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Arguments against

There are many voices in specialized forums and on car owners’ sites. One frequent claim is that Russian oil could harm many modern engines on our roads if it lacks the right additives. Critics say the issue is additives rather than the base oil itself.

Another common remark is that home-grown oils are made of uncertain components. A showing photo of damaged Gazelle engines allegedly using domestic heating oil is sometimes cited. A final concern argues that older engines may tolerate any fill, while modern engines require imported oils. The prevailing summary is simple: home oil is viewed as inferior because it supposedly has nothing to work with. Specific parameter disputes rarely appear in these claims.

What are our oils made of?

Production requires a base oil and a set of additives, both of which can be imported. Base oils labeled 1, 2, 3, and 3+ are partly produced in Russia, though the main supply typically comes from abroad. The higher groups, 4 and 5, are largely imported.

Additives may be imported for the latest oils or sourced domestically. The supply chains are not publicly disclosed by companies, and a wide range of logistics is possible. For example, some blends originate in Dubai and move through former USSR republics. The manufacturing schemes work, even if the routes are not the nearest.

Today, many documents confirming approvals for Russian oils disappear from public access, seemingly by accident. This does not necessarily reflect quality, but it fuels speculation. Do household oils have car manufacturer approvals? Previously they did, with many brands, including Mercedes-Benz, BMW, VW, Renault, Ford, Volvo, GM, Cummins, MAN, and others granting approvals. Sintec oils had approvals from Mercedes-Benz, Volvo, and Cummins. Owing to sanctions, many approvals have begun to be withdrawn.

Damage to modern engines

In high pressure turbo engines, unusual events can occur at the end of the compression stroke. Temperature and pressure in the cylinders may rise rapidly, risking damage to pistons and cylinder walls. This phenomenon is known as LSPI or SPI, referring to unwanted early ignition in direct fuel injection turbo engines that operate under very high pressures. With ordinary oils, the risk is higher. To counter this risk, a new oil specification emerged: API SN PLUS, followed by API SP.

Are these oils available? They are, but mainly through service channels and not easily found in retail. This can be frustrating for consumers seeking readily available options.

Specification today centers on API SP and API SN PLUS. Companies such as Lukoil and Sintec Lubricants have confirmed that their modern oils can be used in foreign car engines. Their websites feature oil selection tools that help users determine compatibility by entering vehicle details. Examples of these tools are accessible on their sites.

Not all imported oil is of high quality

Oil reviews and investigations show that some products fail to meet expected standards. An article discussing a visible technology breach by a well-known oil producer described canister layering that could lead to tar in engines. Another study cited a product bought as Shell Helix Plus showing excessive spillage and unusually dark, thick oil from the engine, suggesting poor production quality. Shell was asked for samples for testing but did not provide results, implying either a flaw or a production issue. Domestic oils rarely show such clear deficiencies, while many imported oils may have quality concerns, according to industry observations.

Among home oils, clear mismatches are less common. Imported oils are frequently altered in some instances, which raises concerns for consumers. Nevertheless, within consumer testing, domestic options are often found to be a safer choice on this metric.

Why are our oils worse than imported ones?

A few years back a comparative test used two oil samples from the 5W-40 SN category. The outcome showed a price gap that favored imported oils at the time. The test simulated 15,000 kilometers under identical conditions. If the longer test required a mid-cycle oil change, the domestically produced oil was refreshed after roughly 7,500 miles. Imported oil performed steadily, while the domestic option held up with some variation. In terms of high temperature deposit levels, both behaved similarly, but imported oils edged ahead slightly for low temperature deposits on valve train and oil sump surfaces due to a higher quality base oil.

The takeaway suggests that using imported products can bring engine benefits, particularly if replacement intervals are shorter, though overall costs rise with price differences between domestic and imported options.

Sum up

Two potential issues surface for home oils. First, modern SP quality products can be hard to find. Second, domestic oils may not last as long and could require more frequent changes. Given these factors, household heating oil can be poured into modern engines with caution, but power and maintenance costs may not be significantly affected, and the economic savings depend on pricing and service intervals.

Specialist’s comments Denis Zagarin, head of the NAMI Test Center If dealers lack recommended or original branded fluids, shifting to a domestic product with similar SAE, API, ACEA or national AAI specifications is often the practical path. While manuals may require original fluids, they commonly provide universal fluid characteristics that are acceptable for use.

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