Choosing the Right Engine Oil Based on Manufacturer Tolerances
When selecting a brand to replace the engine oil prescribed by the manufacturer, attention should be paid to tolerances. Industry experts consulted by socialbites.ca emphasize following the automaker’s recommendations.
According to Mikhail Kolodochkin, a technical specialist at the automotive magazine Za Rulem, you should only use the oil named by the automaker. If that exact product is unavailable, options include finding a reasonably priced imported oil such as a Korean brand or turning to a local manufacturer. If a perfectly matching oil cannot be found, it is essential to ensure that the oil quality class is not lower than the factory specification. The quality class is indicated on the oil’s marking by two Latin letters: C or S denotes the engine type (gasoline or diesel), and the second letter indicates quality in ascending order. In other words, the oil grade must meet the engine’s requirements.
Therefore, oils labeled SM or SL are unsuitable if the automaker lists SN as the recommended grade.
Kolodochkin notes that pouring an oil that is not explicitly recommended but has solid performance into a modern engine will not cause immediate failure. The key is to avoid operation under extreme conditions. If possible, a quick MOT should follow the oil change to ensure continued reliability. The automaker approves an oil by testing its performance in a specific engine, and the formulation is tailored to that engine’s operation.
Oil that does not meet the automaker’s specifications can lose its desirable properties prematurely, leading to soot buildup, thick deposits, or other deposits that impair performance.
Excessively thick oil can form a dense film over engine surfaces, potentially causing overheating of the cylinder-piston assembly. Oil aging also accelerates wear in auxiliary systems such as the fuel supply, crankcase ventilation, and cooling system.
Potential problems from changing to a different oil can be minimized by adhering to the automaker’s approval, agrees Sergey Shabunin, head admissions officer at the Veshnyaki Avto technical center.
Shabunin explains that different oil brands use similar additives, and as long as the manufacturer’s tolerance is followed, there should be no issues. The only caveat is that oils from different brands should not be mixed; when draining the crankcase during replacement, most of the old oil is removed. He adds that many oils, including regional products, are formulated to fit a broad automotive market.
Experts note that poor-quality oil can lead to failures such as damaged piston rings or oil starvation, causing increased wear, though this is often linked to counterfeit oils. The entry of counterfeit products into the market could rise if a parallel import mechanism is introduced, which would also flood the market with foreign brands. A marketing professional in Auto3N discusses the current situation, noting shortages across brands and the unpredictability of delivery schedules.
In this context, if a major supplier faces delivery delays, service centers may seek substitutes. For example, a local store once offered Idemitsu 4 as an analogue for a specific BMW model, with price tags around five thousand rubles per liter, while Motul was available at higher prices. Castrol had limited stock, with delivery timelines unclear, reflecting the broader supply uncertainty facing the market.
Overall, the guidance remains clear: follow the automaker’s approved oil specifications. Adhering to these standards preserves engine integrity and helps prevent soot buildup, deposits, and the risk of overheating or accelerated wear in critical systems. By prioritizing official approvals and monitoring supply conditions, vehicle owners can maintain optimal engine performance even in times of market volatility. (citation: Za Rulem; socialbites.ca reports; industry commentary)