Whenever you’re in the market for engine oil, it seems as though there are endless options to choose from. All of them offer lots of different benefits for your vehicle. But sometimes, it can be a bit difficult to figure out how to know what will work best for your car.
When it comes to engine oils, it can depend on who manufactures the oil as well depending on how you plan to use it in your vehicle. In essence, you shouldn’t decide by price alone when choosing one for your vehicle. Find out about its performance ratings and specifications first before buying. In this article, we’ll go over five tips that will help you narrow down the right one for you!
Low vs. High Viscosity
One thing you should consider while choosing your motor oil is viscosity. Motor oil can be either low viscosity or high viscosity. Low viscosity motor oil is thinner and flows more easily. It is required for most modern vehicles. High viscosity motor oil is thicker and does not flow as easily. It is ideally suited for use in hot weather and older vehicles.
API Rating
The API rating is one of the most important things to keep in mind when choosing your motor oil. This rating indicates the quality of the motor oil and how well it will protect your engine. Look for an oil with a high API rating to ensure that your engine is well-protected. There are two types, one for petrol engines (S) and one for Heavy-Duty Diesel Engines(C).
Currently, the highest API rating for petrol cars is SP and for Diesel engines CK-4 or FA-4
Synthetic or Conventional Motor Oil?
The next thing you need to decide when choosing motor oil is whether you want synthetic or conventional oil. Synthetic oil is also made from crude oil but is refined more.
Here is some very basic chemistry, don’t worry it is really basic. The molecules of conventional oil are very long and very irregular. This means that it breaks down, and oxidizes easily so needs to be changed after a short service interval, only a few 1000 km between oil changes.
Synthetic, on the other hand, has sorter more regular molecules that take much longer to oxidize and therefore last longer than conventional oil and can withstand higher temperatures. It also does a better job of protecting your engine from wear and tear. However, it is more expensive than conventional oil.
Ultimately, the decision of which type of motor oil to choose depends on your personal preferences, your budget, and the type of vehicle. If you want the most effective protection for your engine, synthetic oil is the way to go. If you are looking for a more economical option, conventional oil may be a better choice.
Total Base Number (TBN)
When choosing motor oil for your car, it is very essential to look for the Total Base Number (TBN). This number indicates the amount of acid that is present in the oil. The higher the TBN, the more resistant the oil is to become acidic.
Acidic oil can cause corrosion and damage to engine parts. It can also lead to deposits forming on engine surfaces. This can reduce the efficiency of the engine and cause it to wear out more quickly. For these reasons, it is important to choose an oil with a high TBN. Most synthetic oils have a very high TBN, making them highly resistant to acidity.
Conclusion
Choosing the right motor oil for your car is important for keeping it running smoothly. With a little research, you can find the perfect motor oil to keep your car healthy and running at its finest.
There are many things to analyze when choosing motor oil for your car. The type of oil you use can impact your car’s performance, fuel economy, and emissions. Be sure to consult your car’s owner manual to find the recommended oil type and weight for your vehicle. With so many different oils on the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. But if you keep these factors in mind, you’ll be able to narrow down your options and choose the best motor oil for your car.
