The difference lies in the details — and performance!
Basically, there are three types of engine oils, each with distinct characteristics.
Mineral oils are the oldest, most well-known, and most widely used. They are relatively simple and inexpensive, produced through refining crude oil.
Semi-synthetic oils are manufactured through a more complex process, offering significantly improved performance — especially in terms of durability and heat resistance.
Fully synthetic oils are chemically engineered, providing a wide range of enhanced properties. Because of their superior performance, they are particularly suitable for high-performance engines — such as Porsche engines.
Until the 1970s, single-grade oils dominated the market. Each oil had a specific viscosity grade that defined it.
Multigrade oils, which are now commonly used, are based on low-viscosity base oils combined with specific additives (including polymers such as polyester and polyisobutylene). As a result, their viscosity decreases much less at high temperatures.
Since the viscosity of multi-grade oils changes very little with temperature, they are suitable for a much wider operating temperature range than single-grade oils.
This means they provide excellent lubrication both in hot and cold conditions. In cold weather, they allow for easier engine start-up and reduced wear, while in high temperatures they maintain strong performance and engine protection.
The SAE classification for multigrade oils includes two numbers, such as 0W-40.
These letters and numbers indicate the temperature range in which the oil maintains its performance.
The number before the “W” (Winter) shows how viscous the oil is in cold conditions — the lower the number, the thinner and more fluid the oil.
For example, 0 indicates low-viscosity oil suitable for very cold climates.
Higher numbers indicate thicker oil films.
A grade of 10 shows very thin oil, ideal for cold regions, while in extremely hot climates, you may see grades up to 60, representing highly viscous oil.
A grade of 40 indicates medium viscosity, ensuring high performance even at elevated temperatures.
Automotive manufacturers and component producers issue specific oil approvals to ensure the use of high-quality, compatible lubricants.
Some of the most notable manufacturers include:
Cummins is an American heavy industrial company founded in 1919 by Clessie Cummins. Today, it specializes in designing and manufacturing internal combustion engines and related technologies, such as fuel injection systems, control systems, filtration equipment, and power generation systems. The company’s headquarters is located in Columbus, Indiana. Cummins markets its products through a network of over 600 independent distributors and around 6,000 dealers in more than 190 countries.
In 2011, the company reported revenues of $18 billion and a net profit of $1.75 billion. Cummins is the world’s largest manufacturer of diesel products and technology. Its shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and are listed in the Fortune 500.
MAN Oil Specifications:
MTU is a German manufacturer of high-performance diesel engines and related technologies, known for its reliability and engineering excellence in heavy-duty and industrial applications.
MTU Oil Specifications: MTU engine oils are available in various SAE grades and quality levels to ensure optimal performance and protection for diesel engines operating under different conditions.
Volvo is a Swedish heavy industry company manufacturing commercial vehicles and related components.
Its products include trailers, trucks, buses, transport and construction equipment, marine and industrial propulsion systems, aerospace components, and financial services. Volvo was founded in 1924 by Assar Gabrielsson (SKF’s financial manager) and Gustav Larson (a senior SKF engineer) as a subsidiary of the SKF Group. In 1927, Volvo began operating as an independent automaker in Gothenburg.
Originally a division of SKF, Volvo became publicly traded in 1935, when SKF sold its shares after Volvo’s stock exchange listing. In 1999, the Volvo Group sold its passenger car division (Volvo Cars) to Ford Motor Company for $6.45 billion. Later, in 2010, Ford sold Volvo Cars to the Chinese company Geely for $1.8 billion.
Today, the Volvo Group only manufactures heavy vehicles, including trucks and buses, while Volvo Cars operates under Geely ownership.