Cars

Which Engine Oil Is the Best for You

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O il is the lifeblood of your car. It lubricates, cleans, and protects the vital parts of your engine. We know that it's pretty tricky to decide which engine oil is best for you. It's like some big challenge when you have no clue how the engine works, and how would you even choose?

There are so many factors to consider – weather conditions, type of car, viscosity, etc. Don't worry; we will explain how to know which is the right engine oil for you!

Car Series

Choosing the right engine oil is a pretty important step in your maintenance routine. But did you know that engine oil has different properties depending on your make and model?

Engine oil is an essential part of your engine that keeps running smoothly while also protecting against wear and tear. To ensure you use the right kind of oil, you must know what type of engine you have as different engines require different types of oil.

Driving Conditions

Depending on the type of driving, it may be worthwhile to invest in high-quality oil for your car. Choosing the right oil for your vehicle can pay real dividends in terms of engine life and safety.

Harsh driving conditions can take their toll on your engine, especially when it comes to the quality of its motor oil. If you live in a cold climate, you want to steer clear of too thin oils. Likewise, if you live somewhere that sees a lot of long-distance driving, you should use an oil that is thick enough for the job.

Types Of Oil

You've decided it's time for an oil change, and you're off to your local auto parts store. As you walk through the oil aisle, you feel overwhelmed. There are many choices, not to mention all the technical terms like A/C-3 and CF-4. When it comes to engine oils, there are two basic types: mineral oil and synthetic oil. Both options have advantages and drawbacks, so keeping a few factors in mind when choosing your engine oil can help you make the best decision for your vehicle.

Mineral Oil

Mineral oil is an auto engine’s oldest option. It’s made from crude oil, making it less expensive than other chemical-based oils. However, it breaks down at higher temperatures, so a vehicle using mineral oil develops sludge deposits around the engine faster.

It does not provide high lubrication levels and protection against wear and tear, and they need to be changed more frequently than synthetic oils, as they are more prone to oxidation. If your car manufacturer recommends mineral oil for your older model vehicle, change the engine oil at least every 3,000 miles (4,800 kilometers).

Synthetic Oil

Synthetic oils have become increasingly popular in recent years due to the many advantages they offer. However, synthetic engine oil is a more costly option than mineral oil. Still, it provides many benefits over its counterpart, including superior lubrication, better temperature control, and improved fuel efficiency.

If you are looking to improve the longevity of your car or planning a big road trip, you may want to consider switching to synthetic oil to make your engine last longer.

Viscosity

Are you confused by the numbers and letters on engine oil packaging? You're not alone. That defines viscosity, and understanding viscosity when choosing the right engine oil is crucial to protecting your car's engine.

As the oil heats up, it becomes lighter and runnier, and as it cools down, it thickens. Within reason, heavier oil typically maintains a greater layer of lubrication between mechanical parts and better protect crucial engine components. The viscosity range of engine oils is denoted in SAE. In literal terms, an SAE 40 lubricant is heavier than an SAE 20 lubricant. Therefore you should choose a motor oil within the parameters of the viscosity grades specified by the manufacturer.

Oil Classification

When buying oil for your car, think about the class of the product. There are different types of classifications for motor oils, but the most common is API. American Petroleum Institute (API) classifies oils according to several criteria, including anti-wear performance, deposit control, and thermal stability.

API uses a classification system for motor oils, with letters and numbers telling about an oil's performance level. For example, class "S" oils are for gasoline engines, and class "C" is for diesel engines.

Consider these five factors to clear confusion about which engine oil is the best for you. Choosing the right oil will help extend the life of an engine and make it run more efficiently--and properly maintained engines are less expensive to repair in the long run.