Understanding the Types of Engine Oil
For millions of Malaysians, a vehicle is more than just a mode of transport — it’s a major investment. And like any investment, it deserves proper care and protection. Often referred to as the “lifeblood” of an engine, engine oil plays a vital role in ensuring engine longevity, enhancing performance, and delivering smooth drives. With the right maintenance and the right oil, even high-mileage vehicles can continue to perform reliably for years.
Malaysian drivers have access to a wide range of engine oils, each designed to meet specific vehicle requirements and performance demands.
- Mineral oil is the most basic type, derived directly from crude oil. It’s typically suitable for older engines or vehicles with lower performance needs.
- Synthetic oil is a premium option, engineered for superior lubrication and high-temperature stability. It allows for extended intervals between oil changes, making it ideal for modern and high-performance vehicles.
- Semi-synthetic oil offers a middle ground, blending mineral and synthetic oils to deliver better protection than mineral oil, without the full cost of fully synthetic products. It’s often a good fit for ageing vehicles that still require dependable engine protection.
As car ownership and vehicle usage increase, the demand for high-quality lubricants is rising. In fact, the Malaysian engine oil market is expected to grow from 293.15 million litres in 2025 to 334.26 million litres by 2030 — at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.66%.
The Hidden Danger of Counterfeit Products
However, with growing demand comes growing risk. Counterfeit engine oils have become more prevalent in the market, often packaged to look identical to genuine brands. These fake oils pose a serious threat to engine health — causing poor lubrication, sludge buildup, overheating, and ultimately, engine failure.
Unfortunately, many drivers remain unaware of this danger. Some may prioritise cost over quality, mistakenly assuming that all engine oils perform the same. This lack of awareness has created room for counterfeit products to flourish — putting vehicles and, more importantly, lives at risk.
Setting the Standard: Genuine Engine Oil Certification Scheme
To address the growing threat of counterfeit lubricants, SIRIM QAS International established the Genuine Engine Oil Certification Scheme — a stringent quality assurance framework built upon the SIRIM 58 standard. Certified products are subjected to comprehensive performance tests, including viscosity consistency, thermal resilience, contamination control, and overall formulation integrity, ensuring only oils that meet Malaysia’s highest safety and performance benchmarks reach the market.
Developed in collaboration with the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN), the certification scheme offers consumers a reliable way to identify safe, high-performing engine oils.
“We want to empower consumers to make confident, informed decisions. Through stringent testing and certification, we are not just creating awareness — we are helping Malaysia take a stronger stance against counterfeiting,” said Ir. Zarina, Principal Testing Engineer at SIRIM QAS International.
Verifying Authenticity: A Simple Three-Step Process
To help consumers stay protected, verifying the authenticity of engine oil has never been easier:
- Use the SIRIM Mobile App – Scan the unique SIRIM Security Label on certified packaging.
- Check the SIRIM Conformity Label – Look for the official mark embedded with anti-counterfeiting features.
- Buy from trusted sources – Only purchase from authorised retailers or official brand stores.
Choose the Right Oil, Drive Towards Smarter Maintenance
Engine oil isn’t one-size-fits-all. The ideal oil for your vehicle depends on its age, model, mileage, and how you drive. Start by checking your car manual for the recommended oil type and viscosity grade. Malaysia’s tropical climate also demands oils that can handle high operating temperatures.
Be wary of deals that seem too good to be true. Low-cost or unverified engine oils may offer little to no protection — and could even damage your engine. The smart approach is to invest in a certified, trusted product from the beginning.
Engine oil does more than reduce friction. It also helps regulate temperature, particularly during long drives or while stuck in traffic. Over time, however, even the best oils degrade — losing their ability to protect, cool, and clean your engine. This is why consistent oil changes are essential — not just for peak performance, but also for better fuel efficiency, emissions control, and long-term vehicle health.
A Shared Responsibility
Educating the public about the importance of genuine engine oil and proper maintenance isn’t just good for consumers — it strengthens the entire automotive ecosystem. It’s also a strategic opportunity for industry players, workshops, and retailers to champion better practices and build lasting trust.
