Diesel engine oils are lubricants that are designed to protect and enhance the performance of diesel engines, which are widely used in automobiles. Diesel engine oils need to have good compression ignition characteristics, as well as resistance to oxidation, corrosion, and wear.
The UAE has the leading diesel engine oil manufacturers and exporters in the Middle East region and also internationally. The United Arab Emirates is known as the oil hub of the lubricant industry which consists of more than 200+ lubricant manufacturers along with 1000+ lubricant brands that are available locally and globally over the world.
Lubricant manufacturers in UAE has played a major role in the international lubricant export market for various petroleum lubricant products which includes different types of diesel engine oils. The Geographic location of UAE plays a key role, due to that centric position helps the UAE lubricant industry a lot by giving an easy and timely export of different types of diesel engine oils to the clients spread across different parts of the world.
There are three main types of diesel engine oils exported from UAE:
- Full synthetic diesel engine oil
Fully Synthetic diesel oils are formulated specifically from high quality synthetic base oil. When compared with semi synthetic and mineral based diesel engine oils, full synthetic diesel engine oils are produced through complex refining processes that involve synthesizing specific molecules to achieve desired properties. Full synthetic diesel engine oils are specially engineered with advanced additives to provide superior protection, performance, and fuel efficiency for diesel engines. It also has better resistance to high temperatures and longer durability when compared with semi synthetic and mineral oils which helps to reduce frequent oil changes and increase oil change time intervals. Full synthetic diesel engine oils are highly suited for modern diesel engines that require high-quality lubrication. Fully Synthetic diesel engine oil has stabile characteristics to deal with extreme hot and cold weather conditions by maintaining it’s viscosity highly stable and which helps to reduce friction and enhance the engine efficiency. Most of the diesel engine oil manufacturers in UAE exports a wide grades of high-quality fully synthetic diesel engine oils meeting the stringent demands of modern diesel engines in heavy-duty commercial vehicles and high-performance automobiles.
- Semi Synthetic diesel engine oil
Semi synthetic diesel engine oils are formulated by blending mineral and synthetic base oil, so it has the properties and characteristics of both mineral and synthetic base oil. Semi synthetic base oil offers a balanced characteristics of mineral and synthetic oils such as enhanced engine protection, improved performance and fuel economy. Semi synthetic engine oils are commonly used in diesel engine vehicles operating under moderate conditions. Semi synthetic diesel engine oils are capable enough to ensure proper lubrication for most of the diesel engines operating under heavy duty atmospheres. Semi synthetic diesel engine oil can maintain viscosity under different levels of temperature situations which helps to offer full protection in cold and hot weather conditions.
- Mineral based diesel engine oil
Mineral based diesel engine oils are also known as premium mineral diesel engine oils, formulated from refined crude oil. Mineral diesel engine oils are manufactured through refining processes that extract and purify base oils from crude oil. These base oils serve as the foundation for creating mineral-based diesel engine oil, which is then blended with additives to enhance its performance and engine protection capabilities. The crude oil refining process involves the extraction of impurities and formulate the oil with desired viscosity, stability and lubrication properties. Mineral-based oils are widely used in old diesel engine vehicles, providing essential lubrication, reducing friction between moving parts, preventing corrosion, and helping to dissipate heat generated during engine operation.
Let’s see meet some of the leading diesel engine oil types divided based on API (American Petroleum Institute) grade categories.
It’s highly important to choose the right diesel engine oil for your vehicle and it is a daunting task to pick the right engine oil from 1000+ brands. This is where API grade categories help to pick the right engine oil easily without any chaos. API grades are considered to the channel or language of oils which tells you the what type of engine the oil is designed for and what level of performance it provides. In the world of diesel engine oils, the main existing and used grade categories are: CH, CI, CJ & CK
- API CH: This classification denotes an older specification for diesel engine oils. It was formulated to meet the requirements of engines from the past. Oils classified as CH are designed to provide basic protection for diesel engines in terms of lubrication, minimizing wear, and preventing corrosion. However, they might not meet the demands of modern engines in terms of performance and efficiency.
- API CI: As an improvement over the CH classification, CI oils offer enhanced performance. They are designed to meet the needs of older diesel engines while also catering to engines with higher power outputs. CI oils have better detergency and dispersancy properties, ensuring cleaner engines by minimizing deposit formation and keeping engine components free from harmful buildup.
- API CJ: CJ oils represent a further advancement in oil technology. They are formulated to meet the requirements of newer diesel engines, particularly those equipped with exhaust after-treatment systems like Diesel Particulate Filters (DPF) and Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR). CJ oils provide improved protection against soot buildup, oxidation, and wear while maintaining engine cleanliness and compatibility with emission control systems.
- API CK: CK oils are the latest specification, designed for the most modern diesel engines. These oils offer advanced protection and performance, meeting the stringent requirements of high-performance engines, especially those equipped with the latest technologies for emission control and fuel efficiency. They provide superior lubrication, maintain engine cleanliness, and contribute to extended engine life.
But within these grades categories, there are again divided into specific grade levels.
- CH-4: Oldest form of API grade category commonly used for older diesel engines or used in lighter-duty applications like vans, pick-up trucks, and agricultural machinery. CH4 diesel engine oils can deliver good wear protection and lubrication under moderate workloads and temperatures. CH4 grade engine oils are suitable for a wider range of fuel sulfur levels. May not provide the latest advancements in emission control compatibility.
- CI-4: One of the newest API grade engine oils designed for modern high-performance diesel engines to meet emission standards and operate efficiently with low-sulfur fuels. CH4 diesel engine oils can offer excellent wear protection, soot control, and resistance to high temperatures and oxidative stress. This engine oil grades are compatible with latest emission control systems and diesel particulate filters (DPFs). Provides improved fuel economy compared to CH-4 oils.
- CJ-4: This engine oil grade is suited in engines operating under demanding applications with heavy loads and extreme temperatures. CJ4 diesel engine oils can offer superior wear protection, piston cleanliness, and oxidation stability compared to CI-4. This engine oil grades are formulated for use with ultra-low sulfur fuels (ULSD). Offers extended oil drain intervals under certain conditions.
- CK-4: This is the latest and new generation diesel engine oil grade highly suited for ultra modern diesel engines equipped with advanced emission control technologies and requiring ultra-low friction lubricants.Engine oil with CK4 grade can provide the highest level of wear protection, fuel economy, and engine cleanliness currently available.CK-4 engine oil grade can offers improved piston ring sealing and reduced piston blow-by. Formulated for extended oil drain intervals in accordance with manufacturer recommendations.
The UAE’s diesel engine oil exports encompass a diverse range of products, from conventional mineral oils to high-performance synthetics, catering to the demands of a global market. With a commitment to quality, compliance, and technological innovation, these exports continue to contribute significantly to the lubricants industry worldwide.
Remember, choosing the right API grade depends on your specific engine and how you use it. Consult your owner’s manual or a qualified mechanic for the best recommendation. And always consider extra factors like the climate and the fuel you’re using.