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Which flushing oil is best to use?

Let's rinse the insides or which flushing oil is better for a gasoline engine and why

Disputes among motorists continue over the need to flush the engine when changing the lubricant. The fact is that there are still significantly fewer new cars sold than used ones. Meanwhile, a used car is a lottery. Nobody knows what the quality of the mixture that was splashing in the internal combustion engine is. This raises questions about the need and materials for the engine cleaning procedure.

When is it necessary to flush the power unit?

Root causes of engine slagging

The main goal of cleaning the internal combustion engine from the inside is to remove various contaminants and deposits that impair its performance characteristics. The nature of slagging consists of the following points:

  • High operating fluid temperature. Black carbon deposits most often form on work surfaces whose heating reaches limits from 400 to 950°C.
  • During the operation of the internal combustion engine, the oil composition comes into contact with fuel combustion products and air. This leads to the formation of carbon deposits. Even the best motor oil does not guarantee the absence of carbon deposits.
  • Formation of a thin carbon layer on moderately heated surfaces. The main areas affected are the valve stems, the lower cylinder area, the inner plane of the pistons and skirts, as well as the piston connecting rods and pins.
  • Sludge formation. Insoluble resinous and solid substances present in the oil mixture, when interacting with gases, water and fuel, form an emulsion. It subsequently turns into sludge, which leads to an increase in viscosity.

Situations when flushing is required


Before thinking about the best way to flush the engine before changing the oil, it is important to understand the moments when this operation is necessary:

  • When changing the brand of lubricant. It is unknown how compatible the remnants of the previous fluid will be with the new lubricant, so it is better to use cleaning mixtures.
  • In the case when a car owner chooses products from even one manufacturer, but with a different viscosity (for example, he previously used synthetics, but now decided to fill them with semi-synthetics), it is also worth treating the engine with a detergent composition from the inside.
  • After a major overhaul of the internal combustion engine.
  • If there is a suspicion that fuel or coolant has entered the engine.
  • If the purchased car has a solid operating history, all information about its service is missing.

Timely cleaning of the engine lubrication system is an effective technological process that can increase the life of the power unit. The procedure traditionally includes not only washing, but also replacing filters. Some motorists buy, in addition to the air filter, two oil filters - one is washed with one, and the other is installed before adding fresh oil.

When is internal combustion engine cleaning not required?

There are special cases when flushing is not required. Moreover, in certain situations this procedure can even be harmful, for example:

  • If the motor is brought to a state of extreme contamination. The use of aggressive cleaning methods can aggravate the situation, up to complete obstruction of the system channels. Therefore, it makes sense to disassemble the internal combustion engine and clean it manually.
  • If the car is new, then there is no reason to think about which flushing oil is best to use for a gasoline engine.
  • If the oil filter and lubricant were replaced on time or the owner is confident in the service center where the maintenance is performed.

In any case, a visual inspection of the waste will help determine the need for cleaning measures. Even if there are not many deposits, but the oil mixture resembles tar, the engine should be treated. The fact is that it will not be possible to completely drain the lubricant; 15-20% will always remain in the system, and it is this remainder that will be most contaminated.

Available methods: the better way to flush the engine before replacing used oil with fresh oil

As already mentioned, in particularly advanced cases, the motor is disassembled and cleaned manually. In less difficult circumstances, there are special means for removing deposits in the internal combustion engine:

  • Five-minute flushing - poured into the system before replacing the lubricant and mixed with waste. After this, let the engine run for 5-10 minutes and drain the entire amount of lubricant.
  • Drugs with which you must travel a certain distance - 80-100 km before the time of replacement, it is poured into the unit. During the run, it is recommended to move in a moderate mode. Next is the classic procedure for changing the filter and lubricant.
  • Flushing oil is a standard mineral composition containing detergent and anti-wear additives. This product is the answer to the question of what is the best way to flush the engine before changing the engine oil in a car. Application technology - start the car and let it idle for 15-20 minutes, drain the waste and fill the drug in the filling volume. Then start the engine again and let it run for 10-20 minutes, then drain the flush and fill the internal combustion engine with fresh lubricant.

The last method is the most popular among domestic car enthusiasts. The range of such products is presented in sufficient quantities; even famous companies do not consider it shameful to produce preparations for cleaning the power unit.

Find out which flushing oil is best to use for a gasoline engine: user rating

Products from domestic manufacturers have gained credibility among car enthusiasts due to their affordable price and high quality. The low viscosity of the mixture allows you to effectively remove sludge, dirt and ash deposits from the most inaccessible places.

Despite the cost of only 300 rubles, the drug has several advantages:

  • The composition contains phosphorus, zinc and calcium, which prevent oxidation processes in the internal combustion engine.
  • The remaining working oil does not lose its viscosity when mixed with flushing.
  • Protects system parts from overheating.
  • The presence of additives that provide decent anti-corrosion and cleaning parameters.

TNK Promo Standard

An effective mineral mixture with anti-foaming and detergent additives, which allows you to get rid of oxidation products in any climatic conditions. The calcium content is higher than that of competing Lukoil products. A low price of 300 rubles can have a significant impact on deciding which flushing oil is best to use for the gasoline engine of your car.

However, it was not without its drawbacks. Analyzes show an increased sulfur content, which indicates the simple structure of the cleaning product. Actually, you won’t drive it all the time, and in a short period of cleaning the mixture will not have time to age.

Shell Helix

The main difference between this product is its base of organic solvents. However, you will have to pay about 600 rubles per liter for such an option. However, this amount is justified by effective and quick cleaning of the engine from carbon deposits and dirt.

It is especially important that rubber seals do not suffer at all from the effects of the composition, which cannot be said about some analogues.

XADO Verylube

The mineral flushing mixture works both in the engine oil system and in the transmission. It contains not only a complex of special additives, but also a revitalizant, which compensates for the current wear of components. The price of a two-liter package is 570 rubles.

The additives include anti-wear, detergent-dispersant and extreme pressure elements that help bring the system to the level of technical cleanliness:

  • The low-viscosity base guarantees unhindered circulation of liquid throughout the system, as well as rapid dissolution of clots of contaminants.
  • Anti-seize components ensure gentle cleaning even after rinsing for 30-40 minutes.
  • Detergent additives actively clean working surfaces from high-temperature and sludge deposits.

Rosneft Express

One of the most affordable mineral compositions, its cost is 300-400 rubles per four-liter canister. If you have not yet decided what is the best and most effective way to flush the engine before changing the oil, then you should pay attention to this product. Of course, it does not show record results, but it has a number of advantages:

  • It is based on a composition of highly effective detergent additives, both domestic and imported.
  • The mixture shows good results when cleaning both diesel and gasoline units.
  • The composition contains dispersing components that keep insoluble particles of the oil aging product in suspension. This eliminates blocking of the oil system channels even with a high level of contamination.

A good flushing oil, which is produced on the Yubase base for all Zik lubricants. A four-liter canister will cost 700 rubles. The positive aspects of the composition are expressed by the following parameters:

  1. The mixture is safe for polymer sealing parts.
  2. Removes sludge and helps reduce operating temperature in high-temperature areas of the internal combustion engine.
  3. Eliminates the possibility of oxidation of the new lubricant, which is caused by waste residues.

If you listen to the reviews and recommendations of experts, an important conclusion arises: it is best to change the engine oil after 7500-8000 km. This is almost twice as often as automakers advise. But this is how you can avoid accelerated engine wear. A simple rule must be followed by owners of all new cars.

For used cars, a washing procedure is necessary. In the future, the same recommendations should be followed. The range of cleaning products is very wide, both in price and quality. Among domestic products, good results were demonstrated by Lukoil and XADO Verylube, and from foreign products - Shell Helix.

How to flush an engine with flushing oil

Publication date: March 27, 2016.
Category: Automotive equipment.

The operation of the engine directly depends on engine oil, so experienced car enthusiasts try to “feed” the engine exclusively with high-quality lubricating fluids that are suitable for their characteristics. As you know, motor oil (MO) must be changed periodically, since during its use the lubricating composition loses some of its properties and becomes unsuitable.

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No matter how high-quality the liquid is, all kinds of contaminants and carbon deposits will form on the engine components. Because of this, the engine cannot operate at full power. Of course, almost all motor oils have cleaning properties, but most often they are not enough to completely remove accumulated deposits. To avoid this, it is recommended to flush the engine. However, in some cases this procedure is not mandatory; let’s look at them in more detail, and also figure out what flushing oil is.

Flushing oil (types and characteristics)

Today, there are a wide variety of compositions for flushing engines, for example:

  • Specialized flushing agents are poured into the engine immediately after you have drained the used oil. Liquids are made from mineral oils. Such compositions are not sold in every store, so it is better to check the availability of flushing oil in advance.
  • Five-minute liquids. These flushing compounds differ from other analogues in that they are made on the basis of diesel fuel and contain powerful solvents and aggressive additives. Such liquids are poured directly into the oil that is planned to be changed.

Five-minute liquids have a negative effect on the sealing elements. In addition, they can change the composition of the newly filled oil not for the better. What should I use as a flushing oil?

It is best to use specialized flushing or regular motor oils. In the latter case, it is best to use “synthetics”. The fact is that synthetic flushing oil is characterized by the stability of its properties, so it is recommended to use it both for flushing and for regular filling. But if we are talking about specialized compounds, then they are all made on a mineral basis.

The main advantage of conventional flushing oil is its safety and effectiveness. It does not clog the oil channels and does not damage the sealing elements, as happens when using five minutes.

In what situations is it necessary to use flushing oil?

Very often, car enthusiasts argue about whether flushing oil is needed when changing the oil. Some believe that this procedure does not bring any benefit and does not affect the wear of the engine in any way, but on the contrary, it only brings harm. Others are sure that flushing is indispensable and must be performed every time the MM is replaced. In the first case, there is only a grain of truth, since flushing oil cannot damage the engine, so such “opponents” most likely mean aggressive five-minute fluids. On the other hand, washing the engine is not always justified.

First of all, it is worth saying that all motor oils contain various additives that have detergent, extreme pressure, antioxidant and other properties. If the vehicle is operated correctly and only high-quality gasoline is poured, then no deposits should remain on the engine parts. However, where is the guarantee that the gas station you visit every day sells only high-quality petroleum products?

If we talk about when flushing is definitely not needed, then you can safely do without this operation if you:

  • purchased a completely new car;
  • you have never poured cheap oil into your engine or are completely confident in the quality of the fluid you constantly use;
  • You completely trust the quality of fuel at the gas station.

If we talk about when to use flushing oil for a diesel or gasoline engine, then everything is obvious:

  • when purchasing a used car;
  • with frequent changes of different gas stations;
  • if antifreeze gets into the engine;
  • after mixing different lubricating fluids;
  • when switching to another MM classification (for example, from SAE to API).

The washing process itself does not differ in any particularities, so you can do it yourself.

How to use flushing oil

For washing you will need:

  • flushing liquid;
  • a container for draining spent MM (a 5-liter plastic bottle is also suitable);
  • new oil filter (2 pcs).

It is better to put the car on a lift or drive it into a pit. After this, you need to wait a few minutes until the engine cools down and you can begin the following operations:

  • Find the drain plug under the bottom of the car, place a drain container under it and unscrew the plug.
  • Wait until the used oil is drained and tighten the drain hole.
  • Pour flush into the engine.
  • Replace the old oil filter with a new one.
  • Start the engine and let it idle for about 10-15 minutes. But it’s better to drive with flushing fluid for about 40-50 kilometers, this is enough to completely clean the engine. It is better not to drive at maximum speeds.
  • Drain the engine flushing fluid and change the filter.
  • Fill with new engine oil.

Important! When using specialized flushing oil, the old fluid must be drained while the engine is hot.

Please note that after washing, the MM will have to be replaced twice as often. Therefore, if you usually changed the lubricant every 10,000 km, now the oil will need to be changed after 5,000 kilometers.

If we talk about which flushing oil is the best, then the main priority is the fluid manufacturer.

The best manufacturers of flushing oils

When choosing specialized flushing oil, it is better to give preference to manufacturers who are responsible for the quality of their product. Today there are several companies that car enthusiasts distinguish from the rest.

This company is a manufacturer of high quality oil. An image of a package with this oil is shown above. Lukoil engine flushing oil has excellent properties, including:

  • dispersing;
  • good solubility;
  • excellent cleaning properties.

As a base, Lukoil auto flushing oil contains mineral liquid, as well as a special package of detergents, thanks to which it is possible to quickly clean the engine of deposits of any type and complexity.

Lukoil oil is sold in 4-liter cans, costing about 300 rubles.

TNK flushing oil is a universal liquid with excellent properties. The versatility of the product lies in the fact that it can be used both for new engines and for old or diesel engines. The fact is that the TNK fluid does not affect crystallized deposits, due to which numerous microcracks (which abound in “old” engines) do not open. In addition, mineral-based liquid prevents oxidative processes.

If you operated the car in extreme conditions, violated the engine oil change schedule, or mixed several different compositions, then it is best to use flushing fluid from TNK. It is sold in 3.5 liter containers and costs from 200 to 500 rubles.

Shell Helix

Shell offers car owners flushing oil made from organic solvents. This pleasure is not cheap, since for a small bottle of 0.5 liters of washing you will have to pay about 370 rubles. But such a relatively high price is due to the excellent properties of the liquid. Shell flushing oil effectively, quickly and gently cleanses from carbon deposits, sediment and dirt. In this case, the rubber elements of the engine are not damaged.

Rosneft flushing oil, like other analogues, is made on a mineral basis with the addition of detergent additives that are highly effective, gently and quickly cleaning the car engine. Used for all types of motors and allows you to get rid of serious contaminants. It is produced in 4-liter containers and costs around 490 rubles.

Flushing oil MPA-2 also showed its best performance. Like all the liquids described above, MPA-2 provides effective engine care and allows you to quickly get rid of toxins, carbon deposits and other harmful formations. Sold in cans of various sizes. The cost of the liquid is about 300 rubles per 4 liters.

In custody

It is necessary to flush the engine when switching to another type of oil, for example, if you decide to switch from mineral oil to synthetic oil. All arguments that flushing the engine when changing the oil can “kill” the engine have no logical basis. You can shorten the service life of the motor if you pour “whatever” into it and do not remove the contaminants in a timely manner. The main thing is to change the oil and flush the engine in accordance with the recommendations and advice of your car manufacturer.

Engine flushing oil. To rinse or not?

Among car enthusiasts there is still no clear answer to the questions: whether it is necessary to use engine flushing oil and which is the best option to choose from the options on the market. We will try to give brief answers to these questions.

Do I need to use flushing oil?

Let's get straight to the point. There are situations in which it makes sense to use flushing oil. But in some cases this is not necessary.

Let's look at situations in which flushing the engine with specialized oil will be relevant.

  1. Changing regular motor oil to a fundamentally different one based on the base or package of additives used. In this case, there is no urgent need to clean the crankcase from the remains of old lubricant. However, it won't hurt to flush the engine. Motor oils are mostly similar in the type of base and additives used. And at least if they are partially mixed, nothing bad will happen. But there are oils on the market with unique characteristics or composition. For example, these include lubricants with molybdenum or esters. Here, before changing the oil, it is advisable to flush the crankcase to remove as much of the old grease as possible.
  2. Significant mileage between regular maintenance. After the specified service life, oil begins to clog the engine and settle in the grooves and recesses of the engine in the form of sludge deposits. Flushing oils are used to remove these deposits.
  3. Detection of significant sludge deposits under the valve cover or in the pan. In this case, it will also not be superfluous to fill in the flushing lubricant. Low-quality lubricants, even with timely replacement, gradually contaminate the engine.
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Manufacturers of engine flushing oils recommend using their product during every maintenance. However, there is no real need for this. This is a commercial move. If the oil is changed on time and the valve cover is clean, there is no point in using a chemically aggressive flush.

The cleaning components of flushing oils are much gentler and safer than those of the so-called five-minute oils. But, nevertheless, flushing oils still have a negative effect on engine oil seals.

The effect of flushing oils on oil seals is ambiguous. On the one hand, the alkalis and light hydrocarbons contained in these products soften hardened oil seals and can even partially reduce the intensity of leaks through them, if any. On the other hand, these same means can reduce the strength of the oil seal, causing its working surface to deteriorate at an accelerated pace, and the engine will begin to “snot” over time.

Therefore, flushing oil should only be used when needed. There is no point in regularly pouring it into the crankcase.

Lukoil flushing oil

Perhaps the most popular and discussed flushing oil on the Russian markets is Lukoil. It costs an average of about 500 rubles in retail sales for a 4-liter canister. It is also sold in 18 liter containers and in a barrel version (200 liters).

This product has a mineral base. The composition includes a complex of calcium-based cleaning additives. Zinc-phosphorus components ZDDP are used as protective and anti-seize components. The content of ZDDP compounds in the flushing oil is low. Therefore, they are clearly not enough for full engine operation. This means that flushing can only be done at idle speed. If you put a load on the motor, this can lead to the formation of scuffing on the friction surfaces or accelerated wear.

According to reviews from motorists, Lukoil is a good flush that can quite effectively clean the engine of not very old deposits.

Flushing oil "Rosneft"

Another well-known product on the Russian market is Rosneft Express flushing oil. Available in containers of 4, 20 and 216 liters. The estimated cost of a 4-liter canister is 600 rubles.

Rosneft Express flushing oil has been created on a mineral basis for deep purification with the addition of detergent-dispersant additives. Removes soot and sludge deposits from oil channels, timing and timing gear parts and surfaces of body parts. Retains finely dispersed contaminants in its volume, which tend to precipitate and not be drained when changing the oil.

Rosneft Express flushing has a gentle effect on oil seals and does not destroy the rubber structure. During washing, normal operation of the car is not allowed, since the additive package is traditionally poor for such compounds.

Flushing oil "Gazpromneft"

At car repair shops you can often see Gazpromneft Promo flushing oil. This product is positioned as a mild cleaner for all types of engines.

This oil is produced in canisters of 3.5 and 20 liters, as well as in a barrel version of 205 liters. The price of a 3.5-liter canister on the market is approximately 500 rubles.

The kinematic viscosity of the Promo flush is 9.9 cSt, which according to the SAE J300 classification is equivalent to a high-temperature viscosity of 30. The pour point is about –19°C. Flash point +232°C.

Thanks to a good package of detergent and dispersant additives, the composition has minimal impact on rubber and aluminum parts of the lubrication system. A small content of anti-wear and extreme pressure additives allows you to reliably protect the engine during cleaning, if it is not subject to increased loads.

Flushing oil MPA-2

Flushing oil MPA-2 is not a separate brand, but a general name of the product. Stands for "Automotive flushing oil". Produced by several oil refineries: OilRight, Yarneft and simply small companies without branding.

MPA-2 is the cheapest option available on the market. The price is often below 500 rubles. Contains a simple set of detergent additives. On the one hand, such additives are moderately aggressive towards rubber engine parts and, when used in moderation, will not harm the engine. On the other hand, the cleaning efficiency is also not the highest.

Motorists say that this oil copes with cleaning not very old deposits. However, in comparative tests it is somewhat inferior to more expensive options. It is also worth noting that from different manufacturers, despite the available specifications for the composition, this oil differs somewhat in its effectiveness.

Flushing oil ZIC Flush

In general, the products of the Korean company SK Energy have become widespread in Russia over the past few years. And ZIC Flush flushing oil was no exception.

ZIC Flush is created on a synthetic basis, on the proprietary SK Energy Yubase base. It has a very low viscosity: only 4.7 cSt at 100°C. It loses fluidity only after passing the –47°C mark on the thermometer. Flashes in a closed crucible after reaching a temperature of +212°C.

This oil is recommended for flushing engines that require low-viscosity lubricants. For example, for engines of modern Japanese cars designed for 0W-20 lubricants.

It is difficult to say unequivocally which is the best of all the flushing oils available on the Russian markets. Much of the final result depends on the degree of contamination of the engine, the sensitivity of rubber and aluminum products to aggressive alkalis and light penetrating hydrocarbons, as well as the quality of the flushing itself.

General recommendations include, at a minimum, choosing a wash based on the viscosity required for the car. If the engine needs 10W-40 oil as a regular oil, then you should not use low-viscosity flushing compounds. At the same time, it is also not recommended to use thick lubricant-flushes for Japanese high-speed cars designed for 0W-20 oil.

Flushing the engine when changing the oil: good or bad?

Pre-sale preparation recipe from a classic

Then they poured oil into the engine, the thickest oil that could be found. The cylinders were not the best and knocked slightly. This was compensated for by the thickness of the lubricant; the engine ran surprisingly quietly.

Erich Maria Remarque

Fierce debate between supporters and opponents of engine flushing when changing the oil has recently intensified due to the fact that much fewer new cars are sold in the country than used ones. That is, citizens sell cars to each other, and the renewal of the fleet, which everyone was so hoping for, has slowed down significantly. Meanwhile, a used car, as we know, is a pig in a poke. What is the age and quality of the substance that was splashing in the engine at the time of sale - only God knows.

This immediately follows the thesis about the need for flushing.

When is flushing not required?

  • You are the first and only owner of your car;
  • Have you always changed your engine oil on time (or better yet, more often);
  • You are confident in the service center where the work was carried out (the service technicians did not cheat by not changing the oil at all or replacing it with their own, cheaper one);
  • On a long journey you never had to top up anything.

When is the best time to wash?

You should think about washing when purchasing a car second-hand, and even with an opaque service history. There are examples of engines in which deposits from the upper part of the engine can literally be removed with a shovel. To do this, it is advisable to look into the oil filler neck with a flashlight, and to the side: cunning sellers may well wipe the visible areas of the cylinder head parts with a rag.

Another case is changing the type of oil base, for example, when switching from mineral water to synthetic.

Flushing options

There are several ways to flush the engine.

Five minute wash. It is poured into the engine before changing the oil, thus mixing with already used oil. Next, let the engine idle for five (or ten) minutes, drain the waste, fill in fresh oil and install a new filter.

Flushes with which you can travel some distance. 100 km before the expected oil change, the drug is poured in, and during this run they try not to be particularly reckless. Next is a standard oil and filter change.

Flushing oil. With this method, the used oil is drained and a special flushing oil is poured in instead. Allow the engine to idle and drain the flush. Install a new filter and fill in new oil.

Extra oil. A method especially recommended when changing the type of oil base, for example, when switching from mineral to synthetic. It can also be recommended for fairly dirty engines, washed using one of the three methods above. After draining the old product, fill in the oil on which the engine is supposed to be used for further operation.

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The amount of oil can be minimal (two liters), just so that the oil pressure lamp goes out. In this case, it is also recommended to run the engine at idle speed. This volume is then replaced with new oil and a new filter installed. For especially careful owners, there is a modification of this method: replace the oil and filter with new ones, drive for a short time, and then carry out another replacement. In this case, at the intermediate stage, oil will need to be filled no less than to the bottom mark.

General tips for cleaning

Monitor the oil pressure when the engine is running on all the cocktails described above, except perhaps in the case of filling in an extra portion of oil. Be especially careful when flushing diesel and supercharged engines - their specific loads are usually somewhat higher and oil starvation is completely unacceptable.

Cheap - cheerful

On the Internet, numerous forums suggest flushing engines with diesel fuel, both pure and diluted in half with engine oil. I am of the opinion that fuel is fuel, and it is better to flush the engine using one of the above methods. A solar bath can be very harmful to oil seals and other rubber seals of the engine. This liquid is very aggressive.

Some useful tips when changing the oil at a service center

  • Try to keep your vehicle in sight during this procedure. This way you will be sure that you have filled in new oil and installed a new oil filter.
  • If you were unable to follow the previous advice, then when you receive the car, check the oil level on the dipstick. The oil should reach the top mark and be light enough. Although in gasoline engines, even after a short period of operation, it may darken somewhat, and in diesel engines it may even turn black. And yet it will be much lighter than before the replacement.
  • Try to determine if the filter has been replaced. On some cars it is visible from above, on others it is accessible only by removing the mudguard or engine protection. In this case, check whether these elements show signs of dismantling.

From personal experience

I somehow bought a Renault Logan from a good friend. Mileage - about 100 thousand km. I knew the history of the car very well, as I often helped with repairs. There were suspension malfunctions (bearings and shock absorbers), the rear brake cylinders were “candied,” and the driver’s seat was sagging. But now, having become the owner, I decided to look into the engine and adjust the valves. The gaps had to be touched only on a few valves, and then only a little at a time. And most importantly: I was shocked by the complete absence of deposits under the valve cover. The parts were only slightly covered with a light golden coating. And I also teased the previous owner about how he changes the oil more often than he fills the gas tank.

It is best to change the oil at least every 7.5 thousand km, that is, twice as often as most automakers recommend. In this case, regardless of operating conditions (city or village), you are guaranteed to avoid accelerated wear of engine parts. Only those who have a “new” car should immediately follow this rule, and second-hand owners should first carry out washing operations, as indicated above, and then follow the same recommendations.

More information about motor oil and additives is in the selection of publications “Behind the wheel” “Motor oil: what kind and why should you pour it?”

Dear readers! In the comments, tell us about your attitude to engine flushing. Is it necessary, in your opinion? Do you carry it out?

Which flushing oil is best for a gasoline engine?

Flushing the engine with a special liquid is a procedure necessary for every car. It is important to know when and how to carry it out, which oil is best to purchase for a gasoline power plant.

Why do you need to flush the engine?

During operation of a car engine, dirt mixed with lubricant gradually accumulates in it. The result will be problems with the operation of the power plant: it is noisy and breaks down faster. The solution is to flush the engine. This operation can be performed by two methods:

  • “direct”, implying disassembly of the motor and its mechanical cleaning;
  • by filling with a special flushing fluid.

The first option is more effective, but difficult to implement and not cheap. The second type of cleaning is available even to inexperienced car owners. The flushing fluid is oil with a special composition.

There are two types of this product:

  • “Five-minute wash”;
  • requiring subsequent operation of the machine in low load mode at a distance of at least 20 km.

In the first case, the cleaning process will take no more than a quarter of an hour, while the engine runs at idle speed. It is strictly prohibited to leave the garage with this oil in the engine, as is leaving the liquid in the unit for more than 15 minutes. After the procedure, be sure to change the oil filter. The second option, on the contrary, requires mandatory operation of the car - it should be driven in gentle mode for several tens of kilometers.

Note! The speed should be average, engine braking is prohibited, and a trailer cannot be towed.

When is flushing needed?

The procedure is necessary when a used car is purchased second-hand and has an opaque service history. It is also required when changing the brand of motor lubricant. This is especially important when switching from a mineral oil base to semi-synthetics or synthetics.

Flushing is not necessary if you:

  • the first and only owner of the car;
  • change the engine oil regularly (every 8-10 thousand km or at least after the 15 thousand km recommended by most manufacturers);
  • perform this procedure in a reliable service center;
  • prefer to use only products from trusted brands.

How much oil is needed to flush the engine?

This depends on the recommendations of the car manufacturer, but the general rule is this: the volume of flushing fluid poured is equal to the volume of required engine lubricant.

Which flushing oil is better?

The ZIC Flushing Oil product is a transparent amber-colored product with a large number of additives. This mineral oil is used to flush two- and four-stroke gasoline engines. Among the advantages of the product:

  • safe for polymer seals;
  • removes dried deposits, frees stuck valves and rings;
  • reduces the operating temperature of the motor, guarantees its soft, quiet operation.

ZIC Flushing Oil is sold at retail in 4 liter canisters. Cost - about 1000 rubles per unit. Country of origin: South Korea.

A Russian-made mineral preparation, Rosneft Express, is used for four- and two-stroke power units running on gasoline. It is considered the standard flushing oil of the AvtoVAZ company. The composition contains dispersing additives that prevent clogging of the oil channel system. The product removes dirt and carbon deposits well and does not destroy seals. However, there is a drawback - weak lubricating properties. The product is produced in 3.5 liter canisters, the cost is 650-700 rubles, depending on the dealer.

Another Russian development is represented by the Lukoil brand. The oil gently and quickly cleanses the engine of contaminants. The disadvantage is that it is too liquid, because it contains practically no thickeners. This mineral product works with gasoline 4-stroke engines. The drug is sold in 3.5 liter canisters and costs about 700 rubles.

Spectrol Motor Cleaner flushing liquid of a transparent amber color has enhanced cleaning and anti-corrosion properties. This drug is supplied for retail sale in containers of 3 or 4.5 liters, for wholesale - in barrels of 30 or 216 liters. The price of the product is about 100 rubles/1 liter.

Note! Car owners say that the disadvantage of Spectrol Motor Cleaner is that before using the composition, the old lubricant must be completely washed off, otherwise the cleaning procedure will be ineffective.

Luxe Motor Flush mineral flushing oil is effective in removing low-temperature deposits, prevents oxidation inside the engine, and completely cleans the oil receiver. This product has no obvious disadvantages. It is available in bottles/canisters ranging from 444 ml to 5 liters. The price of the minimum package is about 250 rubles. This composition can be used to clean 4-stroke gasoline engines not only of cars and motorcycles, but also of snowmobiles, swamp vehicles, and agricultural vehicles.

Safe, effective, brown Pro-Line Motorspulung flushing oil from the Liqui Moly brand guarantees complete evaporation of its residues after the flushing procedure, but at the same time forms a protective layer on the engine parts. No negative qualities were identified in the product. It is sold in bottles and canisters of various sizes. A 0.5 liter package costs about 600 rubles, a liter version costs about 1000 rubles.

The Russian company TNK produces two mineral washing liquids at once: TNK Promo Express and TNK Promo Standard. The first is sold in canisters with a capacity of 3.5 or 20 liters; it is more convenient for wholesale buyers to buy it in barrels of 180 liters. The minimum volume costs from 650 rubles at different dealers. The Promo Standard version goes on sale in the same packaging. A 3.5-liter canister costs from 620 rubles.

How to choose flushing oil

There is no clear opinion which flushing oil is the best. You need to choose a product by:

  • car manufacturer's recommendations;
  • composition characteristics (mineral/synthetic, viscosity, pour point);
  • reviews and user feedback.

The car's service book specifies the requirements for the cleaning agent. But this information is recommended, not absolute.

Note! Gasoline engines are flushed with gasoline lubricants. You can use universal flushing fluids for automotive power plants operating on any fuel.

Which flushing oil is best to use? Link to main publication
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