The

Essential
Guide To
Motor Oil
Here's something
your didn't know
about motor oil.

Contents

Introduction

What does motor oil do in my engine and

why is it important?

What is motor oil made up of?

Why do I need to change my motor oil?

How often should I change

my motor oil?

Choosing the right motor oil

What are API ratings?

What are ACEA ratings?

What are ILSAC ratings?

What are OEM ratings?

What grade of engine oil should I use?

Warranty

How do I make the right choice?

Good
Better
Best

10
11
12

What is as important to my cars

performance as changing the oil?

13

Safety information

14

How do I dispose of used oil?

14

For more information

14

Introduction

For over 140 years, Valvoline has served
the needs of car owners with quality motor oils
and automotive products longer than any other
motor oil company. In fact, Valvoline is the
oldest trademark in the entire petroleum industry.
Valvoline understands that today's motor oil
market has an increasing assortment of engine
oils needed to cater for the various car makes
and models.
Choosing the motor oil that is right for your
vehicle and budget is a common source of
confusion and frustration. This guide to motor
oil aims to remove confusion and keep motor oil
simple. It has been developed to help you better
understand the basics of motor oil so you can
make an informed choice. The more you know
about motor oil, the better you will be able to
protect your vehicle's engine.
Valvoline, a division of Ashland, is a leading
innovator and supplier of quality, high-performing
automotive and industrial products in more than
100 countries. Best known for its lubricants,
Valvoline also markets Eagle One appearance
products, SynPower performance products, Pyroil
automotive chemicals and MaxLife products
created for higher-mileage engines.
If you have any further questions or comments
regarding Valvoline products, please call our
Technical Hotline 1800 804 658 between
8.30am-4.30pm Monday to Friday AEST.

What does motor oil do

in my engine and why is it
important?
The main purpose of motor oil is to stop metal from
touching metal. An engine contains hundreds of
moving parts that must be kept separate from each
other. If metal surfaces come in contact, wear may
occur and friction will increase. With friction comes
heat, and heat will warp and distort moving engine
parts. Motor oil creates a slick film between metal
parts that lets them glide over each other.
Motor oil also:

- Reduces friction and prevents wear;

- Allows for easy starting;

- Seals tiny gaps between the piston ring

and cylinder walls;

- Cools moving parts by dispersing heat;

- Keeps engine surfaces clean;

- Holds foreign deposits (like by products

of combustion) in suspension away from
engine parts; and

- Prevents rust and corrosion.

What is motor oil

made up of?
Motor oil has changed dramatically since Valvoline
first launched lubricating oils over 140 years ago.
Modern motor oils are made up of the following:
Base stocks

Additives

The base stocks used can be conventional stocks,

man made synthetics or a mixture of conventional
and synthetic stocks.
Conventional base oils are made from crude oil
which has undergone certain extraction processes
and minor chemical restructuring in an oil refinery.
Conventional base oils are a mixture of thousands
of different chemicals.
Synthetics differ from conventional base oils in
that they are synthesized from relatively pure
chemicals for specifically designed performance
characteristics. The raw material for synthetics
could come from many sources. Synthetic base
stocks generally offer superior low temperature flow
properties and enhanced response to certain engine
oil additives.
Regardless of the type of base stocks used, it is
necessary to combine them with additives to meet
the demanding requirements of modern engines
Additives are the active ingredient in motor
oils. These additives must be replenished through
regular oil changes. They may include any of the
following:

- Detergents

- Dispersants

- Anti-Wear Agents

- Extreme Pressure Additives

- Oxidation Inhibitors

- Anti-Foaming Agents

- Rust and Corrosion Inhibitors

- Viscosity Index Improvers

- Pour Point Depressants

- Friction Modifiers

Why do I need to change my

motor oil?
After a period of use, motor oil deteriorates and
becomes unable to do an efficient job lubricating
and cooling engine parts. The two main reasons
for this are:
Accumulation of contaminants
During the normal operation of an engine,
contaminants begin to accumulate in the engine
oil. The engine oil is designed to lock away and
neutralise by-products of combustion such as soot,
carbon and acids. As contaminant levels build-up
over time, critical properties of the engine oil such
as viscosity can be affected.
Depletion of oil additives
Additives are consumed as they perform their
vital role. If the additives are depleted, corrosion,
oxidation and accelerated engine wear can occur.
For this reason, engine manufacturers recommend
that the oil be changed at certain time or distance
intervals to ensure protection of your equipment
is not compromised.

How often should I change

my motor oil?
Some types of car operations are more severe
than others, placing greater demands on the
motor oil and calling for more frequent oil
changes. For this reason, car manufacturers
give two recommendations for oil changes in
their owner's manuals.
Standard Service
Standard conditions are generally where
a vehicle drives more than 15,000km per year
on bitumen, with little stop start driving and
few periods of long idling.
These service conditions can be met with a
high performance mineral oil from one of the
products in Valvolines XLD range.
Severe Service
If you drive in city traffic, do lots of short trips,
drive off the bitumen, or tow any sort of load,
you are driving in severe conditions.
These service conditions can be met with either a
full synthetic, such as SynPower or a synthetic blend
such as DuraBlend or SynGard.

Choosing the right motor oil

The first step in choosing motor oil is to check
the owner's manual for the recommended SAE
(Society of Automotive Engineers) viscosity grade
for your vehicle.
There are two common types of SAE classifications:
monograde and multigrade. A monograde such as
SAE 30 has certain cold weather limitations. In very
cold weather, it may not flow adequately to protect
the engine during the time the engine takes to reach
operating temperature.
Multigrade oils, such as SAE 10W-30, can be used
across a broad range of temperatures. These are
widely used because they allow for easy starting
and pumping at low temperatures; yet they are thick
enough at high temperatures to lubricate effectively.

SAE 10W-30
SAE 10W-30
SAE 10W-30
The W stands for winter and indicates that the
oil meets certain viscosity requirements for low
temperature or winter operation.

SAE 10W-30
SAE 10W-30
SAE 10W-30

The number in front of the W indicates the low

temperature viscosity. The number refers to
the viscosity of the oil when the engine is cold
and indicates the oils performance when the
engine is starting up. The thinner the oil when
cold the quicker it moves around the engine and
the faster it protects vital engine components.

SAE 10W-30
SAE 10W-30
SAE 10W-30
The high-temperature viscosity (the second number,
30 in a 10W-30) indicates thickness at operating
temperature. Thicker oils make it easier to maintain
oil pressure and reduce the tendency for oil
consumption, particularly in worn engines. Thick
oils trade off fuel efficiency to achieve this as the
engine has to work harder to move the oil around.
When comparing viscosity numbers, a higher
number will not flow as easily as a low number.

What are API ratings?

The American Petroleum Institute (API)
classification system provides information
about the engine oil.

The letter S followed by another letter

(for example SM) indicates that the oil
is appropriate for petrol engines. SM oils
are superior to SL oils in many
performance criteria including enhanced
fuel efficiency whilst also meeting the
energy conserving classification and
enhanced emissions systems protection.

The letter C followed by another letter
and/or number (for example CI-4) indicates
that the oil is appropriate for diesel engines.

The second letter in both the S and the
C categories is assigned alphabetically.
Generally the further along we move in
the alphabet indicates the latest technology
and quality enhancements in motor oil.

What are ACEA ratings?

ACEA stands for the Association des Constructeurs
Europeens dAutomobiles and represents a large
group of European engine manufacturers. ACEA
has established four performance categories:
the A category for petrol engines; the B category
for passenger car diesel engines; the C category
represents catalyst compatible oils; the E category
for heavy duty diesel engines.
A Category (petrol engines)
A1 and A2 oils represent the base performance
level with A1 being used for lower viscosity fuel
efficient oils and A2 for higher viscosity oils. A3
and A5 oils are the highest performing ACEA
gasoline engine oils with the A3 being used for
the higher performance oils and A5 for the high
performance lower viscosity fuel efficient oils.
The A4 classification is reserved for a future
specification for direct injection gasoline engines.
B Category (passenger car diesel engines)
The B category is similarly divided with the
exception that the B4 classification for direct
injection passenger diesel engines has been
established and that the B5 classification combines
the performance requirements of B3 and B4 in a
lower viscosity fuel efficient oil.

C Category (catalyst compatible engines)

The C category is intended for use with vehicles
fitted with diesel particulate filters and three
way catalysts in petrol applications. C1 and C2
classifications are based on ACEA A5/B5 ratings,
whilst the C3 classification is based on
ACEA A3/B3 ratings.

What are ILSAC ratings?

ILSAC stands for the International Lubricant
Standardisation Advisory Committee. For
lubricants to meet the GF specification, they
must prove to be energy conserving. With the
latest rating being GF-4, it provides better fuel
economy than GF-3. In the Australian market you
may find the following ILSAC ratings:

- ILSAC GF-3 (introduced in 2001)

- ILSAC GF-4 (introduced in 2004)

What are OEM approvals?

Some OEMs specify that engine oils must meet a
range of stringent requirements before it can be
used and warranted in their engines. To minimise
misapplication, Valvoline have noted whether
these requirements have been met by noting OEM
performance specifications on pack; the most
common approvals in Australia being the following:

- BMW:

LL98 and LL01

- Ford:

M2C-915A, M2C 153E/F

and M2C-153G

- General Motors: GM6094M

- Mercedes Benz:

MB229.1, MB229.3
and MB229.5

- Volkswagen:

VW502.00, VW503.01,
VW504.00, VW505.00
and VW507.00

So, what grade of engine oil

should I use?
There are a number of ways to determine what
engine oil is suited to your vehicle. The best
way to find the correct lubricant grade and
recommendation is to refer to your vehicle owners
manual. In here you should be able to locate:

- Viscosity or SAE rating

- API, ACEA, ILSAC and OEM approval

If you are unable to access

your vehicle owners manual
most auto part stockists will
have a Valvoline lubrication
recommendation guide.
Here you can look up the
make and model of your
vehicle and match to it the
Valvoline engine oil best
suited to your vehicle.

You can also obtain this information online at

www.valvoline.com.au/lube_frame.cfm

You will be presented with an engine oil

recommendation that also includes suitable
transmission and power steering fluids for your
vehicle. The lubricant guide will also advise how
many litres you will require to perform the oil
change.

Warranty
Valvolines range of engine oils either meet or
exceed the ratings printed on pack. Providing that
you select the correct lubricant for your vehicle,
Valvoline guarantees the engine oil used will not
void new car warranty.

How do I make the

right choice?

Good

Valvolines range of conventional mineral based

oils are suitable for the everyday driver.
Standard service conditions can be met with
the following products:

XLD Lo-Vis

-

-
-
-

10W-30

Meets latest engine

specifications
Premium base stocks
Enhanced fuel efficiency
API SM ILSAC GF-4

XLD Plus 20W-50

-

-

-

For conventional and

multi valve engines
Premium mineral base
stocks
API SL/CF, ACEA A2, B2

XLD Premium 20W-50

-

-

-

For conventional and

multi valve engines
Premium mineral base
stocks
API SJ/CF, ACEA A2, B2

XLD Classic 20W-50

- Offers protection for cars

manufactured before 1993
- API SG/CD

XLD HiVis 20W-60

-



-

Developed to protect and

extend the life of older
technology and worn
engines
API SJ/CD

Diesel Formula 15W-40

- For turbo and non turbo

diesel engines
- API CG-4

10

How do I make the

right choice?

Better
Sometimes you need a Better oil to cope with your
driving conditions. Severe service conditions can be
met with the following products.

DuraBlend 5W-30,

10W-30,
10W-40 and 15W-50

specially formulated for

tough driving conditions,
stop-go driving, extended
idling, short trips & towing

SynGard 10W-40

-

-





-

-

Provides engine protection

from start up to shut down
SynGard with Advanced
Chemaloy Shield reduces
engine wear and improves
engine responsiveness and
ensures high engine
performance
Provides better deposit
control for a cleaner engine
API SM/CF ACEA A3,B3

MaxLife 20W-50

-
-


-

For high mileage engines

Suits most 4,6 and 8
cylinder engines
with over 100,000km
API SM/CF ACEA A3,B3

XLD Engine Armour 15W-40

-



-

Quality synthetic fortified

for improved
protection over standard
mineral oils
API SM/CF ACEA A3,B3

Super Diesel 15W-40

11

-

-

-

For turbo and

non turbo engines
Suits Cummins, Mack and
Caterpillar engines
API CH-4/SJ

How do I make the

right choice?

Best
Sometimes only the best will do. Severe and
high performance applications can be met with
Valvoline's SynPower range.
Valvolines SynPower motor oil is specially
formulated with 100% synthetic base stocks for
ultimate protection, high performance, long drain
and severe service application.

0W-40,
MXL 0W-30, 5W-40
and 10W-50
SynPower

-

-

-


-

-
-

Maximum thermal and

oxidation stability
Fully compatible with all
conventional motor oils
Offers superior low
temperature and high
temperature properties
Optimum cold start
properties
Lowest oil burnoff
Enhanced wear protection

12

What is as important to
my cars performance as
changing the oil?
Looking after your vehicle is not just a matter of
changing your oil regularly. For maximum engine
protection Valvoline recommends that you change
your oil filter every time you change your oil.
Cleaning and protecting your fuel system is as
important to your car's performance as changing
the oil. For maximum engine performance add fuel
injector cleaner to your fuel every time you change
your oil and every 5000km.

14
13

Change Oil

Valvoline offer the choice of a mineral based,

synthetic blend or full synthetic lubricants
which one you choose is dependent on
your vehicle and driving habits.

Change Oil Filter

When selected correctly and properly

installed, Valvoline filters meet or exceed
OEM requirements. Valvoline guarantees
its filters are completely free of any fault
or defects in both materials and
workmanship. When you buy Valvoline
filters, you can be sure your engine is
well protected.

Add Fuel Injector Cleaner at next fuel fill

Valvoline Fuel Injector and Carby Cleaner

restores power to your engine in one simple
treatment by removing the deposits that plug,
block and affect the performance of fuel
injectors and carburettors. It also cleans
intake valves and removes deposits from
combustion chambers.

How do I dispose of used oil?

Protect our environment. Do not pollute drains,
soil or water with used engine oil. Please dispose
of used oil in accordance with state waste
management authority requirements.
Improperly disposed motor oil can contaminate
drinking water and poison wildlife. In fact, the
used motor oil generated from one oil change can
contaminate more than one million litres of water.
For more information on used oil recycling visit
www.oilrecycling.com.au

For your safety

Be careful when handling used oil. Avoid skin
contact with used engine oil. Wear suitable gloves.
After contact with skin, wash immediately with soap
and water. Prolonged and repeated contact with
used engine oil from petrol engines may cause skin
cancer. Always ensure the bottle is stored upright
and the cap is tight.

For more information

For more information please contact the Valvoline
Technical Hotline on 1800 804 658 between 8.30am4.30pm Monday to Friday AEST.

15
14

For more information

contact the Valvoline
Technical Hotline on

1800 804 658

Registered Trademark, Ashland.

Valvoline (Australia) Pty Ltd
30 Davis Rd, WETHERILL PARK
NSW 2164