There is no longer an oil that matches the season.
“The classic distinction between a pure summer oil and a winter oil has long since passed,” said Oliver Kuhn, deputy head of Germany-based Liqui Moly’s oil laboratory. “The only thing that matters is the shift interval. And that depends on mileage and weather.”
The only time a specific oil should be used in the winter is if the vehicle goes into hibernation.
Also, synthetic oil options should come first when talking to customers. Today’s engines demand better performance; mineral oils just don’t cut it anymore.
But not all synthetics are created equal. There are two distinct differences. One is the so-called PAO oil, a classic synthetic oil that came on the market in the 1970s. Chemically pure and effective, it is expensive to produce. The other is what is called HC oil, for hydrocracking, which describes how they are produced.
“HC oils are more modern and came out in the 1990s,” explained Kuhn. “Today, they offer the best possible performance for all modern engines.”
When a customer is presented with options, they may choose an oil based on price. Ideally, if it is a person who wants to take care of his vehicle, he will opt for the most expensive one by default; you get what you pay for, right?
No, this is not necessary. It is more important to choose the right oil.
“Today, motor oil is like a liquid spare part,” explained Kuhn. “Putting in the wrong oil is like putting in the wrong spare part. This threatens dangers that go beyond a little oil sludge. In fact, there are oil and engine combinations that destroy the engine after a few hundred kilometers.”
In fact, going with the right type or specification of fluid is essential, Pennzoil lubricant scientist and technical specialist Sean Nguyen told CARS.
“Viscosity is important, but the most important aspect of spring maintenance is the right type of fluid, the right level of fluid and complete fluid checks,” he said. “This includes everything from coolants to washer fluids to transmission and power steering fluids. It’s not just an oil change, it’s total lubrication and protection of the customer’s vehicle. This brings customers back and protects a store of future liability claims.”
And each car manufacturer has its own preferences when it comes to engine oil.
“Because each car manufacturer follows a different technological approach, the required oil properties deviate from each other. Sometimes, numerous properties can be combined in one oil, but sometimes not,” said Kuhn.
Nguyen agreed. Follow the owner’s manual, he stressed. And not just for motor oil, but for any fluid that goes into your customer’s vehicle.
“For example, transmission fluids come in multiple specifications, types, and viscosities. They range from simple F-Type to Dexron/Mercon and Nissan CVT to specific dealer-only fluids like MB236.17. A fluid that “labeled ‘transmission fluid’ doesn’t mean it’s useful in all transmissions,” he said. “The same would apply to power steering fluids, brake fluids, differentials and others. Each manufacturer has specific fluid specifications and requirements. As you can see, it’s important to be sure the correct fluid is installed in a vehicle” .
This is why there is no single option. “Anyone who says otherwise either doesn’t know what they’re talking about or wants to take you for a ride,” Kuhn told CARS.
Importantly, shops should not want their customers to skimp on motor oil.
“Modern motor oil has a number of important tasks: lubrication is just one of them,” said Kuhn. “Oil must loosen dirt and keep it in suspension. Oil must dissipate engine heat. It must help reduce fuel consumption. Only an oil that meets the vehicle manufacturer’s specifications can do all this.”
Put the client’s interests first, urged Nguyen. “There are many brands and types of motor oil that will meet API specifications, and some are better than others,” he said. “It requires proper education and research to know which premium brands are available to serve your customers at certain price points.”
The effects of cheap motor oil may not be felt immediately. When damage occurs, it can be catastrophic.
As Kuhn pointed out, lubrication is only one of motor oil’s jobs. It is especially important to move along other additives that are key to the longevity of the vehicle. “With some very modern motor oils, the base oil is nothing more than the carrier fluid for the additive packages,” he said.
There are more than 50 different specifications of motor oil. OEMs set their own guidelines to match the performance requirements of their vehicles, often exceeding minimum industry standards.
“Engine designs can vary greatly between manufacturers, which can affect oil performance,” observed Karin Haumann, Shell Rotella OEM Technical Director. “For example, bulk oil temperatures can affect the rate of sludge formation or oil oxidation. Increasing the performance of engine oil characteristics can facilitate improvements in engine design without the risk of overstressing the oil
“Using an engine oil that meets OEM specifications will ensure that the oil meets the specific needs of your engine.”
It can all seem complicated, Kuhn acknowledged. “But actually the solution is clear and simple: the deciding factor is that the oil meets the specifications that the car manufacturer has set for that model,” he said.
This article originally appeared on February issue of CARS.
