FAQ's

FAQ

 

1. Can I mix two different types of oil? Lubricants are formulated to meet specific standards set by international classifications such as API and ACEA. While it is technically possible to mix two oils with similar properties, this can potentially compromise the performance of the oil. All engine oils, whether for petrol or diesel engines, and whether mineral or synthetic, can be mixed. However, mixing two oils can dilute the superior oil, reducing its quality.

 

2. What is the significance of the color of the oil? The color of the oil is influenced by various factors including the refining process, the types of base oils, additives, and crude oil used. After use, the oil may darken due to the suspension of particles. This color change occurs because the oil cleans the engine of particles and other deposits produced by high-temperature combustion, suspending these particles to prevent them from depositing on the engine’s surface.

 

3. Can I use a diesel engine oil in a petrol engine, and vice versa? Petrol and diesel engines have distinct lubrication requirements. Lubricants undergo rigorous testing, some of which are common to both diesel and petrol engines, while others are specific to one type. The results of these tests determine the API or ACEA/CCMC compliance standard awarded to the lubricant. For instance, an API SJ/CF lubricant meets the SJ specification for petrol and the CF specification for diesel. However, this does not guarantee identical performance in both engine types. GS Caltex has developed a specialized range of lubricants, optimized for either petrol or diesel engines, to address this.

 

4. How often should the engine oil be topped up? Regular checks of the engine oil level are recommended. An engine in good condition typically consumes between 0.2 – 0.5 Liters of oil every 1,000 kilo meters. While it is normal for an engine to consume a small amount of oil, which can be offset by top-ups between oil changes, excessive top-ups may indicate mechanical issues such as leaks. It’s important to note that successive top-ups are not a substitute for an oil change.

 

5. What is the duration after which the engine oil should be changed? Engine oils should be changed periodically to maintain their protective properties and enhance engine performance. The frequency of oil changes should align with the manufacturer’s recommendations, but may be adjusted based on the type of lubricant used, vehicle usage, and thermal and mechanical requirements. It is crucial to avoid driving with an oil level below the minimum mark on the dipstick, as this can lead to rapid fluid circulation and accelerated wear. Regular checks of the oil level, ideally every 1000 km and especially before a long trip, are recommended.

 

6. What are additives and why are they used? Additives are chemical compounds that enhance the performance of lubricants when added to base oils. They enable lubricants to meet the requirements of modern engines.

 

 

 

7. What does API stand for? API stands for the American Petroleum Institute. This U.S.-based organization develops and certifies engine oils in consultation with various vehicle manufacturers. They assign grades such as API CC/CD/CF/CG/CH-4/CI-4/CJ-4 for commercial vehicles using High-Speed Diesel (HSD) as fuel and SF/SG/SJ/SL/SM/SN for gasoline vehicles with petrol engines. The further along the alphabet the grade, the better the engine oil. For example, SN is superior to SJ or SL, and CI-4 is superior to CH-4 or CF-4.

 

8. Why choose a Synthetic oil for your vehicle? Semi-synthetic and synthetic oils are derived from non-conventional bases using advanced chemical processes, which impart special properties to the finished product. The high viscosity of the base oils used results in a lubricant with remarkable viscosity stability across all temperatures. This is a major advantage over mineral oils, which require more additives to improve viscosity. Synthetic-based lubricants exhibit greater resistance to oxidation, enabling them to last longer and thus ensuring longer engine life. The use of non-conventional bases allows for the creation of more fluid lubricants without increasing volatility, resulting in reduced oil consumption. Choosing a synthetic-based oil is a technologically advanced decision that ensures greater efficacy, longevity, and controlled oil consumption.

 

9. What is the difference between Synthetic and Mineral oils? Synthetic lubricants consist of molecules that have been modified through complex chemical processes, enabling enhanced performance under extreme conditions of temperature, pressure, and forces. Mineral lubricants comprise molecules present in crude oil that are separated during the distillation process at a refinery.

 

10. What is a multi-grade engine oil? A multi-grade engine oil is one that meets more than one SAE specification. For example, SAE 20W40 must pass the viscosity grade requirement for both SAE 20W and SAE 40. The temperature range the oil is exposed to in most vehicles can be wide, ranging from cold temperatures in the winter before the vehicle is started up, to hot operating temperatures when the vehicle is fully warmed up in hot summer weather. To bring the difference in viscosities closer together, special polymer additives called viscosity index improvers, or VIIs, are added to the oil. These additives enable the multi-grade oil to have the viscosity of the base grade when cold and the viscosity of the second grade when hot, allowing one type of oil to be used throughout the year.

 

11. What do you mean by the viscosity of the oil? Viscosity is a measure of the oil’s resistance to flow. High viscosity implies high resistance to flow, while low viscosity indicates low resistance to flow. Viscosity varies inversely with temperature and is also affected by pressure, with higher pressure causing an increase in viscosity and the oil’s load-carrying capacity. A high-quality lubricant maintains a steady viscosity under varying temperatures and usage conditions over an extended period.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What is the role of a lubricant?

Lubricants play a crucial role in the operation of machines and equipment, serving five primary functions:

 

1. Frictional Wear Prevention: Lubricants form a lubricating film on metal surfaces, transforming metal friction into fluid friction. This reduces the friction factor, preventing power loss and frictional wear.

 

2. Anti-Rusting: By forming a layer of lubricating film on the metal surface, lubricants prevent contact with oxygen, thereby inhibiting rust.

 

3. Stress Dispersion: Lubricants distribute pressure evenly throughout the fluid, mitigating the impact of heavy weight loads and shocks on the frictional surface.

 

4. Cooling: Lubricants absorb and dissipate the heat generated by the operation of frictional parts, preventing overheating. As equipment overheats, oil oxidation accelerates. Thus, lubricants indirectly act to prevent oxidation.

 

5. Sealing: Lubricants prevent the intrusion of soil, dirt, and water into the frictional surface, acting as a seal to prevent pressure loss. While lubricants excel in cooling and stress dispersion, greases are superior in sealing and rust prevention.