Motor Oil – Basics, Specifications and Selection Guide
Everything you need to know about modern motor oils: Viscosities, specifications, oil types and how to choose the right oil for your vehicle.
What is Motor Oil?
Motor oil lubricates moving engine components, reduces friction, protects against wear, transfers heat and keeps the engine clean by binding deposits. Modern oils are high-performance products specially adapted to engines and exhaust aftertreatment systems.
- Protection against friction and wear
- Cooling of heavily stressed components
- Cleaning and neutralization of combustion residues
- Sealing effect between piston, rings and cylinder wall
Summary
Oil is the "blood" of the engine. Quality and specification must match the engine, driving profile and manufacturer requirements.
Viscosity Grades According to SAE
Viscosity describes how "thick" the oil is at cold and operating temperatures, e.g. 0W-20, 5W-30 or 10W-40.
0W-/5W- Oils
Excellent cold start behavior, rapid oil distribution. Commonly used in modern, efficient engines.
5W-30 / 5W-40
Widely used all-rounders with good everyday protection – depending on manufacturer approval.
10W-40 / 15W-40
Robust qualities, often suitable for older engines or higher thermal loads.
Specifications and Approvals
In addition to viscosity, approvals are crucial. Pay attention to:
- API (e.g. API SP, SN): US standard for performance levels.
- ACEA (e.g. ACEA C2/C3): European specifications for car and commercial vehicle oils.
- OEM Approvals such as VW 504.00/507.00, MB 229.52, BMW LL-04: Manufacturer-specific requirements.
Optimal engine protection and warranty preservation are only guaranteed when the required approvals are met.
Tip
Check your manual/service booklet or use our Oil Guide. If unsure, we are happy to advise you personally.
Request AdviceOil Types and Additives
Base oils and additives determine the behavior of motor oil in operation.
Mineral Oil
Classic base, robust. Today mainly for older engines and classic vehicles.
HC-Synthesis Our Focus
Hydrocrack oils with excellent price-performance ratio. Meets nearly fully synthetic quality for modern engines.
Fully Synthetic (PAO)
Highest performance for particularly demanding high-performance engines.
Low SAPS
Low-ash formulations for DPF/catalyst protection – observe OEM approvals.
Maintenance, Change Intervals and Tips
- Interval according to manufacturer specifications (e.g. Longlife up to 30,000 km or 2 years).
- Check oil level regularly, especially for short trips and high loads.
- Only use specifications approved by your manufacturer.
- Always change the oil filter; observe proper waste oil disposal.
Avoid Common Mistakes
- Wrong viscosity or missing approvals
- Change intervals too long
- Mixing incompatible oils
- Neglected oil level
Frequently Asked Questions About Motor Oil
Brief answers to the most important questions about selection, mixing and change intervals.
Can I mix different motor oils?
Motor oils from different manufacturers should not be mixed arbitrarily. Different additive packages can interfere with each other and, in the worst case, lead to performance loss or engine damage.
If mixing is unavoidable, only oils with exactly the same specification and product designation may be mixed (e.g. 5W-30 Longlife III). When in doubt, always perform a complete oil change.
Sie sind unsicher? Kontaktieren Sie uns – wir beraten Sie gerne zur richtigen Wahl und Mischbarkeit.
How do I find the right oil?
What does Low SAPS mean?
Would you like to order motor oil or get advice?
We support workshops, fleets and private customers with suitable lubricant solutions – Made in Germany.
In den Telgen 4b
44536 Luenen
Germany