You know it is essential to change your engine oil at regular intervals. It is also common knowledge that older cars need more oil changes. However, what do the numbers and letters listed on that container of engine oil actually mean? The Engine Oil Bible, Car Deal Expert figure out which oil should be going into your car.
Why your engine oil needs regular changing
Engine oil lubricates the metal surfaces of your car’s engine. Friction build up is prevented with lubrication. This also keeps heat from transferring from the combustion cycle because of parts grinding together. Oil also helps clean away the chemical by-products of the combustion process and minimizes oxidation. The oil needs to be changed because, when doing this, the oil gets really dirty and thin.
What the numbers and letters mean
Consumer motor oil is divided into 3 types: fully synthetic, semi-synthetic and mineral (standard) oil. One example of a semi-synthetic blend is 5W-30 motor oil. The numbers before and following the W represent the viscosity rating of the oil. The first represents “hot” when the second represents “cold”. The lower the cold number (W stands for “winter”), the easier it is for your car’s engine to turn over when you try to start the car in cold climates.
Cheapest oil is mineral
Standard motor oil is effective at safeguarding your engine. Semi-synthetic oil and synthetic oil cost more. This means you’ll pay less with mineral. However, it must be changed more often, as it becomes dirty and thins out more quickly.
Semi-synthetic comes from standard
There isn’t much of a difference between semi-synthetic and standard oil. They are related. Semi-synthetics are primarily made of polyalpholifins, writes The Engine Oil Bible. That comes from “the purest part of the mineral oil refraction process.” Semi-synthetic motor oil can mix with standard oil. The engine could be fine with it.
Synthetic is used when you’ve got a heavy gearbox
Automobiles with heavily loaded gearboxes need pure synthetic oil which is also called polyalkyleneglycols. Its high-performance stuff. Finely tuned via molecular recombination, fully synthetic motor oil can’t mix with other oils. Do not use pure synthetic oil unless your engine is newer. This means there can’t be any leaks in the very clean engine. Engine deposits get broken off and left within the engine with pure synthetic. Unless you know what you’re doing, there is no way to go back to mineral after synthetic, says the Engine Oil Bible.
Quality, lightweight oil will work great
Choose engine oil that meets the demands of your environment. Light, thin oils do well in modern engines. A trusted mechanic can help you make this decision along with your owner’s manual.
Car Bibles
carbibles.com/engineoil_bible.html
A quick rundown of synthetic vs. regular motor oil
youtube.com/watch?v=CiLkoRVL7BQ
