Motor Oil & Car

Motor Oil & Car

Motor oil & car: the right oil for your engine

Which oil fits, what do 5W-30 and ACEA mean, and when is what worth it? We explain plainly what really matters , without the workshop jargon.

The most important rule
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Motor oil types at a glance

Fully synthetic to mineral , which type suits which car?

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Motoröl 5W-30

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Motor oil is more than lubricant

The oil in the engine lubricates, cools, seals, keeps things clean and protects against corrosion. Five jobs at once. That is why not every oil suits every engine.

The good news: you don’t have to be a technician. There is one clear rule to follow, and a few terms you then sort out calmly.

The most important rule: the manufacturer approval

Forget all the advertising promises for a moment. What matters is not the brand, but whether the oil meets the approval (specification) of your engine. You will find this in your vehicle’s owner’s manual.

Makers like VW, Mercedes or BMW have their own approval numbers (e.g. VW 504 00, MB 229.5, BMW Longlife-04). On top of that come the general standards ACEA (European) and API (American). An oil that carries the required approval is the right one, whether expensive or cheap.

Honestly: many expensive „premium“ oils and cheap own-brands are blended in the same refineries and carry the same approvals. You often pay for the label. Look at the specification and you’re on the safe side.

Sources and further reading

FAQ

Frequently asked questions about motor oil

Which motor oil does my car need?
The one with the approval from your owner manual, e.g. VW 504 00 or an ACEA class. The approval counts, not the brand.
Is expensive oil better?
Not automatically. Brand and own-brand oil with the same approval are technically equivalent.
What does 5W-30 mean?
The first number is the cold behaviour, the second the thickness at operating temperature.

All about oil

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