A Guide to Buying Petrol Engine Oil in Nigeria: What You Need to Know

Are you confused about the type of petrol engine oil to buy for your car in Nigeria? You are not alone. With the large number of brands, types and viscosity grades available, selecting the right oil for your car can be daunting. However, understanding what goes into the selection process and choosing the right oil can help your car perform optimally and extend its lifespan. This guide provides all the information you need to make an informed decision when buying petrol engine oil in Nigeria. We will cover the types of engine oil available, the viscosity grades, how to choose the right oil for your car and other factors to consider. Armed with this knowledge, you will be able to select the best oil for your car.

Types of engine oil

Petrol engines need engine oil to lubricate moving parts and reduce wear and tear. Engine oil also reduces friction by reducing the surface tension between moving parts, helping the parts to move more freely. This results in better fuel economy, reduced carbon emissions, and less wear and tear on critical engine parts. Engine oil also helps extend the lifespan of your car’s engine. There are several types of engine oil available in the market. The type of engine oil you buy is determined by your car’s make, model, and engine type. There are two main types of petrol engine oil: Mineral oil and synthetic engine oil. Mineral oil is a refined petroleum-based engine oil that has been in use for many years. Synthetic engine oil is a more modern engine oil made from synthetic hydrocarbons.

Viscosity grades

There are two viscosity grades for petrol engine oil: SAE 5W-30 and SAE 0W-40. The viscosity grade or thickness of the engine oil is measured in units called centistokes (cSt). The lower the cSt number, the thinner the oil; the higher the cSt number, the thicker the oil. SAE 5W-30 and SAE 0W-40 engines both use petrol engine oil with a viscosity of 10 cSt at operating temperature. The viscosity grade of petrol engine oil is also important: – SAE 5W-30 engine oil has a viscosity of 5 cSt at operating temperature and is used for petrol engines in hot weather. – SAE 0W-40 engine oil has a viscosity of 10 cSt at operating temperature and is used for petrol engines in cold weather.

How to choose the right oil

– Make sure you buy the right type. Always follow your car’s manual to select the right type of engine oil. – Use the right viscosity grade. Always follow your car’s manual to select the right viscosity grade. This will help you maintain optimal engine temperatures and improve fuel efficiency. – Check your car’s maintenance schedule. This will ensure that you change the engine oil at the proper intervals to avoid wear and tear on critical engine components. – Always buy engine oil from a trusted source. Avoid buying engine oil from roadside traders as you cannot be sure of its quality. Instead, opt for brands that have a good reputation. – Consider your car’s age and engine condition. If you have an old car that has high mileage, it may need a higher grade of engine oil than a new car.

Factors to consider when buying engine oil

– Age of the car – The car’s age will determine the grade of engine oil to use. Newer cars with fewer miles may need SAE 0W-30 grade engine oil. Older cars with higher mileage may need SAE 10W-40 or SAE 20W-50 grade engine oil. – Engine condition – An engine that has high mileage and low engine condition may need a higher grade of engine oil. – Operating conditions – The type of driving you do may determine the grade of engine oil you need. If you live in a tropical climate, you may need SAE 5W-30 grade engine oil. If you live in a colder climate, you may need SAE 0W-40 grade engine oil. – Price – The price of the engine oil will depend on the type and quality of the petroleum used.

How to store engine oil

– Store your engine oil in a cool, dry place away from sources of heat and direct sunlight. – Avoid storing your engine oil in the vehicle’s engine compartment as it can get too hot there. – Never store your engine oil for longer than six months. If you do, replace it with fresh engine oil to avoid corrosion.

What to look for in a quality engine oil

– Brand name – Choose a reputable brand for your engine oil. – Type of oil – Make sure you buy the correct type of engine oil for your car. – Packaging – The engine oil packaging should be in good condition with no signs of leakage. – Color – The engine oil should be a golden colour and free from any impurities. – Scent – The engine oil should have a pleasant smell. – Viscosity – The engine oil viscosity should not exceed the manufacturer-specified limits. – Price – The engine oil price should reflect its quality.

Tips for buying engine oil

– Always buy branded engine oil. – Buy engine oil from a trusted store. – Check the engine oil packaging for signs of damage and leakage. – Avoid buying engine oil near its expiry date. – Avoid buying engine oil in large quantities. – If you buy engine oil online, make sure it is genuine.

Summary: What you need to know about buying petrol engine oil in Nigeria

To maintain optimal fuel efficiency and extend the lifespan of your car’s engine, it is important to regularly change the engine oil. There are two main types of petrol engine oil: mineral and synthetic engine oil. Mineral engine oil is made from refined petroleum, while synthetic engine oil is made from synthetic hydrocarbons. There are several viscosity grades for petrol engine oil: SAE 5W-30 and SAE 0W-40. The viscosity grade of the engine oil is measured in units called centistokes (cSt). When buying engine oil, remember to always follow your car’s manual and select the right type and viscosity grade of engine oil. It is also important to store your engine oil properly to avoid corrosion. When buying engine oil, look for a reputable brand and select the right type and viscosity grade of engine oil.