Even yesterday it felt like a quick decision was enough: follow the instructions, or trust the on‑the‑ground guidelines. Today, it’s important to reread the labels carefully and remember what sometimes slips from memory. Let’s pause and review a few key points.
Are mineral oils being produced today?
During a press briefing, a representative from a well-known oil producer was asked what technology is used to manufacture their engine oil. He initially misunderstood and then grew irritated. If a product meets the specified characteristics and the consumer asks whether it is synthetic or mineral, there is no need for concern about the choice. The maker may have a familiar stance for many readers: mineral oils remain common and are often suitable for engines with high mileage, provided they are kept in proper conditions. Their practical quality ceiling is tied to API SL, and the boundary between mineral and synthetic often hinges on viscosity class 10W-40. Higher values, such as 15W, can still be mineral; but 0W is indicative of synthetic formulation.
In the present context, the guidance remains clear: when original or recommended fluids are unavailable, it is common for households to consider alternatives with similar specifications.
Expert opinion
Without a recommended or original fluid, transitioning to a household product with comparable characteristics becomes almost inevitable in many situations.
What to fill in the absence of imports?
Imported oils can still be found on shelves and used in military contexts. A caveat exists: there is no guarantee that a product labeled with a certain name will contain the exact right composition once in the canister. Counterfeit oils have resurfaced, complicating the selection process.
As genuine imports dwindle, switching to domestic products becomes the practical option.
Today in Russia there is both a base oil and additives—domestic and imported components coexist. It might feel daunting, but there is no real danger. Many domestic motor oils carry high‑level approvals from brands and manufacturers such as MB, BMW, VW, Renault, Ford, Volvo, GM, Cummins, and MAN, among others. It is important to note that, due to political circumstances, some details have been removed from official sites, but this does not reflect any change in technology. The relevance of approvals today is tied to warranty considerations, and the landscape shifts with market factors.
The Volvo recommended oil for the 2017 S90 is Castrol Edge Professional V 0W-20 with a VCC RBS0-2AE 0W-20 approval. In comparison, Lukoil offers Genesis Special VL 0W-20 API SN with the same approval, while Sintec Lubricants recommends Sintec Platinum 0W-20 API SP ILSAC GF‑6 as a substitute.
When choosing the viscosity of engine oil, should the age of the engine be considered?
Yes. Modern engines are typically designed for low‑viscosity oils such as 0W‑20. Their compact passages benefit from thinner fluids and the resulting small reduction in fuel consumption. However, engines with larger clearances or those that are older or heavily worn require different considerations. In such cases, low‑viscosity oils may fail to maintain adequate oil pressure or film strength, risking premature wear. In short, oils with low viscosity are not suitable for engines below a certain eco‑class threshold.
Do I need a special oil for direct injection engines?
Yes. Turbocharged direct injection engines require oils capable of withstanding the LSPI challenge. This refers to unwanted pre‑ignition caused by hot soot particles or additives when fuel is delivered at high pressure. To counter this, the API introduced a new specification on May 1, 2018—API SN Plus—later superseded by the current API SP starting May 2020.
Modern oils from various manufacturers meet API SP standards where appropriate.
What exactly affects the HTHS parameter?
HTHS measures the high‑temperature viscosity of an oil at 150°C. The goal is a balance: lower HTHS reduces friction loss and improves efficiency, while a stronger oil film requires a certain level of viscosity.
HTHS parameters and SAE specification
|
HTHS<3.5 |
HTHS≈3.5 |
HTHS≈3.7 |
|
xW-8/12/16 |
xW-30 |
15W/20W/25W-40 |
|
xW-20 |
0W/5W/10W-40 |
xW-50 |
|
xW-30 |
xW-60 |
In practice, the HTHS value should be neither too low nor too high; it must be optimal for each engine. This is the reason the parameter is usually embedded within the oil specification rather than listed separately on the canister.
Long‑life oils — advertising or reality?
Several brands use labels like LongLife to indicate compatibility with flexible service intervals. The long‑life tag signals suitability for manufacturer programs that allow extended service intervals. Ultimately, the vehicle’s onboard computer decides whether a longer or shorter oil interval is appropriate based on operating conditions and sensor data.
What is used on the production line for H4M engines? Lukoil Genesis RN 0W-30 is a common choice, while ROSNEFT MAGNUM MAXTEC 5W-40 is used for other models. The replacement interval varies: typically 15,000 km for front‑wheel drive, 10,000 km for all‑wheel drive, or one year, whichever comes first.
- Five simple rules to prevent excessive fat burning (relevant to all drivers) here.
- Information about driving can be found on Odnoklassniki.