Nowadays, owning a car is a necessity for various benefits such as convenience and improved mobility. However, there’s more to owning a car; you need to ensure that your vehicle remains In good condition and one of the ways to achieve this is by choosing the right oil for your car.
Role of Motor Oils
Motor oils play a crucial role in the mechanical aspect of your car and offer various benefits, including:
Lubrication
Your car consists of many moving parts that generate significant friction. Motor oils greatly reduce this friction to allow your engine to run smoothly.
Promote Engine Longevity
Since oil reduces friction, your engine runs smoother, with minimum wear and tear, which are the main factors that accelerate engine deterioration.
Save on Fuel Costs
When your engine is sufficiently lubricated and its oil changes as recommended, there is a significant reduction in fuel consumption, saving you money.
Controlling Heat
Motor oils are crucial in your car’s cooling mechanism as they reduce friction and support the seamless functioning of your coolant. They also redistribute heat from hotter parts to less hot parts of your engine.
Preventing Rusting
Oil reduces friction, which is responsible for corrosion that results in rusted parts.
Factors for Consideration
Choosingan appropriate engine oil can be a headache, given the diversity of oil brands and products available in the market. To get the best product for your engine, consider the guidelines below:
Your Car Manual
Every car comes with a manual, highlighting its functioning, including recommendations concerning the type of engine oil suited for a particular model. Given that manufacturing a car is a process that is accompanied by tons of research, you can never go wrong by following your manufacturer’s recommendations.
Type of Engine
There are different types of engines suited to different types of oil. For instance, diesel engines and petrol engines use oils with varying qualities. A mix up could wreak havoc on your engine and set you back hundreds of dollars in restoration.
Prevalent Weather Conditions Where you Live
The climate plays a vital role in the choice of oil you pick for your vehicle. Extreme temperatures affect oil viscosity; high temperatures cause thinning, while low temperatures can freeze your oil. Choosing oils with viscosity index improvers will prevent thinning, while oils with anti-freeze as an additive are well suited for cold regions.
Your Driving Personality
Do you drive over long distances frequently or carry heavy luggage while on transit? Or maybe you are used to short trips within your town. Well, synthetic oils are best suited for high-performance needs while protecting your engine.
Your Car Mileage
Older cars are prone to wear and tear, which leads to leaks from gaps created by corrosion. If you have an old car, consider high mileage oils specially formulated to protect your engine parts and prevent leakages. High viscosity oils reach the inaccessible parts easily, protecti ng your engine from further wear.
These guidelines will protect your engine from premature damage and keep your car running in excellent condition. Remember to adhere to your manufacture’s guidelines on vital aspects like recommended mileages for oil changes.
