In general, it is a substance that reduces friction when placed between two surfaces withrelative motion. There are lubricants with different grades and viscosities, although their functions have a lot of similarities as they:Reduce friction between two metal surfaces.Protect mechanical components from wear and corrosion. Clean and cool engines.Act as a sealant between the segments/pistons and jackets in order to prevent gas leaksinside the combustion chamber.

        Is onebetter than the other?A lubricant is categorized as synthetic or mineral depending on the method used to obtain the lubricant's main component: the base oil.When the base oil is obtained through the conventional refining of petroleum, it is considered mineral oil. When it is obtained through more complex processes (e.g.chemical synthesis), the lubricant is considered synthetic.The origin of the base oil is not indicative of lubricant quality. In other words, a lubricantcannot be considered better or worse than the others for being mineral or synthetic.The quality of the compounds is determined by laboratory and engine tests that the lubricantundergoes during the design phase.

        It is not recommended, but if for some reason different oils must be mixed (to fill the tank for instance), it is important to follow certain recommendations.It is a good idea to use an oil with the same level of quality as the one that is being used in the vehicle. And, if possible, they should be from the same manufacturer. Additionally,during the next oil change, it is a good idea to replace the oil filter with a new one.

        Although many lubricants can be used in both gasoline and diesel vehicles, some lubricants are designed especially for gasoline engines and some others for diesel engines. Check out our lubricants search engine to find the right one for your vehicle.

        Viscosity is the resistance of a liquid to flow. For the case of lubricants, it is essential to take viscosity into account when selecting which is the best product for you. Vehicle manufacturers are responsible for establishing the most adequate viscosity for their different models, which is usually included in their manuals. Generally, several viscosities are recommended since it may be necessary to adapt the viscosity to the vehicle's usage conditions and the weather conditions. Viscosity is not indicative of the quality or suitability of the oil. It is just one of the properties to take into account when choosing a lubricant. However, the quality level is what sets one lubricant's properties apart from another. These quality levels are usually indicated on the label. It is not advisable to mix lubricants with different viscosity levels. You should only do this if it is absolutely necessary, such as refilling when the oil level is low.

        The SAE organization has established an internationally accepted standard based on the differentiation of viscosity at different temperatures. This classification defines a series of grades for engine oils and contains two subclassifications: one designated by a "W" which refers to the properties of the oil at low temperatures, and another without "W" which refers to the properties at high temperatures. Therefore, oils designated with a numerical grade followed by the letter W (such as SAE 10W) or simply with a number (such as SAE40) are called "monograde" oils. On the contrary, those which are designated by the two types of grade (such as SAE 10W-40) are called "multigrade" because they are capable of simultaneously bringing together viscosimetric properties at both low and high temperatures.

        The time interval between lubricant changes is not the same for all vehicles. This time interval is determined by vehicle manufacturers according to the quality level of the lubricant, the engine characteristics, and the vehicle usage conditions. In general, it is associated with two parameters: mileage or use time in months or years, whichever comes first. Some vehicles have built-in electronic systems that monitor the status of the lubricant to inform the driver when the oil must be changed.

        Under no circumstances can refilling the lubricant tank substitute a full lubricant change since it does not completely regenerate it. The fact is that, with use, the lubricant is degraded and loses effectiveness. Once its lifetime has been exceeded, its qualities become altered and protection of the engine elements is no longer guaranteed. Therefore, it is necessary to renew the oil regularly.

        It is an exhaust gas treatment system that reduces the emission of particles into the atmosphere, particularly the soot produced by combustion in diesel vehicles. DPFs can deteriorate if the correct oils are not used. PetroX's catalog features a wide variety of lubricants that are compatible with this type of system and lengthen their life.