Engine oil maintenance is an essential aspect of keeping your car engine in optimal condition. In this article, we’ll share a complete and the best guide to engine oil including its functions, types, how to choose the right one, price ranges, the ideal time to change your oil, the meaning behind the codes on engine oil bottles, and recommended workshops to help you properly maintain your engine.
Engine oil functions to lubricate internal components, reduce friction, maintain stable engine temperature, and prevent damage caused by heat or dirt. Therefore, vehicle owners should understand the importance of changing engine oil according to the recommended schedule and checking the oil level regularly.
Main Functions of Engine Oil
Engine oil plays a critical role in keeping your vehicle engine running smoothly, lasting longer, and preventing early damage. The main functions include:
- Lubrication Reduces friction between metal components such as pistons and cylinders to prevent premature wear.
- Cooling Besides the water cooling system, engine oil also helps absorb and carry away heat from hot engine parts.
- Cleaning Engine oil carries dirt, carbon, and combustion residues to the oil filter, keeping the engine interior clean and free from deposits.
- Sealing Helps seal small gaps between pistons and cylinder walls to improve compression and engine performance.
- Protection from Corrosion Engine oil forms a protective layer on metal surfaces to prevent rust or oxidation caused by moisture and fuel residues.
Types of Engine Oil
There are three main types of engine oil: mineral, semi-synthetic, and fully synthetic. Each type has different properties and performance suited to different engine needs.
1. Mineral Oil
Mineral oil is produced from refined crude oil. It is the most basic and affordable type, suitable for older engines or vehicles with normal usage.
Advantages: Low cost and widely available.
Disadvantages: Less heat-resistant and requires more frequent changes compared to synthetic oils.
2. Semi-Synthetic Oil
Semi-synthetic oil is a blend of mineral and synthetic oil, offering a balance of protection, performance, and cost.
Advantages: Better lubrication than mineral oil and longer-lasting.
Disadvantages: Slightly more expensive than mineral oil.
3. Fully Synthetic Oil
Fully synthetic oil is produced entirely through chemical processes for maximum performance and protection.
Advantages: Stable at high and low temperatures, long-lasting, and provides maximum protection for modern engines.
Disadvantages: Higher price but worthwhile for high-performance engines.
Meaning of Engine Oil Codes and Grades
Viscosity
Viscosity measures the thickness or thinness of engine oil, indicating how well it flows at certain temperatures.
For example, 0W-30:
- 0: Indicates the oil flows easily in cold temperatures.
- W: Stands for "Winter" (suitable for cold weather).
- 30: Indicates oil thickness at high temperature; higher numbers mean thicker oil under heat.
SAE
SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) sets the viscosity grade standards. Example: SAE 10W-30 or SAE 15W-50.
API
API (American Petroleum Institute) sets the quality and performance level of engine oils.
- First letter: S for petrol engines, C for diesel engines.
- Second letter indicates performance level. Example: API SN = suitable for modern petrol engines with high standards.
How to Choose the Right Engine Oil
- Vehicle type: New or high-performance engines suit fully synthetic; follow the viscosity in the user manual.
- Driving habits: Frequent long-distance driving or traffic requires heat-resistant synthetic oil.
- Budget: Semi-synthetic is suitable for users wanting good performance at moderate cost.
- Refer to the manual: Follow the manufacturer’s recommended viscosity and API standard.
When to Change Engine Oil?
By Mileage
1. Mineral oil: every 5,000 KM
2. Semi-synthetic: every 7,000–8,000 KM
3. Fully synthetic: every 10,000–15,000 KM
By Time
1. Mineral oil: 3 months
2. Semi-synthetic: 4–6 months
3. Fully synthetic: 6 months–1 year
Even if the vehicle is rarely used, oil should be changed every 6–12 months due to oxidation and moisture.
By Driving Conditions
In heavy traffic, hot weather, or harsh driving, oil should be changed sooner.
Recommended Oil Brands & Approximate Prices
Prices may vary; always buy from authorized dealers and follow the vehicle manual.
Mineral Oil
- Petronas Syntium 500 RM60 - RM70
- Shell Helix HX3 RM50 - RM60
- Castrol GTX RM60
Semi-Synthetic Oil
- Petronas Syntium 800 RM100 - RM120
- Shell Helix HX7 RM100 - RM120
- NASA RM70 - RM80
Fully Synthetic Oil
- Petronas Syntium 3000 / 3000XS RM100 - RM150
- Shell Helix Ultra RM100 - RM150
- Motul MultiPower RM120 - RM160
Most Popular Car Brands and Recommended Engine Oil Viscosity
- Perodua Bezza/Axia/Alza/Myvi: 0W-20 , 5W-30, 10W-30
- Proton Saga: 10W-30
- Perodua Ativa: 0W-20 , 5W-30
- Proton X50: 5W-30
- Honda City: 0W-30/ 5W-30
Signs of Old Engine Oil
- Oil turns very dark and thick
- Burnt smell
- Rough engine noise
- Oil warning light turns on
Consequences of Delaying Oil Change
- Engine overheats: heat cannot be absorbed properly
- Dirt buildup: sludge can block oil passages
- Reduced performance: engine feels heavy and less responsive
- Major damage: risk of engine seizure and high repair cost
Engine Oil Maintenance Tips
- Use original and quality engine oil
- Replace the oil filter each time you change oil
- Regularly check oil level
How to Check Engine Oil
- Ensure the car is on a flat surface and engine is cool
- Pull out the dipstick, wipe clean, reinsert, and check the oil level between MIN and MAX marks
- Ensure oil color is still brownish-black and not burnt
- Reset the odometer after service
Recommended Workshops for Car Service
Official car brand workshops Official workshops are the best place to maintain your car, especially for new cars, ensuring your car stays in good condition and warranty remains valid.
Bateriku
Bgarage by Bateriku now operates in three main locations TTDI Jaya, Puchong, and Puncak Alam making it easier for you to get faster and more convenient car maintenance services, especially during emergencies or when your usual service center is too far away.
Bgarage also offers:
- Vehicle battery replacement.
- Jump-start service (for weak or dead batteries).
- Towing service.
- Tyre patching or replacement.
- Fuel top-up service.
- Car locksmith service.
Assistance is guaranteed to arrive within 30 minutes to 1 hour. Bateriku is always ready to help.
