While electric vehicles (EVs), are being promoted for obvious reasons. However, most vehicles you see on the road still use an internal combustion engine (ICE). Anyone who has owned one of these vehicles will know that both gasoline-powered and diesel-powered engines need a lot of maintenance and upkeep to ensure they run at their best. This also includes regular oil changes to increase fuel economy.
Motor oil isn’t something that vehicle owners think about as often as fuel. However, it serves a useful function. It keeps the engine’s internal components lubricated and prevents them from deteriorating over time. Although motor oil may look the same to some, there are many differences in their origin, function, viscosity and type.
Motor oil serves a common purpose in both gasoline- and diesel-powered vehicles. However, there are specific specifications that must be followed based on the manufacturer’s recommendations. Simply grabbing some random motor oil and putting it in your car can cause engine problems.
Motor oils can be formulated for certain vehicles and not for others. It is important to learn about the different types of oils available so you can make the right choice for your vehicle.
Why use motor oil?
Although there are differences in quality and performance, it is clear that motor oil is essential for the proper functioning and efficiency of an engine. If you are still unsure why motor oil is important for your vehicle , here are some benefits. No matter what type of motor oil you use, the primary purpose of any oil is to keep your engine safe and running smoothly.
- Protects the emission system.
- Protects the engine from corrosion, rust and wear.
- Make sure to keep the engine lubricated. This will prevent any moving parts from grinding against one another, which can lead to damage.
- Reduce the friction.
- Heat is dispersed to keep the engine’s moving parts cool.
- Increases fuel economy.
- It makes it easier to start internal combustion engine.
- Flushing out dirt and other small particles helps keep the engine clean.
Different types of motor oils
Vehicles have become more advanced over the years, and their components are becoming more sophisticated. These new vehicles also require extra care when using motor oil or engine grease. The wrong oil can cause engine damage or malfunction.
Good news is that motor oil recommendations vary based on vehicle make and model. A mechanic who is familiar with car repairs can give sound advice about the type of oil to use for your vehicle.
Motor oil is essential for optimal performance of your car’s engine. Here are some examples of motor oils currently available on the market.
Mineral-Based Motor Oil
This oil is the most common and oldest. It was introduced in 1908 to the Ford Model T. There are two grades of this type of engine oil: 10W-40 and 15.W-40. This basic oil provides basic engine wear protection. This motor oil must be changed frequently to maintain the engine’s best performance.
Semi-Synthetic or Synthetic Blend
This oil is the middle ground between motor oils, and gives vehicle owners the best of both. The synthetic blend offers more benefits than mineral-based oils. It provides better protection and longer oil changes. The only problem with this synthetic blend is its high price.
You can sub-divide the engine oil grade of synthetic blend into 5W-30, 15W-40, or 10W-40. The main selling point of synthetic or semi-synthetic oil blends is their exceptional protection during cold starts. This makes them a great choice, especially for people who live in colder areas.
Fully Synthetic Oil
The auto industry’s latest offering is the fully synthetic engine oil. This fully synthetic oil has been created using synthetic materials in laboratories. It offers high quality, economy and engine protection. The main feature of fully synthetic engine oils is their controlled blends. This allows them to deliver the best performance for a vehicle’s engines.
This type of oil is distinguished by its superior protection and control of by-products from combustion. It also offers smooth cold start as well as high operating temperatures. This engine oil can be categorized as 0W-30 to 0W-40 and 5W-40.
It is a good idea, aside from the manufacturer’s recommendations, to ask these questions when choosing the right motor oil for your vehicle.
- Do I plan to drive in very cold or very hot weather?
- Are I going to be hauling or pulling heavy loads (in the case of a caravan/trailer)?
- Do you plan to drive the vehicle in urban conditions, with lots of stops and starts?
These questions will help you decide which motor oil option is best for your vehicle.
