Why Engine Oils Aren’t All the Same

When it comes to maintaining your machinery, truck, or commercial vehicle, engine oil plays a far more critical role than many people realise. It’s not just about keeping things lubricated; it’s about protecting your investment. At the Green Goanna, we often get asked, “Is there really a difference between engine oils?” and the answer is definitely YES!

Here’s why not all engine oils are created equal.

1. Different Oils Serve Different Purposes

Engine oils are designed with specific performance requirements in mind, and these vary depending on engine type, load, environment, and service conditions.

• Diesel engine oils are formulated for soot control and high-temperature stability.

• Petrol engine oils focus more on cleanliness and wear protection.

• Heavy-duty oils (like 15W-40 or 10W-30, more on this below) are engineered to handle high loads and extreme conditions in construction, transport, and mining.

Using the wrong oil can lead to increased wear, loss of efficiency, and even engine failure.

2. Viscosity Matters

Viscosity refers to how thick or thin an oil is at different temperatures. For example, a 15W-40 oil behaves like a 15-weight oil in cold temperatures and a 40-weight oil at operating temperatures.

Thinner oils flow better in cold starts, while thicker oils provide better protection under high heat and heavy loads. We stock a wide range of viscosities to suit Australian conditions, such as Shell Rimula to Fuchs Titan ranges for diesel engines.

3. Additive Packages Vary Significantly

All engine oils contain base oils and additive packages, which are proprietary blends that do everything from reducing wear and dispersing soot to preventing corrosion and sludge.

Top-tier oils like Shell Rimula R4, Castrol RX or Fuchs Ultralube use advanced additive technologies to help extend oil life, improve fuel efficiency, reduce emissions, and minimise downtime. Low-quality oils often cut corners in these areas, which leads to deposits, engine strain, and potentially even more frequent oil changes. Oil companies like Shell develop their own proprietary additive packs, whereas smaller oil companies cannot afford R&D to develop their oils to a higher standard.

At the Green Goanna, we understand the demands of Australian industries and the environments in which machinery operates. We supply only the best brands like Shell, Castrol, Fuchs, and many more to get the job done. Choosing the right oil not only protects your equipment, but it could also reduce your downtime and save you money long-term.

Not sure what’s right for your machinery? Get in touch with our team for tailored recommendations or to request a quote.