Competent car-buttering It is the foundation of the durability of the engine, but in the variety of brands it is easy to get confused. German concern Liqui Moly It offers a wide range of products covering both classic atmospheric motors and modern turbocharged units with particulate filters. An error in choosing viscosity or specification can lead to expensive repairs, so it is important to understand the nuances of labeling.
In this article, we will discuss in detail how to use official catalogs, what are the differences between synthetic and semi-synthetic series, and also consider the key ones. manufacturer's tolerances. You will learn to determine the necessary technical liquid fuel, relying on the requirements of engineers, and not on the advice of neighbors in the garage.
Modern engines are becoming more demanding on the quality of lubrication, and the use of an inappropriate product reduces the resource of friction nodes. Right. Liqui Moly It is capable of significantly extending the life of the engine, if it is selected strictly in accordance with the regulations of the manufacturer.
Features of catalogs and online services of selection
The first step is always to turn to official sources of information, as only the manufacturer can guarantee the relevance of the data. Website Liqui Moly It provides a convenient tool where the selection of oil by car is carried out through the input of a VIN code or manual selection of a model. This allows you to eliminate the human factor and error when reading complex match tables.
The online directory automatically filters products, leaving only those that have the necessary products. approval for your particular engine. The system takes into account the year of release, the engine volume and even the modification of the transmission, if we are talking about transmissions.
⚠️ Warning: Never rely solely on memory or general forums when choosing a lubricant, as there may have been changes in engine design that require different viscosity within a single model range.
When using selection services, it is important to pay attention to the status of the product: some oils may be labeled as “replaced with”, indicating an update to the formula or packaging. Articulum The product is also important when ordering so as not to purchase a fake or outdated version of the canister.
Classification of base oils and Liqui Moly series
Understanding the differences between the series is critical, as the price and properties of the products are radically different. The base oil and additive package determine how the liquid behaves at high loads and low temperatures. Liqui Moly Segments its products clearly so that the consumer can choose the best option for their operating conditions.
Synthetic Oils of the Series Top Tec They are designed for modern engines with environmental exhaust gas cleaning systems. They have a low ash content and are designed for extended replacement intervals, which is especially important for European cars of recent years of production.
- 🛢️ Top Tec - Fully synthetic oils for the latest engines with catalysts and particulate filters.
- ⚙️ Special Tec Synthetics and semi-synthetics for a wide range of vehicles, including American and Asian brands.
- 🔧 MoS2 Classic mineral and semi-synthetic oils with molybdenum disulfide for old or high-performance engines.
- 🏎️ Racing sports oils for extreme loads and racing modes of operation.
Series Special Tec It often has specific tolerances, such as for Ford or GM, making it a versatile solution for specific fleets. At the same time, mineral oils with MoS2 Ideal for engines that require increased protection in worn gaps or in difficult working conditions.
What is HC synthetic?
HC synthetic (Hydro-Cracking) is an oil obtained by deep hydrocracking from petroleum. In its properties, it is very close to pure synthetics (PAO), but it is cheaper. Liqui Moli is actively using this technology in most of its products.
Decoding of API/ACEA tolerances and specifications
On the label of each canister, you can find a set of abbreviations, which are the language of communication between the oil manufacturer and the car. Tolerances (e.g., VW 504.00 or MB 229.5) is a direct authorization from the manufacturer to use the product in specific engines. Ignoring these codes is like playing roulette with a motor resource.
Classification API The American Petroleum Institute is more common in the United States and Asia, indicating the level of quality of oil. For gasoline engines, classes ranging from SN and above (SP) are relevant, where the second letter indicates the novelty and perfection of the additive package.
European Standard ACEA It divides oils into classes A/B (for gasoline and diesel without particulate filters) and C (for engines with exhaust neutralization systems). Class C oils have a reduced content of sulfate ash, phosphorus and sulfur, which is critical for the conservation of the catalyst resource.
| Designation | Type of engine | Features | Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACEA A3/B4 | Gasoline/Diesel | High viscosity, resistance to shift | Old European cars, without particulate filters |
| ACEA C3 | Gasoline/Diesel | Low SAPS (low ash) | Modern cars with catalysts and DPF |
| API SP | petrol | LSPI protection, chain protection | Turbocharged engines, direct injection |
| VW 508.00 | petrol | 0W-20, energy saving | The latest engines of the VW Group (since 2019) |
When selecting, it should always be the manufacturer’s admission, not the general ACEA or API classes. If the manual specifies a requirement MB 229.51, the oil with tolerance MB 229.5 It may not be appropriate, despite the similarity of the names.
Save a photo of the page with the tolerances from the service book of your car in the phone - this will help you quickly navigate in the store or at the gas station.
Viscosity: How to Choose 5W-40, 0W-30 or 10W-60
SAE viscosity is a parameter that determines the fluidity of oil at different temperatures. First digit with a letter W (Winter) indicates the behavior of oil in winter, when starting cold. The smaller the number, the thinner the oil in the cold and easier it is pumped by the pump to the rubbing pairs.
The second digit indicates viscosity at the operating temperature of the engine (about 100 ° C). Many people mistakenly believe that the higher the figure, the better the protection, but this is not the case. The modern engine is designed to work with a specific viscosity, and a deviation in the large direction will lead to oil starvation in narrow channels.
- ❄️ 0W - guarantees launch up to -35°C...-40°C, suitable for northern regions.
- 🌡️ 5W - universal option for temperate climate, starting up to -30 ° C.
- ☀️ 10W - suitable for southern regions or engines with high mileage, where you need to compensate for gaps.
- 🏁 40/50/60 - the second digit is selected strictly on the recommendation of the plant, and not on the principle of "Porridge with oil will not spoil".
⚠️ Note: Filling of high viscosity oil (e.g., 10W-60 instead of 5W-40) into a new engine may cause the piston group to overheat and the hydraulic compensators to fail.
For cars with high mileage, where there is a thump of oil or the knock of hydraulic compensators, sometimes a transition to a more viscous product is allowed. However, this is a temporary measure, and Liqui Moly In such cases, it is recommended to consider the line MoS2 Or specialized repair compounds, not just increase the viscosity.
Viscosity is not an indicator of quality, but a parameter of conformity of the engine design. It can only be changed reasonably (climate, wear and tear), and not arbitrarily.
Specificity of oils for diesel engines and particulate filters
Diesel engines have increased requirements for the alkaline number of oil, since the combustion products of diesel fuel are more aggressive. In addition, the presence of a particulate filter (DPF/FAP) imposes strict restrictions on the composition of additives. Using conventional diesel oil in a DPF engine will quickly disable the filter.
For such cases Liqui Moly Developed a line of oils with marking Low SAPS (Low Sulphated Ash, Phosphorus, Sulphur). These products provide the necessary protection, but when burned, they leave a minimum amount of solid residues that could clog the filter cells.
When selecting oil for diesel, it is important to consider the presence of injectors or a Common Rail system, as they require oils with high shear resistance. The pressure in the lubrication system can reach huge values, and the rupture of the oil film is unacceptable.
☑️ Check before buying for diesel
Common mistakes in self-selection
Self-selection is often accompanied by mistakes that can cost the owner of the car serious costs. One of the most common is mixing oils from different brands or even different series of the same brand without an urgent need. Thought Liqui Moly declares the compatibility of its products, mixing changes the final characteristics of the additive package.
Another mistake is focusing only on price. Cheap oil may formally match viscosity but lack the necessary tolerances or contain a less stable base. Saving several hundred rubles per liter can lead to coking rings or bullies in the cylinder-piston group.
Drivers often ignore replacement intervals, relying on promotional statements about LongLife. In real-world urban settings, with frequent traffic jams and short trips, the oil ages faster, and the 15,000km interval may be too long even for synthetics.
Can I mix Liqui Moly oils with other brands?
All motor oils are technically compatible, as they must meet common standards. However, the result of mixing is unpredictable: precipitation may fall, viscosity may change or oil may foam. The addition is possible only in an emergency to get to the service, after which the mixture is desirable to replace completely.
How often should you change the oil in the engine?
The factory regulations of 15-30 thousand km are relevant for the ideal conditions of the "European Autobahns". In terms of urban traffic, traffic jams and short trips, the oil resource is reduced by 2 times. The optimal replacement interval is every 7-8 thousand km of run or 200-250 motor hours.
What does the LongLife label on the canister mean?
This designation indicates that the oil has an increased resource and is suitable for service intervals up to 30,000 km or 2 years (by onboard computer). However, such oils require the availability of an appropriate tolerance of the automaker and a serviceable system for monitoring the state of the oil.