What are the three types of fuel oil?

Group II base oils belong to the second category in the traditional classification of engine oil base oils. They are produced on the basis of Group I base oils (heavy oil from the later stage of petroleum refining, with more residues, currently rare in the market) by adding additives and undergoing dewaxing treatment. Their oxidation resistance and anti-wear performance are improved compared with Group I base oils. Due to incomplete dewaxing, these base oils usually have relatively high viscosity. Common viscosity grades include 10w-40 and 15w-40, which fall into the typical mineral oil category. Engine oil products on the market such as Castrol Magnatec Gold, Castrol Magnatec Silver, Mobil Super 1000, and Shell Helix HX5 all use Group II base oils. In addition, Group II base oils have different models: for example, 150SN is suitable for the production of internal combustion engine oils, 220SN for industrial lubricants, and 460SN for gear oils. Different models have distinct performance characteristics, so selection should be based on specific application requirements and equipment conditions. In the base oil classification system, Group II base oils belong to the mineral oil category. Compared with Group III base oils (refined mineral oils further hydrocracked and dewaxed on the basis of Group II), there is a certain gap in performance. However, they are still one of the common mineral oil product choices on the market and can meet the basic lubrication needs of ordinary vehicles.

Yes, you can mix 2T oil with petrol, but this practice is only applicable to two-stroke engines (such as those in some motorcycles, chainsaws, or agricultural tools). 2T oil is specifically designed for two-stroke engines, which require lubrication through oil mixed with fuel since they lack a separate oil circulation system. The mixing ratio varies depending on the engine type and oil specifications: the common ratio is 1:50 (1 part oil to 50 parts petrol), while new engines may use a 1:40 ratio during the first 30 hours of operation to ensure sufficient lubrication during the break-in period. Some specialized 2T oils also recommend ratios of 1:40 or 1:50, which can reduce blue smoke emissions. It is crucial to use dedicated 2T oil instead of regular 4T oil (for four-stroke engines) or ordinary motor oil, as improper oil types can cause engine damage like carburetor blockages or insufficient lubrication. Additionally, mixed fuel should be prepared fresh and used immediately; long-stored mixed fuel should not be used to avoid performance issues. For four-stroke engines, oil and petrol are kept separate, so mixing is unnecessary and harmful. Always follow the manufacturer’s recommended ratio for your specific engine to maintain optimal performance and extend its lifespan.

The type of engine oil mainly consists of two core pieces of information: viscosity grade and performance standard. Viscosity grades such as 5W-30 and 0W-20 indicate that the smaller the number on the left side of W, the better the low-temperature starting performance, making it suitable for colder environments; the larger the number on the right side of W, the higher the viscosity at high temperatures and the greater the stability, enabling it to meet high-load operation requirements. Common low-temperature grades in Malaysia are 20W and 15W. Although 5W is slightly more expensive, its sales are increasing, and it can be selected based on climate and driving conditions. Regarding performance standards, designations such as API SP and ACEA A3/B4 signify that the engine oil meets specific performance requirements, enhancing engine efficiency and extending maintenance intervals. For instance, API SP is suitable for modern gasoline engines, while ACEA A3/B4 is designed for high-temperature and high-load environments. Additionally, engine oils are categorized into types like fully synthetic. Fully synthetic formulations provide stable lubrication protection and are suitable for daily commuting and long-distance travel. When selecting engine oil, refer to the manufacturer's recommendations, considering climate conditions and engine type to ensure the viscosity and performance standards match the vehicle's requirements. You may also check brand-specific series labels to determine suitability. For example, fully synthetic engine oils from brands such as Petronas and Castrol are reliable choices.

Oils are mainly divided into two categories: mineral oils and bio-oils. Mineral oils are mostly used in mechanical or combustion applications, encompassing fuel oils such as kerosene, diesel, and gasoline, as well as various lubricating oils. Bio-oils are primarily for edible purposes, including vegetable oils and animal fats. Common vegetable oils include rapeseed oil, soybean oil, and olive oil, while animal fats include lard and beef tallow. Additionally, there are single-cell oils produced by microorganisms, which are predominantly used in food additives. Different types of oils are suitable for different applications due to their distinct characteristics. For example, diesel among mineral oils is used for vehicle power, while vegetable oils among bio-oils are commonly used in daily cooking. Selecting the appropriate type of oil can better meet usage requirements.

5W30 engine oil is thicker than 10W30. This difference in thickness is mainly reflected in kinematic viscosity—5W30 has a higher kinematic viscosity, which allows it to adhere better to the metal surfaces of the engine, forming a stable protective film and reducing friction and wear between components. Another core difference between the two lies in low-temperature fluidity: 5W30 has better low-temperature fluidity than 10W30, enabling it to flow quickly to all parts of the engine in lower-temperature environments, enhancing protection during cold starts, and making it suitable for relatively cold climates; whereas 10W30 is more suitable for warm climate regions. It is worth noting that the suffix "30" in both indicates that their kinematic viscosities at 100°C are similar, so their oil film thickness and protective capabilities in high-temperature environments are roughly the same. When making a choice, it is necessary to consider the climatic conditions of the vehicle's usage and the engine's characteristics to ensure the best lubrication and protection effect.