Different Types of Motor Oil: Which One Do I Need?

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Which engine oil to use – is one of the most frequently asked questions! With a large number of motor oil options available in the market, selecting the right motor oil for your car can seem daunting.

We're going to use this post to cut through the technical jargon and emphasize the critical points you should understand. At the end of this blog post, you will have a much better understanding of which motor oil is the best for your vehicle.

Motor oil's primary purpose is to lubricate the engine. By minimizing friction, cooling and cleaning the engine, and also avoiding corrosion, the oil protects the engine's moving parts. Thus, choosing the correct oil for your motor is critical; otherwise, your motor can become defective, necessitating the search for a used motor for sale near you to replace it.

Types of Motor Oil

Oil can be conventional, synthetic, or a mix of the two. There are differences between the types, which will determine how it performs in your car.

Conventional Motor Oil

Conventional motor oil is refined crude oil, i.e. oil that has been refined after being pumped into the field.

Fully Synthetic Oil

Not only are fully synthetic oils refined, but they are also broken down to the molecular level, where impurities are extracted and specialized compounds are made. Due to the fact that these compounds are designed specifically for use in modern engines, they provide greater efficiency and safety than traditional oils.

Even within the fully synthetic range, significant variations exist between different formulations. Depending on your needs, you might choose a synthetic oil that is designed to keep your new as well as used motor cleaner, protect it, work better at low temperatures, or offer better fuel economy. Certain synthetic oil blends will exhibit more than one of these characteristics.

Synthetic Blend Oil

A synthetic blend oil, as the name implies, is a mixture of natural and synthetic motor oils. It will not contain as many additives as a fully synthetic oil but will retain some of the performance and safety characteristics.

Choosing Oil for Your Car

Your vehicle's owner's manual will provide you with an ACEA category, grade, and, in many cases, manufacturer recommendation for your oil. When purchasing certified motor oil, look for a product that adheres to the recommended specifications.

To ensure optimal results, purchase the exact brand recommended in your vehicle's owner's manual. Using a less expensive, unbranded oil of the same specification should have no adverse effect on your vehicle if you keep it topped up and changed periodically. However, a low oil level may have a detrimental effect on your motor's performance. If that is the case, you should look for a used motor for sale with warranty to replace the one that has been destroyed.

Changing Your Oil

Apart from recommending the type of oil to use in your vehicle, the owner's manual will specify how often you can change your oil. Contaminants will eventually find their way into your gasoline. Simultaneously, the oil will begin to boil out of your engine. If you still top off your oil rather than completely replace it, the ratio of pollutants to oil increases, and any abrasive particles in it gradually erodes the engine. It is therefore critical to change your oil fully on a regular basis; otherwise, you can find yourself searching for car motor for sale near you to replace your damaged motor.

The Bottom Line

As previously stated, there are numerous types of motor oil available. If you're unsure which motor oil is best for your vehicle, not to worry. Simply consult the vehicle's owner's manual. It will mention the motor oil specification and viscosity grade that are suitable for your vehicle.