-grade lubricants to be used in:

  • drives and gears
  • chain lubrication
  • hydraulic lubrication
  • compressors 
  • vacuum pumps & so on

Challenges:

One of the challenges being faced in food industries are the persons who works with food machinery equipment’s does not mention anywhere that food grade lubricants are mandatory to be used in food industries.

To be continued……..

Ways to clean and lube your Motorcycle/bicycle chain

Is your bicycle/motorcycle chain wearing out too soon? Do you want to know the ways to prolong the lifecycle of your chains? If so, tune in… Cleaning and lubricating your motorcycle/bicycle chains at regular intervals will help in maintaining optimal performance and protection.


Why is it essential to clean and lube the chain?


Let’s say you are a moderate rider enjoying your riding skill across diverse terrains. Well, you knowingly or unknowingly are giving way for dust and dirt to accumulate on the motorcycle chain, it causes increasing friction. Lubricating your drive chain not only makes them glossy and polished but also improves the lifespan of the chain.


How to clean and lube a chain?


The golden rule for lubricating a motorcycle/bicycle chain is to ensure that you clean the chain before applying the bike-specific chain lube below.

  • The prep work is the first step which includes assembling the products for cleaning and lubing, which includes disposable gloves, a chain lube, a water source, a hose, a brush, and a sponge.
  • The next step is to clean the rear derailleur using water and detergent. Make sure to rotate the chain while cleaning. Wait for a few minutes for it to soak.
  • The next step is to scrub properly using a toothbrush. Any leftover dirt can be picked up using a toothpick or similar tools. Wash and rinse properly.
  • The final step is oiling the chain with a motorcycle chain spray in India. Also, make sure to spray in short bursts so that it doesn’t get sprayed all over the place.

How to choose the chain lube?


Although chain lubing is a simple process, you must be careful in picking the chain lube as it usually comprises a wide miscellany of ingredients that could or could not go well. So, make sure to choose high-performance chain oil in India. Also, make sure that you follow the instructions that come with the product.


How often should you clean and lube your chain?


Although the chain should be cleaned and lubed depending on how much you are riding or the type of terrain you are riding, other factors like environmental conditions, the type of lube, etc., also matter.


Here are two signs when you are required to clean up and lube your motorcycle/bicycle chain:

  • Depending on the appearance, that is precisely when it looks dirty and worn out.
  • Depending on the sound. When the sound turns squeaky, know that it’s high time to clean up the chain.

Choose an appropriate lubricant to ensure the chain works perfectly. Help extend the duration of your motorcycle/bicycle chain.

10 Tips To Choose The Right Motorcycle Oil For A Smoother Ride

For most people, motorcycles are much more than a vehicle.

It’s an emotion!

To give wings to your passion you need to first know the soul of your Motorcycle. Besides regular cleaning and polishing, our two-wheeled miracle needs its chains lubed, tires at the right pressure, batteries charged, and engines oiled. The engine oil we choose not only lubricates the engine but also works its way out to clean up emissions as well as maintain fuel efficiency. Therefore choosing the right motorcycle oil is vital in maintaining your bike, safe and sound.

Here are a few factors to consider while choosing the motorcycle oil for your bike.

  1. Read the factory manual

There is nobody better than the manufacturer, to recommend what grade of oils suits their product and its performance, the best. They have a thorough knowledge of the working style of the engine and can easily analyze which kind of oil lubes well with it. Thus staying within the manufacturer’s recommendation is the risk-free option.

  1. Choose high-quality oil

If you are not into shortcuts and are willing to make a draw, you could go for a different choice. However, one thing to keep in mind is to choose high-quality oils for the well-being of your bike buddy. Choose nothing less than the best bike engine oil in India.

  1. Check the oil grades

Choosing the oil grades can be tricky. Have you ever noticed the ‘W’ in caps on the oil cans and the number alongside it? It indicates the viscosity of the oil. A single-grade oil Is referred to with a single numeral, that is 10W, while a multi-grade oil usually has numerals on both ends. For instance, 10W40. The lower the number, the better for an engine with a cold start. Check with your manufacturer or an expert before making the choice. 

  1. Check the viscosity

Viscosity is an index that determines the consistency of the fluid. It could be either thick and sticky or semi-fluid-like. High-performing machines need oil with a lower viscosity so that it may flow faster and easier. Choosing an oil with the right viscosity can improve the efficiency of your motorcycle.

  1. Check the additives added

Additives remove debris and neutralize the acidity of the oil, which is why they are highly celebrated by oil manufacturers. They not only lubricate the engine but also clean the carbon formation collected between the engine parts.

  1. Look for compliances

Each country has its compliance standards that are mandatory for the oil manufacturer to follow. Make sure that you are aware of these regulations before purchasing oil for your engine oil.

  1. Automotive Vs Motor Oil

Automotive oils which are used in gas-powered cars, trucks, Agri vehicles, etc can never comprehend with motorcycle engines. As motorcycle engine has entirely different requirements, make sure to choose motorcycle-specific engine oil, engineered to protect the engine and its performance at rather high pressure and temperatures. 

  1. Mineral Vs Synthetic oil

Engine oils can be categorized into three concerning viscosity and temperature levels. Mineral oils are the standard lubrication oils available, which can operate machines with engine capacities from 80cc to 125cc. Semi-synthetic oil runs machines with engine capacities from 125cc to 180cc while synthetic oils are employed in machines with engine capacity more than 200cc.

  1. Infer the riding style

Variation in the riding style is another crucial component in choosing the right engine oil. Let’s say that you only ride your bike for daily purposes, then your best choice would be mineral oil or you could opt for a semi-synthetic oil if you ride a few thousand kilometers. However, if you are a rider and cover hundreds of thousands of kilometers in difficult and different terrains, then you sure need synthetic oil for your engine.

  1. Change the oil filter

Changing the oil filter is as important as choosing the oil itself. An oil filter removes the contaminants like dirt, oxidized oil, and metallic particles that accumulate in the oil and protects the engine from potential damage. Thus make sure to change the oil filter every time you change the oil.

For more queries on the subject or for the best engine oil for contact Addinol.

Importance of Industrial Lubricants in Different Sectors.

How do you move a hundred-pound weight across a surface?

By reducing the friction with lubrication. However, lubricants not only reduce friction but also lower the operating temperature, reduce corrosion, lower wear and tear, and keep contaminants out of a system, thereby enhancing the operational stability of machines. Inadequate lubrication may affect the functioning of a system adversely. Thus lubricants are a fundamental ingredient in every industry.

General Industrial, Marine, Automotive and Transportation, Heavy Equipment, Metallurgy and Metalworking, Timber Processing, Food Processing, and Chemical engineering are a few industries that use ample lubrication and might not work perfectly without it.

Lubricants usage in the Wind power sector

With the rapid growth of the wind power sector in the last few decades, the demand for lubricants employed in running wind turbines rose exponentially. Unlike other industrial machinery, wind turbines are subject to extreme climatic conditions, posing severe challenges to the stability of the installations. All these factors levitated the market’s demand and supply for wind turbine lubricants.

Lubricants usage in the marine industry

Factors like extreme temperatures, harsh environmental conditions, salt water, heavy goods, and high mechanical loads make the survival of any engine improbable in the sea. Thus, using lubricants not only improves the efficiency of machinery but also protects its components at extreme temperatures, augmenting the engine life. Lubricants are also used in shipping and operating cranes and other port facilities.

Lubricant usage in the electricity and power generating sector

As the sources of electricity generation increased over the years, the demand for Industrial lubricants in India also proliferated. Lubricants optimized plant efficiency and acted as primary industrial corrosion protection agents. Power plant operators could maximize their production and profitability using the most suitable lubricants.

What Should We Know When Selecting Industrial Gear Oils?

Have difficulty in selecting industrial gear oils? How do you know which gear oil suits your need the best? Here are a few tips to help you begin.

Although it is ideal to inspect the equipment in detail before making a gear oil choice, there are certain guidelines you could refer to. Maximum efficiency and optimum lubrication are the two critical factors to look upon while choosing lubricants. Cleanliness and durability should also be favorable.

Criteria for selecting gear oils.

  • Choosing a suitable viscosity grade.

As there are several viscosity grades available, selecting the appropriate grade is pivotal. As the selection primarily depends on the operating conditions, refer to an operating manual to make up a decision.

  • Choosing the basic type of Lubricant/ Additives.

The basic type of lubricant is the next choice after selecting the viscosity grade. There are mainly three different variants for gear oils in India.

  • R&O  gear lubricants

Rust & Oxidation gear oils work well in the group of chemical stability, corrosion prevention, and foam suppression. However, these gear oils are designed to perform at high speeds and low loads. If all surface contacts operate under hydrodynamic or elastohydrodynamic lubrication conditions, then R&O lubricants are the best choice to make.

  • Antiscuff gear lubricants

Antiscuff gear lubricants, better known as EP or Extreme Pressure lubricants have special additives, unlike R&O lubricants. Antiscuff gear oils are used in high load, low speed, shock loading machines. Although sulfur phosphorous is the most common EP additive, zinc dialkyl dithiophosphate (ZDDP), molybdenum-disulfide (moly), graphite, and borates are the few other additives.

  • Compounded gear lubricants

Compounded lubricants are well known for their lubricity and film strength, as they are mixed with synthetic fatty acids. These are used for worm gear applications. Compounded lubricants are also called cylinder oils. They were actually used in steam cylinder applications, hence the name.

  • Choosing Base oil.

The Quality of base oil is critical when it comes to the performance of gear oil. The mineral base oil and synthetic base oil are the two common options available. Although mineral base oil works better in most cases, synthetic base oils have greater resistance to oxidation and thermal degradation, and are, therefore, more suitable for employment in high operating temperatures.

For more details or queries regarding the subject contact Addinol India.