Just like any other engine oil, diesel engine oil also works as a lubricant, coolant, and cleaner for the internal components of diesel engines. Therefore, the proper functioning of diesel engines completely depends on the diesel engine oils. It helps to reduce friction between components, minimizes wear and tear, prevents corrosion and contamination, ensures enhanced fuel efficiency, and prolongs the lifespan of engines. Diesel engine oils are typically formulated with a base oil, a viscosity modifier, and an additive package. In new model diesel engines, the formulations of base oil and viscosity modifiers alone can’t do any significant lubrication. So, the additive package is also a non-negotiable component in the formation of diesel engine oils.
When we plan to shop for a car, we always think about its features, brand, engine, and most importantly, whether it should be a gasoline engine car or a diesel engine car. Diesel engine oil suppliers suggest that after deciding to buy a diesel engine car, it is imperative to understand what type of lubricant you should use in the car. Knowing the features, qualities, importance, and maintenance methods will help you take proper care of your vehicle’s engine. You may wonder why we need to give so much importance to the diesel engine oil selection. Well, choosing and maintaining the right diesel engine oil is crucial for the efficiency and longevity of your engine. And the engine is the core component that helps the vehicle keep running.
In this blog, we will discuss the key features of diesel engine oils, assessing their key properties, qualities, and benefits.
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COMPONENTS OF DIESEL ENGINE OIL
Base Oils – Typically diesel engine oils are formulated with 75%- 83% of base oils. They are composed of a single base stock or a combination of more than one base stock. Base oils are the primary component of diesel engine oils that help in lubrication and reducing friction between moving parts. They are mainly refined from crude oils or refined petroleum stocks by using different manufacturing processes. Diesel engine base oils are mainly of two types:- mineral-based or synthetic-based. Just as similar to other lubricants, mineral-based oils are cost-effective, while synthetic-based oils are better at providing enhanced performance and stability at extreme temperatures.
Viscosity Modifiers – Viscosity modifiers are also known as viscosity index improvers. They are polymer additives used in diesel engine oils to improve the viscosity and temperature characteristics of the lubricant. These components help the oil to maintain its optimal viscosity or thickness despite the varying temperature conditions. It prevents the oil from becoming too thin in extreme temperatures and too thick in winter environments, thereby improving the engine efficiency and longevity.
Additive Package – the additive package is a blend of various chemical additives with independent properties. Compared to gas oils, engine oils are particularly composed of a higher number of additives to withstand the high pressure exerted by the engine. There are several additives in the additive package that offer oxidation resistance, anti-wear, corrosion resistance, prevention of contamination, and anti-foaming properties. Each additive is designed to address specific challenges, ensuring the smooth and efficient performance of the diesel engine.
QUALITIES OF A GOOD DIESEL ENGINE OIL
Are you looking for a good diesel engine oil for your vehicle? If yes, then are you aware of the qualities that every engine oil should have? It is easy to select any engine oil for your vehicle. However, choosing the suitable one with the proper qualities can be a challenging task. Your diesel engine oil supplier must have suggested you some engine oils. To ensure the smooth and safe functioning of your vehicle, check that the suggested engine oils have the following qualities.
High Viscosity Index – The viscosity of your diesel engine oil determines its rate of flow in different temperature conditions. There are numerous diesel engine oils with varying viscosity indexes. In order to find the best diesel engine oil, it is crucial to check the viscosity grade of the fluid. The engine oils with high viscosity index are considered good quality engine oils. A lower viscosity in winter conditions will make the fluid thinner, allowing the fluid to flow more easily. To understand more about the viscosity index of your engine oil, you can consult your diesel engine oil supplier.
Thermal Stability – The thermal stability of your diesel engine oil is also as important as its viscosity. The working conditions of diesel engines include high-temperature conditions. The temperature is highest in the vehicle’s engine parts. Therefore, thermal stability is one of the significant characteristics of good quality diesel engine oil. The finest diesel engine oil should be able to start the engine at a lower temperature and continue to withstand higher temperatures.
Oxidation Stability – Due to the extreme temperature conditions of the engine, there is a high chance of diesel engine oil oxidation. The increase in oxidation rate decreases the efficiency and performance of diesel engine oils. The higher oxidation results in higher viscosity resulting in the formation of sludge that hinders the performance of the oil. Therefore, a high quality engine oil should have higher oxidation stability to prevent these unwanted complications.
BENEFITS OF USING DIESEL ENGINE OILS
First of all, diesel engines are purely formulated to meet the requirements of diesel engines. Therefore, using diesel engine oils will enhance the performance and efficiency of your car engine. They create a protective shield between the engine components and reduce the friction between them, resulting in decreased wear and tear and extended lifespan of the engine. Recently, many vehicle owners have given priority to diesel engine oils over other engine oils. It is also because of the viscosity index and thermal stability characteristics of diesel engine oil. The diesel engine oil suppliers say that the fluid has a high viscosity index, that allows them to flow easily in both higher and lower temperature conditions.
Secondly, the additives present in diesel engine oils also play a crucial role in providing better performance. They prevent the engine from experiencing harmful conditions like corrosion, rust, and oxidation and ensure the efficient and seamless performance of the engine. Also, the detergents and dispersants in diesel engine oil prevent the accumulation of contaminants such as dirt, debris, and water in the oil.
Finally, using diesel engine oil for your vehicle is both cost-effective and fuel-efficient. The reduction in friction and wear increases the engine’s efficiency. In recent years, many diesel engine oil manufacturers have developed fuel-efficient engine oils that ultimately contribute to cost savings and reduced environmental impact. High-quality diesel engine oils are a little expensive compared to other engine oils. But when we consider the long run, they are the most cost-effective option for your diesel engines.
In short, understanding the major features of diesel engine oil is important for your vehicle’s longevity and seamless functioning. Here we’ve discussed the major properties, qualities, and benefits of diesel engine oils. Confirming these properties and qualities while selecting a diesel engine oil will minimize the risk of engine damage and sudden breakdowns. Along with the careful selection, the service and maintenance of your car and also need to check diesel engine oil is also critical for the engine’s performance. Checking and reapplying the fluid at specific intervals contribute to the better performance of your vehicle. The right diesel engine oil serves as a guardian for your vehicle.
