Engine efficiency and oil changes may be top of mind when you own a car, but how much do you understand about motor oil? Terms like viscosity, different additives, conventional vs synthetic, and choosing the right grade can all blur together. But understanding the composition of and differences between various types of motor oil doesn’t have to be difficult—and will help you keep your car’s engine running smoothly.
The Long & Short of It: What Does Motor Oil Do?
Though your car’s engine has many important components, motor oil is its lifeblood. This fluid is responsible for lubricating moving metal parts, which helps to slow wear and prevent overheating. It also helps keep the engine clean through additives that prevent the buildup of sludge, carbon deposits, rust, and corrosion. Finally, motor oil helps seal the pistons and cylinders, preventing the contamination of oil and reducing fuel consumption.
Always Check Your Owner’s Manual for the Correct Type
The best way to ensure you’re using the right type of motor oil is to check your owner’s manual. Using the wrong type can speed up wear, cause damage, allow sludge to build up, or lead to overheating. If your car is still under warranty, you also risk losing that coverage by not using the manufacturer-recommended grade of engine oil.
Keep an Eye on Oil Level & Condition In Between Services
It’s recommended to schedule an oil change service every 6-12 months or 7,500-10,000 miles, if you have a newer vehicle. However, it’s important to keep an eye on the level and condition of engine oil between those services. Use the dipstick under the hood of your car and look for oil that’s too low or thickened with contaminants. Regardless of how long it’s been since your last oil change, low or over-contaminated oil means your engine should be inspected by a professional mechanic.
Motor Oil Terminology: What Does it All Mean?
When you look closer at different motor oils, certain terms and descriptions stand out. Understanding how motor oil helps your engine comes down to knowing about its composition, different grades, what viscosity means, and the three key types. This base knowledge will help ensure you always pick the best oil for your car’s engine—and help extend the life of your engine overall.
The Composition Includes a Base Oil and Additives
Modern motor oil has additives that help keep your engine healthy and efficient. These provide benefits like viscosity modifiers, anti-wear protection, and corrosion prevention. They often also have detergents that help keep your engine clean and free from excess buildup or sludge. Not only do these additives keep your engine more efficient and extend its lifespan, but they also allow you to go longer in between oil changes.
Grades are Specified by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE)
The grade of your motor oil is determined by its viscosity measurement and standardized by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE). When you’re looking at engine oil options, you’ll see two numbers and a “W”—the first number refers to the oil’s viscosity in cold weather, with the “W” standing for “winter,” and the second number refers to its viscosity in warm weather. For example, 5W-30 oil has a viscosity of 5 in cold weather and 30 in warm weather or at standard operating temperature for the engine.
Viscosity Determines How Easily it Flows at Various Temperatures
When looking at the grade of motor oil, the lower the number, the faster oil can flow right when you start the car. The colder outside temperatures get, the thicker fluids like engine oil become, making it more difficult to start the engine and get acceleration power right at startup. If you live someplace with cold, harsh winters, look for motor oil with a lower first number—you’ll find it’s easier to start your car and get moving right away on cold winter days.
There are Three Key Types: Conventional, Synthetic Blend, and Full Synthetic
One advancement in motor oil engineering is the development of synthetic options. These have extended the possible intervals between oil changes and help improve the health and performance of your engine. Conventional oil, on the other hand, is natural and made from petroleum. The most common type used in newer vehicles is full-synthetic rather than conventional.
Visit Your Local AAMCO for Help: The Proper Oil Ensures an Efficient Engine.
Choosing the right motor oil is often as straightforward as checking your owner’s manual. But if your car is due for an oil change or questions come up about motor oil or your vehicle’s needs, the expert mechanics at your local AAMCO are here to help. Call or schedule your appointment with us today!
