How to choose the right lubricating oil for your engine

Pubblicato il: 29 January 2025

How to choose a lubricating oil? Pakelo’s guide to lubricants

When it comes to keeping your engine in perfect condition, one of the most important choices is that of lubricating oil. But what distinguishes one lubricating oil from another? And how do you choose the best one? In this article, we will explore in detail everything you need to know about lubricating oils, with a focus on Pakelo products, to help you make the right choice.

What is a lubricating oil?

A lubricating oil is a complex mixture consisting of three main elements:

  • base oils
  • additives
  • viscosity improvers

These three components work together to ensure the engine runs at its best, protecting moving parts and reducing wear and tear. But let’s take a closer look at what makes a lubricating oil really effective.

The composition of the lubricating oil

A lubricating oil consists of 60-80% base oils, 5-20% additives and 1-20% viscosity improvers.

Base oils

Base oils can be of mineral or synthetic origin. Mineral bases, obtained from oil refining, offer a low cost but limited stability at high temperatures. Synthetic bases, on the other hand, are produced by complex industrial processes and offer superior performance. Group IV bases, for example, consist of PAO (polyalphaolefins), molecules created to ensure high performance, while Group V includes special base oils such as esters and silicones.

Additives

Additives are the ‘secret ingredients’ that give the oil its unique properties. There are different types of additives, each with a specific function, such as anti-wear additives, antioxidant additives and anti-foam additives. These additives improve the durability and effectiveness of the lubricating oil, making it capable of protecting the engine in the most extreme conditions.

Viscosity improvers

Viscosity improvers ensure that the oil maintains its properties over a wide range of temperatures. This is essential to ensure that the engine is protected at both low and high temperatures.

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How to recognize a quality lubricating oil

The quality of a lubricating oil depends on many factors. To assess its performance, it is important to consider several specifications on the product label. The API, ACEA and JASO specifications indicate compliance with international standards, while the specifications of manufacturers (such as Mercedes, VW, BMW, Volvo) are often stricter and offer a more precise indication of product quality.
If you would like more information, please consult the technical data sheet of the oil, where you can find parameters such as:

  • Viscosity index: the higher it is, the greater the stability of the oil to temperature variations.
  • Pour point: a low value indicates that the oil is effective even in extreme cold conditions.
  • Loss by evaporation: a low figure means that the oil will maintain its properties for longer, reducing the need for frequent top-ups.

The exclusive technologies of Pakelo oils and lubricants

Pakelo has developed advanced technologies to ensure superior performance. These include:

  • Alphatech: a technology that combines PAO and selected ester bases to create a lubricant capable of guaranteeing a long engine life, even in the most extreme conditions.
  • Revosynt: an exclusive blend of the best synthetic and Group II mineral bases, designed to offer an optimal balance between performance and stability.
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How to choose a motor lubricating oil: Pakelo’s tips

Choosing the best motor lubricating oil is not an easy task, but knowing the components and technical specifications can make all the difference.  Pakelo products offer advanced solutions for anyone looking for maximum performance and protection for their engine. Whether you are a motor enthusiast or just a motorist, understanding how a lubricating oil works will help you make the right choice and ensure the long life of your engine.

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