4-STROKE ENGINE OIL 4-stroke engine oil for quads & SSVs

To ensure a long service life for internal combustion engines, it is highly advisable to use a quality engine oil that is fully adapted to the engine. The role of engine oil is to lubricate the various mechanical parts that make up a thermal machine.
The principle is the same for 4-stroke engines. Among other things, the oil pump enables a light film of oil to be projected onto the inside wall of the combustion cylinder, allowing the piston to slide along without resistance. This ensures optimum combustion and improves overall engine performance.

However, when it comes to choosing a 4-stroke engine oil, the plethora of features to choose from can quickly be disconcerting. Motor oils vary according to a number of parameters. What's more, each oil variety has its own intrinsic characteristics that meet specific needs. So, depending on whether it's a motorcycle, a quad or an SSV, the4-stroke motor oil you use won't be the same.

How to choose the right 4-stroke engine oil?

When choosing a 4-stroke motor oil, it's essential to take certain parameters into account, especially in competitive environments where engine performance and power can make all the difference.

Viscosity index

Viscosity is the property of a substance to oppose its own flow. In the case of oils for 4-stroke engines, this is a crucial parameter. An oil that is too viscous will not circulate properly through the various parts of the engine, and may cause it to jam. Oil that's too thin, on the other hand, won't lubricate sufficiently and will damage the engine in the long term. In general, for each type of engine, the manufacturer specifies the appropriate viscosity ranges.

The viscosity index, which is generally a double-value number, is indicated by a very precise code: two digits separated by the letter "W". The figure to the left of the letter W represents viscosity when the engine is cold, at very low temperatures; W stands for "winter". The lower the number, the better the oil will perform at low temperatures. The number to the right of the letter W indicates the viscosity of the oil when the engine is running at high temperatures.

In extreme cold conditions, a 0WXX oil is generally recommended to ensure rapid engine start-up.

Mineral, synthetic or semi-synthetic

A 4-stroke oil is said to be mineral when it is produced from refined crude oil. Generally the least expensive on the market, mineral oils are recommended for older engines and for driving in temperate climates. Because of their slower flow and lower oxidation stability, these 4-stroke oils require more frequent oil changes.

Synthetic 4-stroke oils are highly technical oils that have undergone elaborate chemical modifications. Produced from crude oil or synthetic molecules, these 4-stroke oils contain fewer impurities than mineral oils. They also offer more advantages:

• easier flow ;
• less frequent oil changes;
• longer engine life ;
• etc.

Synthetic oils are generally prescribed for high-performance engines, as well as for recently built engines.

Semi-synthetic 4-stroke oils are a compromise between mineral and synthetic 4-stroke oils. They offer greater performance than conventional mineral oils, as well as good value for money.

Standards applied

In addition to the SAE standard for viscosity, two other standards are used to classify 4-stroke oils. These standards provide information on the characteristics of the engines for which the use of these 4-stroke oils is recommended.

The ACEA ( Association des Constructeurs Européens d'Automobiles ) standard uses a letter and a number to indicate the corresponding 4-stroke oil engine and associated performance.

• A for petrol engines;
• B for diesel engines;
• C for light engines fitted with catalytic converters or particulate filters;
• E for commercial vehicles and trucks.

The American Petroleum Institute (API) classifies 4-stroke oils according to whether they are :

• wear-resistant ;
• dispersive ;
• corrosive
• detergent ;
• anti-oxidation.

Motorcycle, SSV or quad?

A 4-stroke quad oil is not recommended for a motorcycle or SSV, and vice versa. For each type of machine, manufacturers provide information on the important criteria for choosing 4-stroke oil.

A Tonnycat advisor to guide you

At Tonnycat, we've been specializing in 4-stroke quad, motorcycle and SSV oils for many years. To offer you a wide range of choices and fully satisfy your needs, we have selected the best 4-stroke oil manufacturers for you. If you have any doubts, one of our advisers will be delighted to help you make a choice.