Recently in the world there is a tendency to use the most low-viscosity oils. However. If we look at the definition of "viscosity", that is as simple as possible – it is the ability of the substance to resist the displacement between two surfaces.
And the higher the viscosity, the better this ability should be.
But if we look at the current tolerances for viscosity of Japanese or American cars, in most cases, we will see 0w-20, 5w-20 and rarely 5w-30 rather as an exception. And European automakers are making a mess, moving from the classic 5w-40, to the new-fashioned 5w-30, and sometimes even 0w-20.
Impressionable nature will see this as a clear conspiracy of manufacturers. After all, they just do not wonder what the engines would go for several hundred thousand kilometers, remember at least the legendary a or S-series Toyota. This point of view has the right to exist, but I suggest that we look a little deeper and understand where these low-viscosity trends lead us and where the feet of this phenomenon grow.
Throughout the history of mankind there were two camps with completely different life philosophy. Some sought to maximize all mechanize, others professed natural living in the bosom of nature. And if earlier these confrontations were more the lot of rare disputes and philosophical currents, then in the twentieth century, the confrontation sharply intensified. The process of industrialization was a seven-mile step, but on the heels of moving and environmentalists. I'm sure many have heard about the most well-known organization GreenPeace, many remembering the footage of their performances and promotions. The organizations were multiplying, the confrontation was heating up. The time has come to do something, to come to compromises. There have been many high-level meetings, symposia and other mass events. These meetings resulted in new standards in a number of areas, including automotive. In other words, the ecologists were able to influence the governments of different countries, which in turn began to develop new laws and acts in this area.
What turned out new measures for motorists. First of all, automakers were faced with the fact that the emission standards of harmful substances should be reduced as much as possible. This led to the appearance of catalysts and DPF filters in cars. Further, it was necessary to reduce fuel consumption, because it is its combustion that leads to emissions that can adversely affect the environmental situation. And this, I believe, has had a global impact on the development of the automotive industry. In my opinion, this is where we got the "disposable" aluminum engines, less weight, less fuel will be burned. A lot of electronics that clamps parameters, composite materials and other experiments at the expense of the consumer.
In the field of lubricants, car manufacturers just put their demands to the companies in the framework as a reduction in fuel consumption and reduction of ash content of oils, that would be the catalysts "othazhivali" warranty service. On the second issue, manufacturers have slightly cut the anti-wear package, limiting the mass fraction of phosphorus derivatives. On the first question, the search for the "philosopher's stone"began. Experiments with viscosity showed that fuel efficiency is still present, and the difference in the emission of harmful substances into the atmosphere between 5w-40 and 5w-30 reached a record 17 kilograms per year, the average motorist.
It would seem that the goals have been achieved, the atmosphere gets less emissions, and motorists are happy, the consumption, though on a miser, but fell. But it was not here and the Japanese manufacturers go further, testing their equipment on oils of even lower viscosity 0w-20, 5w-20. And they can be understood, the geographical position of the island state simply obliges to preserve the environment as much as possible. That have nowhere to flee, and the oil around, not too many, and machines like dirt. Experiments with low-viscosity oils were successful and although there were fears, the automakers tried a new approach on their customers. But so far it has only concerned the domestic Japanese market. Manufacturers of lubricants also did not sit idly by, and constantly improved the formula of the ideal low-viscosity oil, the price was quite important, market relations, after all. Toyota and Honda were the first to Mature to a global scale, which in 2009 announced a complete global transition to low-viscosity oils 0w-20 and 5w-20. Toyota also introduced A retroactivity Protocol, reversing the prescribed viscosities, on all cars since 2003, introducing a huge number of motorists in confusion and surprise. An even greater surprise was caused by voiced by the experts of Toyota's figures, the savings on low-viscosity oils compared to the standard. As much as 7.5 liters of gasoline can save an ordinary motorist on oil 0w-20 for a run of 5 000 km. It is clear that the Toyota experts, this figure has caused genuine joy, as they measure hundreds of thousands of cars, but the motorists in traffic jams in the metropolis were not so optimistic.
Approximately the same process was observed in Europe and North America. On the one hand, the reduction of viscosity really helps to fight for fuel efficiency relatively safe for technology measures. On the other hand, these trends have led to many trade-offs in technical solutions and sometimes to a reduction in the "life" of the engine. Even in premium class, we can see how the engines simply do not "live" to the first hundred thousand km. Having protected themselves from the claims of state husbands and environmental organizations, automakers, in fact, shifted all responsibility for the condition of the engine on the shoulders of a simple car owner. Modern engines sometimes hit a curious technical decisions, and the fight against "got out" flaws and all is puzzling, to recall the transfer marks on the dipstick тойотовского1ZZ.
Summarize. That would be trouble not to be surprised by, always remember the great slogan "the Rescue of drowning the handiwork of drowning." Learn on the specialized forums your engine, it does not take much time. But it will significantly save nerves and finances. If the engine has" children's " sores, pay close attention to them. As for the viscosity of the oil, I would advise, in the case of a new car with a mileage of up to 100 000 km, to use the recommended oil manufacturer. After 100 000 closely monitor the condition and if you suddenly begin to show negative moments, in the form of oil, increased noise and others, if possible (if the manufacturer allows a change in viscosity) to change the oil to a more viscous. For example, the Japanese engine to move from 0w-20 to 5w-30. If there are no negative signs, you should continue to use the same oil. And be sure to use only high-quality oils from trusted manufacturers. Saving on oil sooner or later leads to the search for a contract engine or a competent mechanic.