A commonly asked question regarding oils is what kind of oil we should use for our cars. Choosing the right one for your vehicle can be confusing, with so many options available at your disposal. So, you are not the only one faced with making a difficult choice.
To make things easy for you, we have cut through the tech jargon and emphasized factors that’ll make choosing the most suitable motor oil for your vehicle less stressful and as easy as possible.
Engine oil is primarily used to lubricate engines to reduce friction, cool and clean engine components, and prevent corrosion. This is critical to ensuring the smooth running of the engine and achieving optimal vehicle performance.
Engine Oil Variations:
Different Types of Motor Oils
Synthetic oil, synthetic blends, and oil are different types of motor oils.
Synthetic Motor Oil
In synthetic motor oil, the ingredients are chemically altered to create an oil cleaner that helps your vehicle perform better in low and high temperatures. Made from full synthetics to provide excellent protection and help your engine run more efficiently, synthetic motor oil is the latest option made available in the market.
This method reduces mineral oil to its simplest molecules, making it easy for an engine to eliminate contaminants. The molecules in synthetic oil are also very uniform in size and shape, providing better lubrication. Under extreme temperatures and stresses, full synthetic oil performs best.
According to the Automotive Oil Change Association, almost half of the automobile owners choose synthetic oil when they change their oil.
Motor Oil with a Synthetic Blend
Synthetic mix motor oil protects the engines of pickup trucks and SUVs better than the other types of oils. It protects an engine’s components from oxidation and works well in cold temperatures. And it’s a lot cheaper than synthetic motor oils!
High Mileage oil
Newer car models need this oil infused with unique additives as it does not burn off or leak. It contains additives that cause the internal and external O-rings and gaskets to swell, potentially preventing engine oil leaks and oil burning. High mileage contains enhanced additives for better engine performance. It is a viable option for light trucks and cars with high mileage.
Traditional Oil
There are different viscosities and quality levels of conventional motor oil. This option is best suited for a simple engine architecture or cars driven by people with conservative driving habits. All motor oil comes from crude oil (base oil). A chemical process removes impurities, then neutralizes sludge and limits corrosion. Conventional oils can be used in old lawn tractors, power washers, generators, outboard motors, and snow blowers, among other types of machinery that don’t require synthetic oil.
Designations for Viscosity Grades
Using the Society of Automotive Engineers’ rating system, motor oil manufacturers classify their oil by viscosity. You can use the ratings to determine what oil type to use.
Viscosity is a measure of the resistance a fluid has to flow. The viscosity of a thin fluid, like water, is low, and the viscosity of thick fluid, like honey, is high.
Motor oil cans are marked with numbers and letters like “XW-XX” to indicate viscosity.
“W” represents winter, and the number before the “W” is the oil flow efficiency at 0 degrees. This number should be low, like 0W or 5W, if you live in a cold climate since it means the oil won’t thicken as the air gets colder.
To keep your oil from getting too thin during hot summer, you’ll need an oil with a higher viscosity rating, like 10W-30.
After the “W” is the number that represents the oil’s viscosity at 212 degrees Fahrenheit (100 degrees Celsius), at high temperatures, this figure shows how well the oil resists thinning.
As the temperature or cooling changes, so does the viscosity of motor oil. When you live in a chilly area, you should get thin motor oil to make it flow better into your engine. The too thick oil will make it hard to start your engine and lower your mileage.
Choosing the Best Motor Oil
How do we know which engine oil is the best? The answer varies. Every vehicle has unique requirements, and every driver is different, so there’s no one-oil-fits-all. Different types of motor oils are used for different driving styles, locations, and vehicle types.
Aceite de Motor is a staple to ensure your car delivers its true potential. Have you been searching for the right engine oil for your beloved vehicle? Our goal at American MFG is to make your search easier. Various premium engine oils ensure your engine runs as smoothly as possible. We offer different types of motor oils at competitive prices, so you can select the one which best suits your vehicle.
