Auto Repair Knowledge

Choosing The Right Engine Oil For Your Car

Posted on by Tammy
06
Nov

Engine oil, also known as “lubricating oil”, consists of two parts: base oil and additives. It is known as the “blood” of the car. It can lubricate, clean and protect the engine. So how do you choose engine oil to keep your car “youthful”? This article will take you to a deeper understanding of the types of engine oil and how to choose the right engine oil.

Why Do You Need to Change the Engine Oil?

Increased impurities in the engine oil:

A large amount of sediment and impurities, such as iron filings and carbon particles, accumulate in engine oil that you haven’t changed for a long time. These impurities increase engine wear. They may also clog the oil filter and oil channels. As a result, this can lead to poor oil circulation, which in turn affects the normal operation of the engine.

Reduced cooling effect:

Engine oil helps cool the engine by absorbing and removing heat. If not changed regularly, its heat absorption and conductivity decrease, weakening the engine’s cooling function and potentially causing overheating.

Decreased sealing:

The engine oil plays a sealing role in the engine, which can block the gap between the cylinder block and the piston to prevent gas leakage. However, the engine oil that has not been changed for a long time will make it watery, lose its original viscosity and sealing performance, cause gas leakage, and then affect the normal operation of the engine.

Decreased lubrication performance:

Engine oil lubricates moving parts to reduce friction and wear. If not replaced regularly, its performance decreases, increasing friction and wear, which raises the engine’s failure rate.

Types of Engine Oil

Mineral Oil

Mineral oil is directly refined from crude oil without artificial additions or changes. It is suitable for some old vehicles or environments with mild driving conditions. The advantage of mineral oil is that it is relatively cheap, but its heat resistance and oxidation resistance are relatively low. The average service life is 3000-5000 kilometers, so it needs replacement more frequently.

Synthetic oil

  • Semi-synthetic Oil: This type of oil is between mineral oil and full synthetic oil, with a small amount of synthetic oil added, and the performance is improved. The average service life is 5000-7000 kilometers, which is between mineral oil and full synthetic oil, and the price is also moderate.
  • Synthetic Oil: synthetic oil is the strongest performance oil on the market, with strong heat resistance and oxidation resistance. The average service life is 10,000 kilometers. The replacement cycle is the longest, which also means that the price is relatively high.

Choosing the Right Engine Oil for Your Car

In order to ensure the lubrication effect of the engine, three parameters need to be considered when choosing the right engine oil

  1. Synthetic engine oil: Fully synthetic engine oil is suitable for family cars and has a long replacement cycle
  2. Engine oil grade certification: The higher the engine oil grade certification, the better the quality. It is recommended to choose SN or SP grade
  3. Engine oil viscosity: The lower the viscosity of the engine oil, the better the fluidity, which helps to reduce fuel consumption

When choosing engine oil, you should choose according to the vehicle manual and the manufacturer’s recommendation to avoid changing the viscosity of the engine oil at will.

10 Signs Your Car Needs an Engine Oil Change

  1. The oil light is on: This is the most direct sign that the oil may be low or its quality has deteriorated

  2. The engine makes unusual noises: One of the main functions of oil is to lubricate engine parts and reduce friction. As the oil ages or runs out, the engine’s lubrication effect will decrease, resulting in increased friction between parts and more noise

  3. The oil is dirty: New oil is usually transparent or golden yellow. After a period of use, the oil will become darker or even black, which means that the oil has accumulated impurities and sediments

  4. Your oil level is low: Due to excessive oil consumption or oil leakage. Too little oil will affect the lubrication effect of the engine and cause engine damage

  5. Exhaust pipe smoke: The oil quality is not good, and it may start to produce smoke

  6. Abnormal vibration: If you notice abnormal vibrations in your vehicle, you should pay attention. If your car vibrates at idle, the solution may be as simple as changing the oil. Of course, it is best to explain the vibration to the mechanic and rule out other problems.

  7. Burnt smell: When the oil overheats or leaks, it may produce a burning smell or emit odorous smoke.

  8. Your gears won’t shift: Whether you drive an automatic or manual car, the gears in the engine must shift to speed up and slow down. If you notice any abnormalities in gear shifting, your oil might need changing.

  9. Clogged oil line or oil filter: If impurities clog the oil filter or oil line, the oil can’t flow effectively, which may cause poor engine lubrication, high temperature, and other problems.

  10. The replacement period has expired: According to the recommendations in the owner’s manual, you should change synthetic oil every 5000-10000 kilometers and mineral oil every 3000-5000 kilometers. If you are close to or exceed the recommended replacement period, you should change the oil in time, even if there are no other obvious problems.

Like almost everything else, engine oil has a lifespan. Over time, motor oil begins to deteriorate and lose its effectiveness. To keep your vehicle running at its best, remember to check and refill your engine oil regularly.

 
Tammy

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