What You Need To Know About Different Types of Motor Oil
Motor oil plays a vital role in keeping your vehicle’s engine running smoothly. Beyond lubricating moving parts, it protects your engine from wear and tear, improves efficiency, and prolongs its life. However, when it comes to choosing the right motor oil, the options can be overwhelming. This guide breaks down what you need to know about different types of motor oil, highlighting the various options and how to pick the right one for your car.
The History of Motor Oil
The development of motor oil can be traced back to the nineteenth century during the rise of the automobile industry. Early internal combustion engines were lubricated using basic animal fats or vegetable oils, which were far from ideal. These oils lacked stability under high temperatures, leading to engine damage and inefficiency.
By the early twentieth century, advances in petroleum refinement revolutionized lubrication. Crude oil derivatives were refined to create what we now know as conventional motor oils. Over time, additives were introduced to improve performance, prevent corrosion, and enhance viscosity. Today, synthetic oils with advanced chemical engineering dominate much of the market, providing superior performance and protection.
Types of Motor Oil
When shopping for motor oil, you’ll encounter a variety of options, each with its distinct set of benefits and applications.
Conventional Motor Oil
Conventional motor oil is the most basic form of engine oil refined from crude oil. It is affordable and works well for older, low-mileage vehicles or those with simple engine designs. However, it may not provide the same level of performance under extreme conditions compared to other types.
The pros of conventional oil are that it’s affordable, widely available, and suitable for standard operating conditions. Unfortunately, it breaks down faster than synthetic oils, requiring frequent changes, and is less efficient in extreme temperatures.
Synthetic Motor Oil
Synthetic motor oil is chemically engineered for superior performance. It’s designed to provide excellent protection against wear, reduce friction, and perform consistently in extreme weather conditions. Synthetic oils are ideal for high-performance engines and vehicles that experience heavy use.
It offers superior viscosity stability for extreme temperatures and allows for longer intervals between oil changes. However, it is generally more expensive than conventional oil.
Synthetic Blend Motor Oil
Synthetic blends combine conventional oil with synthetic oil. This hybrid option offers a middle ground for drivers who want better performance without the cost of fully synthetic oil.
The benefits include better protection than conventional oil at a lower price than synthetic. It’s also great for hauling and towing during everyday driving. The downside is that it doesn’t perform as well as fully synthetic oils, so engine wear and tear may increase over time.
High-Mileage Motor Oil
High-mileage oil is designed specifically for cars with more than 75,000 miles on the odometer. It contains additives to help reduce oil burn-off, prevent leaks, and improve overall engine performance.
This type helps reduce oil consumption in older engines, but it’s not recommended for newer vehicles with low mileage. It also may not have as much protection against high temperatures or heavy loads as synthetic blends or fully synthetic oils.
Understanding Oil Viscosity
When selecting motor oil, one important factor to consider is its viscosity, often displayed as a number followed by the letter “W” (for example, 5W-30). This property refers to how easily the oil flows at different temperatures.
The first number (e.g., “5” in 5W-30) indicates the oil’s performance in cold temperatures. The lower the number, the thinner the oil, making it easier to flow in low temperatures. The second number (e.g., “30”) represents viscosity at operating temperature.
Choose the right viscosity for your vehicle by following these steps:
Consult your owner’s manual: Always start by reviewing the recommended oil viscosity provided in your vehicle’s owner’s manual. This information is tailored to your specific engine requirements.
Consider the climate: If you live in a colder region, opt for oil with a lower first number (e.g., 0W or 5W) to ensure better performance during cold starts. For warmer climates, ensure the second number meets the necessary viscosity for high-temperature operation.
Evaluate your driving conditions: Frequent short trips, towing, or stop-and-go traffic can impact oil performance. Discuss these conditions with a trusted mechanic to determine if an adjustment in viscosity is necessary.
Use manufacturer-approved oils: Look for motor oils that meet the standards or certifications suggested by your vehicle’s manufacturer, such as API (American Petroleum Institute) or ILSAC (International Lubricants Standardization and Approval Committee).
Avoid mixing viscosities: Stick to the appropriate viscosity grade rather than combining different types of oil, which can affect performance and potentially harm your engine.
By following these simple best practices, you can ensure you get the most out of your chosen motor oil.
How Often You Should Change Your Motor Oil
The frequency of oil changes depends on various factors, including the type of vehicle you drive, your driving habits, and the kind of motor oil used. Many modern cars come equipped with oil life monitoring systems that will alert you when it’s time for an oil change.
However, a general guideline is to change conventional motor oil every 3,000 to 5,000 miles or every three months. For synthetic oils, the interval can often extend to 7,500 to 10,000 miles. Always refer to your vehicle’s owner manual for manufacturer-specific recommendations, as adhering to these guidelines ensures the optimal performance and longevity of your engine.
Why AMSOIL Should Be Your First Choice
While there are several notable motor oil manufacturers in the market, AMSOIL stands out as a premium choice for numerous reasons:
Unmatched performance: AMSOIL synthetic oils are specifically engineered to perform under extreme conditions, providing superior protection and efficiency.
Longer intervals: With AMSOIL, you can extend your oil change intervals, saving time and money in the long term.
Environmentally friendly: Their extended-use oils result in less frequent disposal, making AMSOIL a more eco-friendly choice.
Wide range of options: Whether you need high-mileage oil or a product for high-performance vehicles, AMSOIL has you covered.
No matter what kind of driving you do, AMSOIL is always the superior choice. With this information on what you need to know about different types of motor oil, you can ensure your vehicle stays in optimal condition for years to come.
If you’re looking for the best motor oil for your vehicle, 1972oil offers the latest products at prices you can afford. We take the guesswork out of your oil and lubrication needs and offer high-quality AMSOIL products for a wide range of vehicles.
