![]() Similarly, if you use conventional oil when your car takes more expensive synthetic oil, you may notice a difference in performance.Ī good indicator as to whether you’re using the wrong oil is if you experience a noisy engine, oil leaks or poor performance. Oil that is too thick for your engine can’t get to where it’s needed, while oil that’s too thin won’t stick around where it’s needed, leaving your engine’s components exposed. If it’s just been a few short trips, then you should be fine, but if you’ve been doing it for months or years, it’s likely that your engine will have suffered as a result.ĭamage occurs when the oil doesn’t protect the engine parts properly, which is generally an area that relies on the viscosity. Your car engine can be damaged by using the wrong oil, although the extent of the damage will depend on how long it’s been in your engine before you’ve realised you made the mistake. Whether you should switch will depend on what you drive, how often you drive, and if you’ve had any issues with your car, with smoke coming out of the tailpipe a good indicator that you should potentially change the motor oil you use! If you’re not sure, you can always drop the keys off to a mechanic to be inspected, or just contact the manufacturer for the recommended practice. As a result, do you need to change which oil you use to make sure that your engine remains healthy? It’s a big talking point on online forums, with some recommending that you stick with the oil that is outlined in your car owner’s manual, while others recommend that you switch to a thicker oil as your engine needs extra lubrication after years of operating. Like most things, as it gets older, your engine will have to work harder to get the same result. If you’re not sure what oil is the best option for your car, be sure to check the owner’s manual, as it will generally give you an outline of which oil viscosity is best suited, with some cars able to take multiple oils with varying viscosity ratings. The ‘W’ stands for Winter, while the last two digits indicate the oil’s viscosity at higher temperatures, namely at 212 degrees Fahrenheit (100 degrees Celsius).Īs an example, a motor oil with a viscosity rating of 5W-30 will be better suited for colder climates, while an oil rating of 20W-50 will be more suitable for hotter climates. The lower the number, the less the oil thickens during cold weather, meaning those in colder climates will benefit from looking for a ‘0’ or ‘5’ rating. The first number indicates the oil’s viscosity, or flow, at zero degrees Fahrenheit (or -17 degrees Celsius). Viscosity is rated by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), and is generally noted as “xW-xx” on the motor oil’s packaging. As a result, using an oil that is suitable for your engine, and your climate, will ensure that your engine keeps running smoothly. In simple terms, the thickness of the oil will impact on how quickly the oil will be able to flow into the spaces between the crank journals and engine bearings where it’s needed. High mileage oil: specially designed for vehicles that have higher mileage, with additional components to help break down oxidisation and build up within the engine.Ī major component of the difference between motor oils is viscosity, which is a fluid’s resistance to flow, and is more commonly referred to as how ‘thick’ the oil is.Synthetic blend oil: a mixture of both conventional and synthetic oil, blend oil generally has a better resistance against engine oxidisation and performs better under heavy loads, making it ideal for 4WDs and larger vehicles.Synthetic oil: chemically engineered to limit impurities, synthetic oil has a wider temperature range than conventional oil, and is more suitable for performance cars.It’s also available in a wide variety of viscosity levels and quality grades. Conventional oil: also known as crude oil, conventional oil is the most common type of motor oil, and is suited for the majority of vehicles out on the road.But what’s the difference, and which one will be the best option for your car? Below are some of the more common types of motor oil: Just like cars and engines, there are different types of motor oils available. As a result, ensuring you use the correct motor oil can be the difference between literally having a well-oiled machine and potentially rolling around in a lemon. Other functions include heat reduction, protecting the engine from corrosion and debris buildup, as well as improving fuel efficiency. Motor oil has a number of functions, but its main purpose is to lubricate engine parts to reduce friction and damage, as well as ensuring the car engine keeps running smoothly. How often should I check or change my oil?.Is thicker oil better for older engines?.
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