Engine oil is used to lubricate the engine — that’s true! But that’s not all there is to it. High-performance oils play a crucial role in ensuring engine reliability and efficiency. That’s why you should use an engine oil that is specifically designed for your Porsche. Of course, this oil must be changed at specified intervals to maintain its positive properties. The recommended specifications are listed in your owner’s manual, or you can obtain this information directly from your Porsche service center
The difference lies in the details — and, of course, in performance!
Basically, there are three different types of engine oils, each with its own characteristics.
Mineral oils are the oldest, most well-known, and most widely used. These oils are relatively simple and inexpensive, produced through refining crude oil.
Semi-synthetic oils are made through a more complex process but offer significantly improved quality—especially in terms of durability and thermal stability.
Synthetic oils are chemically engineered and therefore exhibit many enhanced properties. Because of their optimal performance, they are particularly suitable for high-performance engines — such as Porsche engines.
Oil Types and Their Properties
Until the 1970s, monograde oils dominated the market. Each oil was defined by a specific viscosity.
Multigrade oils, which are now most commonly used, are based on low-viscosity base oils combined with special additives (such as polymers like polyester or polyisobutylene). This allows their viscosity to change very little at high temperatures.
Because multigrade oils exhibit only minor viscosity changes, they are suitable for a much wider temperature range than monograde oils. This means that these oils provide optimal protection both in hot and cold conditions. As a result, engine lubrication improves during cold starts, reducing stress on the engine. Naturally, the performance of such oils at high temperatures is also excellent.
The SAE classification for multigrade oils includes two ratings, such as 0W-40.
These letters and numbers indicate the temperature range in which the oil maintains its performance.
The number before the “W” (Winter) shows how viscous the oil remains in cold conditions — the lower the number, the thinner and more fluid the oil.
Thus, “0” indicates very low viscosity oil for use in cold climates. The higher this number, the thicker the oil film. For example, “10” is for low-viscosity oils suitable for cold areas, while “60” is extremely thick and used in very hot climates. The number “40” represents medium viscosity, ensuring excellent performance even at high temperatures.
Automotive and engine manufacturers issue product approvals to ensure the best quality and compatibility of lubricants. Among the most reputable companies in this regard are the following:
Cummins is an American heavy industrial company founded in 1919 by Clessie Cummins. Today, it specializes in designing and manufacturing internal combustion engines and related technologies, such as fuel injection systems, control systems, filtration equipment, and power generation systems. The company’s headquarters is located in Columbus, Indiana. Cummins markets its products through a network of over 600 independent distributors and around 6,000 dealers in more than 190 countries.
In 2011, the company reported revenues of $18 billion and a net profit of $1.75 billion. Cummins is the world’s largest manufacturer of diesel products and technology. Its shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and are listed in the Fortune 500.
MAN Oil Specifications:
MTU is a German manufacturer of high-performance diesel engines and related technologies, known for its reliability and engineering excellence in heavy-duty and industrial applications.
MTU Oil Specifications: MTU engine oils are available in various SAE grades and quality levels to ensure optimal performance and protection for diesel engines operating under different conditions.
Volvo is a Swedish heavy industry company manufacturing commercial vehicles and related components.
Its products include trailers, trucks, buses, transport and construction equipment, marine and industrial propulsion systems, aerospace components, and financial services. Volvo was founded in 1924 by Assar Gabrielsson (SKF’s financial manager) and Gustav Larson (a senior SKF engineer) as a subsidiary of the SKF Group. In 1927, Volvo began operating as an independent automaker in Gothenburg.
Originally a division of SKF, Volvo became publicly traded in 1935, when SKF sold its shares after Volvo’s stock exchange listing. In 1999, the Volvo Group sold its passenger car division (Volvo Cars) to Ford Motor Company for $6.45 billion. Later, in 2010, Ford sold Volvo Cars to the Chinese company Geely for $1.8 billion.
Today, the Volvo Group only manufactures heavy vehicles, including trucks and buses, while Volvo Cars operates under Geely ownership.
General Electric (GE) is an American multinational conglomerate headquartered in Fairfield, Connecticut, with its operational offices in Schenectady, New York. GE is composed of four main subsidiaries: GE Energy, GE Technology, GE Capital, and GE Healthcare. In 2011, GE ranked 6th on the Fortune 500 list of the largest U.S. companies and 3rd on the Forbes Global 2000 list of the world’s largest corporations. It has also been recognized as one of the top industrial companies in the world, ranking 5th among the best global brands (Interbrand), 63rd among green energy companies (Newsweek), and 15th among the most admired companies (Fortune and Fast Company). Today, GE remains one of the leading U.S. manufacturers of jet engines, as well as a key player in power generation equipment and turbine production.