Lubricating oils can vary greatly in price. But what exactly do you get by paying for branded oil? sgCarMart finds out from French lubrication specialists Motul!
Ever wondered why lubricating oils can vary so much in price? While most lubricating oils comprise anywhere from 70% to 95% of base oil mix, it is the remaining portion of the oil - the additives, that set different lubricating oils apart.
Additives change the various physical properties of the oil and thus affect how effective it is at protecting your engine. So exactly what properties are favourable in engine oil? We look at some with Motul!
Ever wondered why lubricating oils can vary so much in price? While most lubricating oils comprise anywhere from 70% to 95% of base oil mix, it is the remaining portion of the oil - the additives, that set different lubricating oils apart.
Additives change the various physical properties of the oil and thus affect how effective it is at protecting your engine. So exactly what properties are favourable in engine oil? We look at some with Motul!
Friction Modifiers
As the name implies, friction modifiers help the base oil reduce friction between surfaces that come into direct contact. This is crucial at sections such as between the piston rings and cylinder walls, where sustained wear can lead to reduced compression, efficiency and power from your engine.
Friction modifiers may be common in many branded oils, but Motul's 300V Power 0W-20 also utilises their patented ESTER Core®technology which allows the oil to ‘stick' on to metal surfaces, creating a constant film on the engine's moving parts to cut down on wear and friction.
As the name implies, friction modifiers help the base oil reduce friction between surfaces that come into direct contact. This is crucial at sections such as between the piston rings and cylinder walls, where sustained wear can lead to reduced compression, efficiency and power from your engine.
Friction modifiers may be common in many branded oils, but Motul's 300V Power 0W-20 also utilises their patented ESTER Core®technology which allows the oil to ‘stick' on to metal surfaces, creating a constant film on the engine's moving parts to cut down on wear and friction.
Viscosity Index Improvers
Viscosity Index Improvers are necessary in any oil to maintain the right oil viscosity at a variety of temperatures. Maintaining the right oil viscosity ensures that your engine gets the right amount of protection, regardless of what its operating temperature may be.
Without these Viscosity Improvers, a lubricating oil might be to viscous at low temperatures, making it difficult for moving metal components to glide along each other and hinder fuel economy. The opposite can also happen where the oil loses the viscosity necessary to lubricate the moving parts, causing increased engine friction and wear.
If you're looking for an oil that can maintain its viscosity well, Motul's H-Tech 100 Plus 0W20 is the way to go. It prides itself on superb temperature and shear resistance, making it suitable for both naturally aspirated and hotter, turbocharged engines. The H-Tech 100 Plus line ensures your engine receives the necessary lubrication in order to deliver greater fuel economy during start up, as well as for short trips around town.
Viscosity Index Improvers are necessary in any oil to maintain the right oil viscosity at a variety of temperatures. Maintaining the right oil viscosity ensures that your engine gets the right amount of protection, regardless of what its operating temperature may be.
Without these Viscosity Improvers, a lubricating oil might be to viscous at low temperatures, making it difficult for moving metal components to glide along each other and hinder fuel economy. The opposite can also happen where the oil loses the viscosity necessary to lubricate the moving parts, causing increased engine friction and wear.
If you're looking for an oil that can maintain its viscosity well, Motul's H-Tech 100 Plus 0W20 is the way to go. It prides itself on superb temperature and shear resistance, making it suitable for both naturally aspirated and hotter, turbocharged engines. The H-Tech 100 Plus line ensures your engine receives the necessary lubrication in order to deliver greater fuel economy during start up, as well as for short trips around town.
Antioxidants
That's right, just like in super foods, quality oils also contain antioxidants which, as their name suggests, inhibits the oxidation of the lubricating oil in your car. What is so dangerous about oxidation of your oil?
When your engine oil is exposed to high temperatures or water, it becomes prone to oxidation which changes the viscosity and protective properties described above.
If left unchecked, oxidation will eventually lead to increased formation of sludge which will sap power from your engine. This can even lead to uneven lubrication of moving parts as the sludge begins to impede the smooth flow of oil to metal contact points.
Motul's 8100 X-cess 5W-40 is designed specifically with high performance additives that provide enhanced oxidation stability to prevent oil thickening and sludge formation, while delivering excellent anti-wear properties for all-round engine protection.
Get your hands on Motul's line of oils
That's right, just like in super foods, quality oils also contain antioxidants which, as their name suggests, inhibits the oxidation of the lubricating oil in your car. What is so dangerous about oxidation of your oil?
When your engine oil is exposed to high temperatures or water, it becomes prone to oxidation which changes the viscosity and protective properties described above.
If left unchecked, oxidation will eventually lead to increased formation of sludge which will sap power from your engine. This can even lead to uneven lubrication of moving parts as the sludge begins to impede the smooth flow of oil to metal contact points.
Motul's 8100 X-cess 5W-40 is designed specifically with high performance additives that provide enhanced oxidation stability to prevent oil thickening and sludge formation, while delivering excellent anti-wear properties for all-round engine protection.
Get your hands on Motul's line of oils
Looking to get yourself some of Motul's advanced lubrication technology? Motul is currently offering a limited edition Motul EZ-link card when you purchase four litres of 300V, H-Tech or Hybrid lines, or five litres of the specific or 8100 range. Click here to find out more!
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