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Buying guide

Choosing engine oil, gear oil and fluids

Every bottle carries three things that decide whether it is right for an engine: the viscosity grade, the API service class and the base oil. The vehicle handbook names all three — this is how to read them.

Buying guide

Choosing engine oil, gear oil and fluids

Every bottle carries three things that decide whether it is right for an engine: the viscosity grade, the API service class and the base oil. The vehicle handbook names all three — this is how to read them.

Reading the label

On the labelExampleWhat it means
Viscosity grade5W-30, 10W-40, 20W-50First number: how it flows cold (W = winter). Second: how thick it stays hot. A higher second number is a thicker oil at running temperature.
API class, petrolSM, SN, SPThe petrol standard the oil meets. Later letters are newer — SP is the current one and covers the older ones.
API class, dieselCI-4The diesel standard. Use a diesel-rated oil in a diesel engine.
BaseMineral, semi-synthetic, fully syntheticSynthetic holds up better at heat and lasts longer between changes. Mineral suits older engines that were designed for it.

Use the grade and class the vehicle handbook names. If it gives a class, any oil of that class or a later one meets it.

For workshops and fleets

  • Petrol cars, recent — 5W-30 fully synthetic, API SP.
  • Older petrol engines — 10W-40 semi-synthetic or 20W-50 mineral, as the handbook allows.
  • Diesel trucks, pickups and generators — 15W-40 or 20W-50 to API CI-4, or 10W-40 semi-synthetic CI-4.
  • Manual gearboxes and differentials — 80W-90 GL-5 gear oil, where the handbook calls for GL-5.
  • Automatic transmissions — ATF to the specification named, such as DEXRON-III.
Questions

Straight answers.

What does 5W-30 mean on engine oil?

5W is how easily the oil flows when cold — the W stands for winter, and lower flows better. 30 is how thick it stays at running temperature. Use the grade your vehicle handbook names.

Can I use petrol engine oil in a diesel engine?

Only if the bottle also carries a diesel API class such as CI-4 that the engine calls for. A petrol-only oil (SN, SP) is not formulated for diesel soot and loads.

Is fully synthetic oil worth it?

For a modern engine that specifies it, yes — it is not optional. For an older engine built for mineral oil, a mineral or semi-synthetic oil of the right grade is the correct choice and costs less.

Do you supply ENEOS engine oil to workshops and fleets in the UAE?

Yes. Lion Yard stocks ENEOS petrol and diesel engine oils, gear oil and ATF, along with Wynn's, STP and Prestone fluids and treatments, delivered to all seven emirates. Send the grades and quantities for a trade price the same day.

Now the prices

Engine Oils, Fluids & Additives

What goes under the bonnet — engine and gear oils, fuel system and emissions additives, oil treatments, coolant and antifreeze, brake and power steering fluid.

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Mon–Sat, 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM · +971 54 303 3119 (Operations Director) · +971 54 241 0599 (Managing Director)