Engine health is vital for a well-functional semi-truck, as we agreed in a previous blog post, and among other factors, we mentioned the importance of choosing the right type of oil. The oil keeps every part of your engine running smoothly and prevents early wear and tear, so changing it on schedule is a must. In this blog, we will discuss the things you need to look for to choose the best type of oil for your semi-truck. Let’s dive in.

Types of Oil

1. Mineral Engine Oils: are made from refined petroleum products, primarily used for simple design engines without turbochargers. We recommend this type of oil for truckers who drive at constant speeds in temperate climates.
2. Synthetic oils:are made from multiple synthetic components and are chemically engineered to have higher-performing additives. We recommend this type of oil for truckers who drive under extreme temperatures.
3. Semi-Synthetic oils: are a mix of mineral and synthetic oils, making them have extra resistance to corrosion. We recommend this type of oil for truckers who drive under low temperatures.

Oil Viscosity

When we say viscosity, we refer to the thickness of the oil. It’s quite common for truckers to choose oil with the wrong viscosity for their needs. Lower viscosity oils are better for truckers who drive in lower temperatures, while higher viscosity oils are a better fit for truckers who drive in high-temperature climates.

You can tell the viscosity of an oil by looking at its grading scale. Let’s take the 5W-40 grading as an example and explain what each number and letter means:

- 5W: stands for the start-up at lower temperatures

- 40: Stands for the start-up at higher temperatures

- W: stands for winter

The oil in the example provided is more suitable for truckers who drive in low-temperature climates, while truckers who drive in high-temperature climates should opt for 10W-40 or 15W-40. 

The Truck’s Manual

While oil type and viscosity are the main factors you have to consider when buying engine oil, it is also important to check the manufacturer’s recommendation. In the manual, you will find the minimum standard for the oil that must be used in the engine. If you follow this religiously, you shouldn’t have to splurge cash on repairs because of bad oil choices.

Conclusion

Not all trucks require the same type of oil, and some types of oil can also appeal to a trucker’s driving style, as we saw in the case of mineral engine oils. The recipe for success doesn’t have to be complicated, and following these 3 tips we mentioned will ensure that you choose the best oil for your truck. Stay safe and keep hauling!