Category: Engine Oil

Motorcycle for most people isn’t just a means of transportation, but altogether a lifestyle. Seasoned rider or a novice, the thrill and excitement of hitting the open road on a two-wheeler is indeed a different experience. However, with this thrill comes responsibility. Adequate maintenance of your motorcycle is fundamental to ensure optimal performance, longevity, and most importantly, safety.

In this article, we’ll guide you through the complexities of engine oils, including types, viscosities, and ratings, to help you choose the best one for your bike.

With numerous types of engine oils available in the market, there has been an increasing amount of confusion surrounding engine oils, with debates on the best engine oil for bikes and the significance of oil viscosity, including different rating scales such as 10W-30, 20W-40, 15W-50, and 20W-50. As a motorcycle owner, it’s essential to have a thorough understanding of these concepts to ensure that you make an informed decision when selecting the right engine oil for the bike.

Read on to discover ways to choose the right engine oil for your motorcycle and ensure that your bike operates smoothly and efficiently, providing you with endless hours of riding pleasure.

Why do you need to choose the right bike engine oil?

The engine of a motorcycle is undoubtedly the most important component of the vehicle, consisting of multiple mechanical parts that work together in harmony to convert fuel into mechanical energy that drives the bike forward. However, for the engine to function at optimal levels, it must generate a certain amount of friction, which is produced when the different parts come into contact.

This is where engine oil comes in. Engine oil plays a vital role in ensuring that the friction created by the engine parts does not cause any damage to the components. The primary objective of engine oil is to provide sufficient lubrication to minimize friction and wear, thereby ensuring that the engine runs smoothly and efficiently.

Now that we have come to terms with the significance of Bike engine oil, let’s discuss some tips for choosing the right two-wheeler engine oil.

Tips for choosing the right engine oil

Read the owner’s manual

The first and foremost step to choosing the right/ best engine oil for the bike is to carefully read the owner’s manual. The manual is an invaluable document that contains all the necessary information you need to know about your bike engine. The bike engine oil recommended by the manufacturer will be without a doubt specially formulated to meet the requirements of your motorcycle’s engine. Using the recommended oil type and viscosity ensures that the engine runs smoothly and efficiently and that all the engine parts receive adequate lubrication, thereby reducing wear and tear.

Riding style and operating temperature

Selecting the best engine oil for a bike requires a thorough consideration of your riding style, as different oils have unique purposes. Mineral oil is well-suited for daily commutes due to its ability to withstand daily wear and tear. On the other hand, semi-synthetic oils are ideal for longer drain intervals, ensuring maximum engine protection.

If you often ride in extreme conditions or enjoy long rides, fully synthetic oils offer superior performance and low viscosity, ensuring optimal engine protection. Furthermore, selecting the right viscosity is crucial in optimizing your motorcycle’s performance, and it should be based on your city’s highest and lowest temperatures.

Motorcycle oil Vs Automobile oils

It’s important to keep in mind that not all oils are created equal. While the oils designed for gas-powered cars and trucks may seem like a viable option, they are not necessarily suitable for motorcycles.

The main reason for this is that motorcycle engines tend to operate at higher temperatures than four-wheeled vehicles. The unique design of motorcycle engines means that they generate more heat and require oil that can withstand these extreme conditions. Frequent stops and starts in traffic can place additional stress on the engine and oil, making it even more critical to use motorcycle-specific oil.

Understanding the oil type

There is an array of two-wheeler engine oils available on the market today that can be overwhelming for the average consumer. These fall under three main categories, namely mineral oil, semi-synthetic oil, and fully synthetic oil.

Mineral Oil – Mineral oils are the most commonly used two-wheeler engine oils, especially for small engine capacities ranging from 80cc to 125cc, and so are often referred to as the best engine oils for a 100cc bike. While these oils have a shorter lifespan than synthetic oils, they offer adequate protection and lubrication for engines that operate at low mechanical outputs. It is advisable to avoid aggressive riding when using mineral oil as it may cause rapid depreciation or wear of engine parts.

Semi-synthetic oil – Semi-synthetic oil is a popular choice for motorcycle owners in India due to its unique blend of natural crude oil and synthetic oil. This blend offers greater versatility compared to mineral oils, making it suitable for a wide range of motorcycles. Semi-synthetic oil is particularly ideal for motorcycles with larger engine capacities, such as 150cc and 180cc, and is a great option for riders who engage in occasional sporty riding. With its ability to provide superior engine protection and longer oil life, semi-synthetic oil is a reliable choice for motorcycle enthusiasts who demand high performance from their machines.

Synthetic Oil – Synthetic oils for bikes are entirely produced in labs and have a low viscosity index, making them ideal for motorcycles with engine capacities greater than 180cc. Fully Synthetic engine oils for bikes are more expensive than mineral and semi-synthetic oils but provide better protection and last longer. Synthetic oil for bikes offers high lubrication ability and temperature resistance, making synthetic engine oil for bikes perfect for extreme conditions.

Checking the oil grade

Engine oils for motorcycles are classified based on their viscosity or thickness, and this classification is indicated by their grades. The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) has established a grading system to categorize engine oils based on their viscosity at different temperatures. The SAE grades range from 0W to 60, with lower numbers indicating thinner or less viscous oils, and higher numbers indicating thicker or more viscous oils.

The viscosity of engine oil affects its ability to flow through the engine and lubricate its moving parts. A lower viscosity oil, such as 0W or 5W, is ideal for use in cold weather, as it flows easily and ensures proper lubrication even in low temperatures. On the other hand, a higher viscosity oil, such as 50 or 60, is better suited for use in hot weather conditions or engines that generate more heat.

The most commonly used grades of two-wheeler engine oils are 10W30, 10W40, and 20W40. 10W30 oil is ideal for colder climates or for use in the winter season as it flows easily, while 10W40 and 20W50 engine oil for bikes is suitable for general use in a wide range of temperatures. These grades of engine oils are commonly used in bikes with engine capacities ranging from 100cc to 250cc.

Your bike’s engine is the heart of your motorcycle, so be vigilant with its maintenance. Even with top-notch components, an ill-maintained engine can ruin your riding experience. Timely and proper maintenance as well as choosing the best oil for the bike is crucial to ensure that it operates at its best, providing you with a safe and enjoyable riding experience.

The proper maintenance of a vehicle’s engine is vital for optimal performance and long-lasting durability. The engine is comprised of various components that work in tandem to power the car, and over time, these parts can wear out and suffer damage. To prevent such occurrences, it is important to regularly maintain and take care of the engine.

And the primary solution to that is using high-quality engine oil to maintain an engine. Engine oils are the key to reducing friction between the moving parts of an engine, thereby helping engines overcome wear and tear. However, not all engine oils are identical but differ in working with respect to their grade, viscosity, etc. Determining the suitable car engine oil grade is crucial for an engine’s longevity.

The car engine oil grades denote its viscosity or thickness at different temperatures. Thicker oil is ideal for high-temperature environments, whereas thinner oil is better for low-temperature environments. Selecting the incorrect car oil grades can result in subpar engine performance or even engine failure. Therefore, it is essential to consult the owner’s manual to determine the appropriate car oil grade for your specific vehicle.

Changing engine oil regularly is also important to ensure its effectiveness in protecting the engine. Over time, engine oil can accumulate dirt and debris, rendering it less effective. By adhering to the recommended intervals for oil changes, one can ensure that the engine remains well-lubricated and protected from wear and tear. Also read through to see car oil grades explained in detail.

Why are engine oil grades important?

Engine oil grades are significant as they help you choose the right oil for your vehicle’s engine. The different car oil grades determine its viscosity, which is the oil’s resistance to flow. The viscosity of the oil affects how well it can lubricate the engine’s moving parts and how easily it flows through the engine’s oil passages.

If you use the wrong grade of oil, it can lead to engine damage and increased wear and tear. For example, if you use a thicker oil than what is recommended for your engine, it can make it harder for the oil to circulate, causing increased friction and overheating. On the other hand, if you use a thinner oil than what is recommended, it may not provide enough protection to the engine’s moving parts, leading to increased wear and tear.

Which are the common types of engine oil?

Single-grade oil:

Single-grade motor oil is a type of motor oil that maintains a consistent thickness or “weight” throughout its use temperature range. It’s commonly used in older or classic cars and high-performance engines that require a specific viscosity grade to operate at their best. The viscosity grade of a single-grade motor oil is determined by its performance in low and high-temperature conditions. An SAE 30-weight oil is thicker and more viscous at high temperatures than an SAE 10-weight oil, but thinner and less viscous at low temperatures.

Multi-grade oil: 

Multi-grade engine oil, also known as multi-viscosity grade engine oil, is a type of motor oil that has two viscosity grades. This means that the oil’s thickness or “weight” can adjust to different temperatures, making it more versatile and suitable for a wider range of temperatures and driving conditions. Multi-grade engine oil is commonly used in modern cars and trucks because it offers better engine protection in both cold and hot weather conditions. It can also provide improved fuel efficiency and better overall performance compared to single-grade motor oil.

Synthetic oil: Synthetic engine oil is a specially designed and engineered motor oil made from chemically synthesized base oils and advanced additives. It offers superior performance and protection for modern engines compared to conventional oils. Synthetic oil can provide better engine protection, better fuel efficiency, and longer intervals between oil changes due to its better high-temperature stability, improved cold-start performance, and longer drain intervals. Synthetic oils are typically available in multi-grade formulations and are recommended for use in modern, high-performance engines.

High-mileage oil: 

High-mileage oil is specially formulated for engines with more than 75,000 miles on them. It contains unique additives that help to reduce oil consumption, prevent leaks, and rejuvenate seals that can become worn and brittle over time. In addition to seal conditioners, high mileage oils may also contain components that help to clean and protect engine components and reduce wear. Different viscosities and formulations of high-mileage oil are available, including both conventional and synthetic options. To determine the best type of high mileage oil for your car, consult with your vehicle’s owner’s manual or a certified mechanic.

Racing oil: 

Racing oils are designed for high-performance engines and provide superior protection under extreme operating conditions. They typically have a higher viscosity than conventional oils and are formulated to provide maximum engine protection at high RPMs.

Understanding Engine Oil Grades: What Does 5w30 Mean?

Have you seen car oil grades written in the format, 5w30? Do you know the 5w30 meaning? Well here is the car engine oil grades explained. Engine oil grades are generally depicted by a combination of letters and numbers, such as 5W-30 or 10W-40. The “w” stands for “winter”, and the first number represents the oil’s viscosity at low temperatures, while the second number represents its viscosity at high temperatures. Therefore here, the first number (5W or 10W) represents the oil’s viscosity rating in cold temperatures, while the second number (30 or 40) represents the oil’s viscosity rating in high temperatures. The lower the number that precedes the “W,” the better the oil flows in cold temperatures. The higher the number that supersedes the “W,” the thicker the oil is in high temperatures. Hope you got the 5w30 meaning right by now.

Which are the different motor oil grades available?

Motor oil grades are a standardized system used to indicate the viscosity or thickness of the oil at different temperatures. The viscosity of oil refers to its resistance to flow, and it’s essential to choose the right grade for your vehicle’s specific needs.

0W-20 motor oil is a popular low-viscosity oil that provides excellent fuel economy and cold-start protection. It’s perfect for modern engines that require this specific automotive oil grade, especially in colder climates. On the other hand, 0W-30 motor oil is another low-viscosity oil that provides similar benefits to 0W-20 oil but is more suitable for warmer temperatures.

If you own a high-performance car, 0W-40 motor oil is an ideal choice as it’s a synthetic oil designed for high-performance engines that require thicker oil at higher temperatures. It offers excellent engine wear and tear protection, making it a popular choice for sports cars and high-performance vehicles.

Since you cracked the 5w30 meaning, let us get into its features. 5W-30 motor oil is a great choice for many vehicles, including cars, trucks, SUVs, and even some motorcycles. This versatile grade is convenient for drivers who have multiple types of vehicles or are unsure of which oil grade to use. It provides good fuel economy by reducing friction and improving engine efficiency, which can save drivers money on fuel costs over time. 5W-30 motor oil offers excellent engine protection by lubricating and cooling engine components and preventing wear and tear from friction and heat.

In a nutshell, automotive oil grades play a critical function in sustaining the health and longevity of car engines. As we have explained, different car oil grades are distinguished by their viscosity and other performance properties and are labeled using a standardized system, under which car engine oil grades are explained well. So whether you’re a car enthusiast or simply someone who wants to take adequate care of your vehicle, it’s important to familiarize yourself with car oil grades explained in detail and choose the right one for your car to keep it through the hard days as well.

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.