Oil 15w40: characteristics, decoding, temperature range

The service life of the engine largely depends on the quality of the engine oil, because without high-quality lubrication, rubbing parts wear out faster, which leads to the need for expensive overhauls. With the right choice, you will ensure trouble-free operation of the power unit for many years. The best 5W40 oil is suitable for modern and used cars, which will help you choose our rating. During its preparation, feedback from experts and real users was taken into account, as well as the results of independent examination and laboratory tests.

The 5B40 bundle is in demand due to its unpretentiousness to weather conditions - it can withstand severe frosts and summer heat, which makes it suitable for most regions of Russia. The liquid contains additives that give it anti-corrosion, anti-acid and detergent properties. The 5w40 compound works equally well in traffic jams, on the highway or off-road, making it a universal choice. But manufacturers use a different set of additives, so it is important to know which oil is best for your car.

SHELL Helix HX8 Synthetic 5W-40 4 l

Characteristics:

Flash – 239 °C.
Freezing – -45 °C.
Density – 843.3 kg/m3.

The oil meets the requirements of modern cars running on gas, gasoline or diesel fuel. In addition, its combination with biodiesel and ethanol mixtures is allowed. SHELL Helix HX8 Synthetic 5W-40 is used and recommended by manufacturers such as Fiat, Renault, BMW and Ferrari, which have proven themselves in the world of motorsport. Ferrari takes a personal part in the development of new products and their subsequent testing, including on Formula 1 racing cars.

Full synthetic motor oil effectively cleans and protects your engine, extending its life and slowing wear even under harsh operating conditions. It is suitable for all oil change intervals recommended by car manufacturers. Low consumption will allow you to add it much less often.

Pros:

Latest API clearance;
Adapted for use in city traffic jams;
Fluidity is maintained at temperatures down to -35 degrees;
Additive package;
Clean base.

Minuses:

Some car owners note high consumption when driving dynamically on the highway.

Takayama 5W-40 API SN/CF 4 l

Characteristics:

Flash – 225 °C.
Freezing – -40 °C.
Density – 851 kg/m3.

Takayama 5W-40 is supplied in an iron canister, convenient for transportation and subsequent storage. The energy-efficient oil is compatible with heavily loaded diesel and gasoline engines in passenger trucks and cars. It is permissible to have a turbine and an exhaust gas aftertreatment system.

The balanced composition prevents the formation of sediment inside the motor, minimizing friction and wear of parts. It is in full compliance with environmental emission requirements and can be used throughout the year, both in new engines and in power plants with high mileage.

Pros:

Convenient packaging;
Additive package;
Quiet engine operation;
No soot;
Certificates.

Minuses:

Sometimes hard to find for sale.

IDEMITSU 5W-40 SN/CF 4 l

Characteristics:

Flash – 238 °C.
Freezing – -39 °C.
Density – 856 kg/m3.

IDEMITSU 5W-40 SN/CF is recommended for owners of cars with four-stroke engines, regardless of the fuel they run on. It is suitable for engines with turbocharging, naturally aspirated power plants and direct injection (GDI). Antioxidant substances are present in large quantities, which increases replacement intervals.

The high level of tolerance allows you to confidently pour the composition into new cars, and as practice has shown, it is no less suitable for used vehicles. The additive complex prevents the formation of high-temperature deposits, keeping the cylinder walls clean. Excellent cleaning properties allow you to clean moving parts of the engine structure from soot and other contaminants.

Pros:

Clean base;
Significant fuel savings;
Low chance of running into a fake;
Retains its properties for the recommended mileage;
Ideal for urban use;
Freezes at -39 degrees.

Minuses:

None.

Advantages and disadvantages

The popularity of 15w40 motor lubricant among motorists is due to its good properties and wide versatility.

Among the specific advantages of this type of fuel and lubricants, the following can be noted:

Ideal for engines of domestic cars, as well as used foreign cars with significant mileage.
Excellent anti-oxidation and anti-corrosion properties.
Provides more economical fuel consumption in internal combustion engines with a high degree of wear.
Affordable price, like most mineral types of lubricants.

The disadvantages should be indicated:

Rapid loss of quality under severe engine operating conditions.
Impossibility of all-season use in regions where in winter the air temperature drops below -20 degrees.
Low replacement interval, not exceeding 5 thousand kilometers.

LUKOIL Genesis Armortech 5W-40 4 l

Characteristics:

Flash – 237 °C.
Freezing – -41 °C.
Density – 847.9 kg/m³.

The 5W40 oil rating is supplemented by inexpensive synthetic oil recommended for modern gasoline and diesel power units. Its production uses innovative DuraMax® technology. The balanced composition is suitable for use at any time of the year in systems without exhaust gas after-treatment devices.

It is recommended by car manufacturers Mercedes-Benz, Renault, Volkswagen, Skoda, Audi, BMW, Porsche both during the warranty period and during the subsequent period of operation. The composition is also suitable for cars of other brands, provided it is compatible with the API SN, ACEA A3/B3, A3/B4 standard.

LUKOIL Genesis Armortech 5W-40 has several significant advantages, despite its affordable price:

Oxidation resistance. The lubricant has excellent anti-corrosion and antioxidant properties;
Improved detergent-dispersant properties will keep your engine clean;
Suitable for use under heavy load conditions;
Easy start-up at sub-zero temperatures, which is guaranteed by good low-temperature characteristics;
Compatibility with Russian fuel, the quality of which often leaves much to be desired;
Compatible with new power plants;
Good cleaning properties that last throughout the entire recommended mileage.

Minuses:

There are many fakes on the market.

Oil indicators

The most significant characteristic is the viscosity class of the motor lubricant. It determines how intensively the oil will spread throughout the car’s oil system, as well as how it will change as a result of an increase/decrease in temperature. Note that the viscosity grade does not indicate the quality of the product itself. There are many oils of the same viscosity on the market from different manufacturers. They are all different in quality. However, it is impossible to determine quality - there are no corresponding indicators. It is determined in practice.

Castrol Magnatec 5W-40 A3/B4 DUALOCK 4 l

Characteristics:

Flash – 212.
Freezing – -48 °C.
Density – 852 kg/m³.

The best 5W40 motor oils are produced by Castrol, whose product meets ACEA A3/B4, API SN specifications. Castrol MAGNATEC 5W-40 is recommended by leading automakers, as you can see by reading the specifications section and the car maintenance manual.

DUALOCK technology minimizes the wear of rubbing mechanisms, thereby guaranteeing reliability and trouble-free operation of the engine even when idle in traffic jams. A powerful protective layer is formed between the parts, reducing wear by 50% during warm-up and under harsh operating conditions. The production uses a special technology created taking into account trips with constant stops. Suitable for engines without a particulate filter.

Pros:

Lubrication quality;
Easy start in cold weather;
No soot;
Doesn't burn out;
Freezing at - 48 degrees;
Cleaning effect.

Minuses:

Lots of fakes.

IDEMITSU Zepro Euro Spec 5W-40 4 l

Characteristics:

Flash – 234 °C.
Freezing – -42.5 °C.
Density – 852 kg/m³.

The list of the best is supplemented by an option from a Japanese manufacturer, which you can choose for your car without fear. This is a universal and all-season high-quality oil, created using hydrocracking technology and receiving an effective set of additives. Leading European and Japanese automakers recommend it for use. The composition is suitable for sedans, liftbacks, SUVs, crossovers, minibuses. For cars both with and without turbocharging.

The properties of the lubricant remain unchanged over a wide temperature range due to its high viscosity. Thanks to its pour point of -42.5 degrees, you will have no problems starting your car in cold weather. Provides a high level of protection of pistons from slag and carbon deposits.

The additive package improves cleaning and neutralizing properties. In addition, it does not harm the environment, has a low level of foaming and antioxidant characteristics. Idemitsu Zepro Special Euro 5w-40 will extend the life of the engine and perform well in all weather conditions.

Pros:

High quality and inexpensive;
Cleaning properties;
Additive set;
The motor runs smoothly;
Suitable even for the Siberian climate;
Doesn't burn out.

Minuses:

There are counterfeits, so buy only from trusted places.

"Lukoil" 15W40

The product from Lukoil with this viscosity is a fairly high-quality liquid, and it is made on a mineral basis. Its use is appropriate on forced engines that run on diesel or gasoline, but do not have turbocharging. Also used on cars, trucks and buses.

Pros:

No oxidative reactions.
There is no carbon deposits in the engine.

Automotive and ZMZ approve the use of this oil.

ZIC X7 5W-40 4 l

Characteristics:

Flash – 222 °C.
Freezing – -42.5 °C.
Density – 850 kg/m³.

100% synthetic is produced using Yubas base oil, which pumps faster and spreads throughout the engine, making it easier to start in subzero temperatures. Thermal-oxidative stability and anti-wear properties are superior to most other lubricants. The oil film formed on the surface of parts significantly reduces friction and protects them from wear.

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High-quality modern additives are used to rid the engine of carbon deposits and prevent the formation of new deposits. The composition dissolves soot particles and prevents them from clogging filters and valves. Maintaining cleanliness inside the power plant helps to ensure uniform lubrication of the rubbing mechanisms. Another positive side is its low volatility, due to which it practically does not evaporate during operation. Accordingly, if your car eats up oil, it will need to be topped up less often, which means peace of mind and savings for your budget.

Pros:

Resistance to thermal oxidation;
Economical consumption due to low volatility;
Excellent cleaning and dispersing qualities;
Fast distribution even in cold weather;
Stability of pressure and viscosity;
Effective protection under heavy loads.

Minuses:

Subject to compliance with the regulations, replacements are expected.

MOBIL Super 3000 X1 5W-40 4 l

Characteristics:

Flash – 222 °C.
Freezing – -39 °C.
Density – 855 kg/m3.

The rating of 5W40 synthetic motor oils for gasoline engines is supplemented by a high-quality solution that is suitable for use not only in passenger cars, but also in small trucks and minibuses. The product is suitable for difficult driving conditions, as its protective properties are superior to mineral and semi-synthetic compounds.

Such measures include maintaining the original parameters over a wide temperature range and preventing the formation of sludge. The oil has approvals from 6 European automakers and is compatible with gasoline and diesel power units, including turbocharged ones. The volume of the canister is 4 liters.

Pros:

Versatility;
Low consumption;
Quality of cleaning;
Dense film, effective even under heavy loads;
Clean base.

Minuses:

Trouble-free starting at temperatures down to -25 degrees;
Owners of old used cars note excessive cleaning properties, which is not always beneficial.

Lukoil SAE 15w40 API SG/CD

This is a very high-quality universal oil liquid, which is a mineral water. It is used in forced gasoline/diesel engines without turbocharging, cars, trucks, minibuses.

ELF Evolution 900 NF 5W-40 4 l

Characteristics:

Flash – 220 °C.
Freezing – -36 °C.
Density – 854 kg/m³.

The review moves on to another interesting model, which is not so well known on the domestic market, but nevertheless deserves attention and enjoys good user reviews. It can be poured into gasoline and diesel power plants of both cars and minibuses. The lubricating composition is particularly effective due to its adaptability to any road conditions and driving style. It copes with its task even in harsh climatic conditions, which is important for Russia.

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ELF Evolution 900 NF provides a high level of engine protection, especially in the distribution system, keeps parts clean and extends oil change life thanks to its anti-oxidation properties. The manufacturer guarantees quick lubrication of components and parts during cold starts, which extends the life of the motor. Thermal stability and oxidation resistance prevent early wear even under harsh operating conditions.

Pros:

Versatility;
Reliable and durable oil film;
Excellent cleaning qualities;
Increased replacement interval;
Retains its properties over a wide temperature range and under significant loads.

Minuses:

Obsolete API permission.

LIQUI MOLY Optimal Synth 5W-40 4 l

Characteristics:

Flash – 230 °C.
Freezing – -45 °C.
Density – 855 kg/m³.

The best 5W40 synthetic motor oil is chosen by many buyers, which is why it topped our TOP. The composition includes a list of additives adapted to the harsh conditions of Russian roads. New technologies provide the highest level of protection and lubrication of parts in accordance with international API/ACEA standards.

The lubricant is based on ingredients obtained through HC technology - synthesis taking into account the increased requirements of modern engines. The balanced composition provides excellent lubricating properties at any temperature and operating conditions. Reducing friction extends the life of parts and reduces fuel consumption.

Pros:

Lubricant is supplied quickly even in subzero temperatures;
Low consumption;
Keeping the engine clean;
Effective resistance to wear;
Fuel economy;
Reducing harmful emissions;
Compatible with turbine and catalysts.

Minuses:

It loses fluidity already at temperatures below -27 degrees.

Labeling and description

Each type of motor oil has its own characteristics and individual technical properties.

To make it easier to select the most suitable lubricating fluids, they are all classified into groups, with each of them assigned an identification index. Considering the special conditions in which the lubricant has to work and the importance of its functions for the engine, special attention must be paid to the correct choice of engine oil.

There are several classification systems applied to motor oils. In Russia it is GOST, in America it is API, in Europe it is ACEA.

And only one classification today is recognized as international in most countries producing lubricants for engines. This is the Society of Automotive Engineers class system, or SAE for short. The SAE standard classifies all lubricants for internal combustion engines according to their viscosity values at certain temperatures. In accordance with it, the designation 15w40 is deciphered as follows:

W is an abbreviation for the English word Winter, which means “winter”. This letter in the designation makes it clear that this type of oil can be used in winter.
The number 15 in front of the W means that the winter temperature limit for this type of fuel and lubricants is -20ºC.
The designation 40 indicates a viscosity index at 100ºC ranging from 12.6 to 16.3 centistokes.

Many car enthusiasts mistakenly believe that the number in front of W means the minimum temperature at which the oil can be used, but this is not the case at all.

In the international SAE classification, digital marking starts at -35ºC. All limits below this temperature indicator correspond to the marking 0. Next, the digital marking goes in the opposite direction:

5 W means a minimum operating limit of -30ºC;
10W corresponds to -25ºC;
15W -20 degrees.

The largest digital designation for sub-zero temperatures on the SAE scale, 25W, means that the engine oil retains its fluidity properties at temperatures not lower than -10ºC. Accordingly, starting a cold engine filled with oil marked 15W at an air temperature below -20 degrees will be problematic.

The number 40, on the contrary, shows that 15w40 class oil retains its specified fluidity parameters only up to +40ºC. In reality, the temperature inside a running vehicle engine is often higher than this figure. Therefore, all motor oils can be used at temperatures of +150 degrees. True, in this case the dynamic viscosity of 15w40 is reduced to 3.7 megapascals per second.