What you really need to know:
Walking through the local auto parts store is usually enough to convince people that motor oil isn't a simple topic. With more than 10 different companies producing almost unlimited types of oils, it can be confusing to the average consumer.
Choosing the Oil Company (brand name) is probably the easiest part of the whole procedure. While this decision can be based on some particular facts you have heard about one specific company, it is usually based on pure emotion. People tend to buy from a company that they have heard good reports about. While this may be an okay means of purchasing, it is still a safer bet to stick with major, well-known companies. Here at LDG, we put a high priority on making the right choice in what goes into the engine of your car. Not only have we committed ourselves to using quality parts, but we have selected Mobil Oil products to be used in all of our services!
What about weight?
5W30? 10W30? 10W40? 20W50?
Anyone who has purchased, or even looked closely at a bottle of engine oil, has probably noticed the strange numbers on the bottle. The weight (or viscosity) of an oil is
probably the most critical area when it comes to a motor oil purchase. The viscosity rating of an oil (or any fluid) is the measurement of its ability to flow during different temperatures.
For example, a 5W-30 engine oil has the ability to flow as a 5-weight oil does when cold. As this same oil warms to engine operating temperatures, it flows and maintains the properties of a 30-weight oil. This ability to be thin when cold allows it to get to moving parts quickly to begin lubrication. On the other hand, the oil's ability to keep from getting too thin at higher temperatures makes it possible for it to maintain sufficient volume to all moving parts as the engine warms up.
The 'W' in this equation simply means the oil was tested in winter temperatures (zero degrees). When deciding which viscosity to purchase you should consult your owner's manual or use an Oil Application Guide. This is the only true way to find the correct oil for your car. Using an engine oil that is either too thick or too thin could result in excessive wear in your engine during extreme temperatures!
What about quality?
You've always heard it said, "The 'Q' stands for quality", and yet you may or may not find a 'Q' on a bottle of engine oil. How do you know if you're getting a quality oil? Fortunately, the American Petroleum Institute (API) has set very strict standards. This doesn't mean that there are no lower quality oils available. For the most part, the grocery store is probably not your best place to purchase engine oil (even if Mazola is on sale!). Realizing there is a standard is the first step, understanding it is the second.
On each bottle of engine oil is stamped a quality rating. Find the small circle on the bottle's label. It contains all the important information about the oil. Inside that label is the API rating. SJ is the highest rating at this time (previously
'SH' was considered the best available). It's important to check this before buying. There could be remaining lower quality oils still on store shelves that have never been sold. Buying oil that is okay for your $100 lawn mower engine and using it in your $30,000 car could, again, be a costly mistake!
|
What about HD oil?
Looking Closely at some bottle labels can be misleading. Don't assume you know what the oil manufacturer meant when they printed their label. Even asking that well-meaning counter person about which oil to purchase can take miles from the life of your engine. A common misconception is concerning the identifier 'HD' that can be found on most engine oils. You might decide you don't need, or even want a 'heavy duty' oil. This would be a mistake, especially since 'HD' does NOT mean Heavy Duty, it actually stands for High Detergent. Every automotive engine should be using a detergent oil. Without it your engine will become very dirty over time (the oil will even turn to a gooey sludge) and be more likely to fail!
What about synthetic oils?
Although the hype has settled somewhat concerning synthetic oil, you still should be aware of its drawbacks. Synthetic oils were brought to the market with the promise of extended oil life and decreased engine wear. For the most part, that is completely true. However, some details about the 'truth' need to be put in a different light.
Synthetic, man-made oils, due to their molecular structure, do last almost five times longer. The down side is with regards to their additive packages, that will not last that long. All oils, both petroleum based as well as synthetic, need additives. Those additives reduce sludge buildup, inhibit acid formation, prevent moisture, and so on. The fact is, petroleum based oils and synthetics both use exactly the same additives to accomplish those tasks. Unfortunately, those chemical treatments have been shown to only last about 3,800 miles. So, even though synthetics boast that you can go 15,000 to more between oil changes - DON'T wait that long! Change your oil and filter every 3,000 miles or every 3 months (whichever comes first).
However, synthetics do have their benefits. Due to the structure and size of their molecules, synthetics have a stronger 'shear strength', which is its ability to not be squeezed out from between two metal parts. The synthetic oil's shear strength is where it really shines, compared to petroleum based oils. Should a severe engine oil leak situation catch you off guard, that fact could really help reduce major damage!
What about oil filters?
A good quality filter is as important as the oil itself. Don't be tempted to buy a cheaper filter. An inexpensive one may save you a few pennies now, but in the long run it could cost you thousands! Often a lower priced filter will have less filtering media inside. Here at LDG Automotive Specialists, Inc., we use Hastings oil filters, which meet or exceed your car manufacture's specifications.
A word to the wise: Be cautious when going for those low-cost oil changes that are offered at discount prices. Some repair shops will install a $1 oil filter to protect their profits, not being concerned with the future life of your engine.
|
