Questions about Your Car Engine Oil
It can be confusing to understand car engine oils. There are many questions about engine oils. Which engine oil is best for my car? Is it possible to change from the manufacturer recommended engine oil? What are the differences between different types of engine oil for cars? Why does my car have low engine oil levels? There are many other reasons.
We have put together a list with 7 questions to ask your car’s engine oil. This will help you be informed and make the right decision. These questions should be answered before you schedule your next service.
What types of engine oils are there?
When you are looking for an engine oil to fit your vehicle, it is important to know the differences between two types of oils: – Mineral oils and synthetic oils.
- Mineral Engine oil: These oils are made from petroleum products. They are best suited for older vehicles. Mineral oil is stable and requires little maintenance. Mineral oil is less expensive than its counterparts. Mineral oil is not the best quality.
- Synthetic Oil: These oils can be used for high-performance vehicles. Synthetic oils are more efficient for petrol and diesel engines. The best protection is provided by synthetic engine oil for Indian driving conditions.
- Semi-Synthetic Engine Oil : These semi-synthetic oils offer the best of both worlds. The high quality of synthetic oils while maintaining the low price of natural oils. The car model and make will determine the performance and protection.
What are the differences between different types of engine oil?
Grades have been assigned to engine oils from India and around the globe. They are rated on their performance, quality and heating point as well as their viscosity.
- 0W40 It is the best in India. Its efficiency in hot and cold conditions with minimal sludge. This makes it ideal to drive modern petrol- and diesel-powered cars.
- 5W40 – This oil is good for diesel cars. Although it is not suitable for cold weather, it can perform as well as 0W40.
- 5W30 or 10W30 – Ideal for modern petrol engines. It’s cost-effective, low in viscosity and provides good fuel economy.
- 10W40 – Available in both mineral and semi-synthetic versions and suitable for Indian climate. It is a cost-effective choice with high performance.
- 15W40 or 20W50 : This is recommended for older engines, and it is thicker than the counterparts.
When is it time to change your engine oil
Every car’s engine is different. The driving conditions can also impact the time you need to change your car’s engine oil. You should also consider the driving conditions in India and road conditions. Our driving conditions are very different from those in the USA and other European countries. Potholes, traffic, stop-and-go, and so on. This puts a lot on the engine.
Experts recommend that your car’s oil be changed at 7,500 kms to 10,000 kms. This is the best time. You should stick to the 5,000-5000 kms mark if you are using a mineral-based oil lubricant.
Which engine oil is best for maximum fuel efficiency or high mileage?
Many people aren’t convinced by the high-mileage engine oil concept. They just view it as a marketing fad. High mileage synthetic engine oils are usually formulated with additives and synthetic oil that increase the engine’s longevity.
High mileage engine oils contain detergents that clean out the engine from gunk and sludge which can build up over time. After 75,000 km, it is recommended to switch to high mileage oil. Any oil that is used before this time might not be as beneficial.
Is it possible to mix synthetic and mineral engine oils?
The answer is yes.
The oil will not cause any damage to your engine and it is a very miscible component, so there won’t be any residue. Mixing both oils can have the unfortunate side effect that synthetic oil may not provide the same benefits as the traditional one.
However, you should refill your oil tank if you run out of oil or have conventional oil on hand. It’s true that some oil is better than none, but it doesn’t mean you should have to use all of it.
Why is my engine oil turning black?
Engine oil’s primary function is to reduce friction between the engine parts by acting as a lubricant. As it does its job, engine oil begins to lose its lubricating properties and turns dark.
The engine oil’s detergent capabilities may cause the colour to change. Modern-day engine oils tend to be amber in colour. You can check this by dip the stick.
How do you dispose of engine oil?
Ever wonder what happens to your old engine oil when you fill up your car with a fresh batch of oil?
The multi-crore parallel industry of used motor oil is damaging the environment and human health. We still don’t know much about how to recycle used motor oil. You can either collect the oil or take it to your local garage, who may be able to dispose of it.
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