So, you’ve bought a new car and are confounded which would be the right motor oil for your vehicle, or perhaps you already have a car and suspect there’s a better option available in the market. We’ll take you through the process, and make it less formidable; it’s not unexpected to be daunted by the variety of the motor oils available in the market, each one ensuring their reliability. A variety of factors should be taken into account before choosing the right motor oil for your car. Let’s see them one by one:
Your Vehicle’s Age
Your vehicle’s engine wears out as it ages, therefore the oil you are using for your new car cannot be used for your old car. Specifically, if your vehicle’s engine has been running for years, it’s better to switch to heavier single-weight oil, as it easily fills the wider gaps between the worn out parts. On the other hand, if you have a bought a new car, just take a look at your vehicle’s owner manual to know the recommended oil for it.
Your Everyday Use
If you drive more than 25 km each day, it’s better to use synthetic oil, as it has superior, longer-lasting performance than the conventional oils, and you’ll not need to replace your oil very frequently.
Your Surroundings and Location
Once again, synthetic oils are better suited to rugged surroundings and balance the rough usage of your vehicle. They also work well at extreme temperatures; too hot or too cold, it does not matter. If your vehicle sparingly consumes oil, and you’re not pushing your car to its far limits, conventional oil should work just fine.
Specific Oil Features
Some nuanced features of engine oil must also be taken into account like its viscosity index, the additives present in it, and so on. Firstly, make sure the oil you choose meets at least the local quality assurance standards. If you’re in the US, it is represented by the “API” logo. Secondly, ensure you buy an oil with high viscosity index, especially if you live in hotter climates where the oil has a higher tendency to become thin. You may also want to take a look at the additives in a motor oil; the additives are the ingredients in the oil which tend to increase its efficiency in various ways. Some are viscosity index improvers, while others are rust/corrosion inhibitors.
Keep in mind these tips when choosing the right motor oil for your vehicle. The formula isn’t that difficult; if you use your vehicle lightly, just go with conventional motor oil with some suitable additives. If the conventional oil does not go well with your car, and you use the vehicle roughly and heavily, then go for a synthetic oil or a synthetic blend, as it can undergo extreme conditions, lubricating your vehicle all the way.