Choose The Motor Oil for Car

Choosing the most suitable motor oil for your car is the aspect that should not be disregarded. This is because not all the oil types fit one and the same vehicle and some of them may even affect the way the auto will function. There are a few important questions you need to answer before shopping for the best engine oil brand. These questions concern the type of the vehicle you own, its age, manufacturer’s guidelines and the weather conditions that prevail in your location.

To start with, it is essential to recollect the type of engine oil you have been using before. If you have never inquired about this issue or if this is the first time you have to change the motor oil, then it makes sense to find out what engine oil you used before. Having found that out, analyze how exactly your car functioned when you used the oil. If everything was all right and you didn’t have to fix the engine problems, then you don’t have to look for another motor oil.

The next point that is worth consideration is checking the type of oil recommended by the manufacturer. This is especially true if you own a new vehicle, which comes with the warranty. In this case, changing the oil is not allowed. Otherwise, the manufacturer may not repair the car for free in case of necessity.

If your car is not new, this means that its engine may be worn. As a result, the parts of the engine may become smaller, forming space between them. To fill this space, you will need think oil, so find out more about heavy single-weight oil brands that will fit your car most of all.

Finally, it makes sense to take into account the weather conditions that prevail in your location. Thus, if you live in the mountainous area, where the temperature changes are extreme, then it is better to purchase multi-weight types of oil, which are allowed to be used under any temperature regimes. Pay attention to the “W” index, which reflects the way the oil “behaves” in hot and cold weather. The higher this index is, the worse the oil works in autumn and in winter, when it is too cold outside. Keep that in mind.

Different motor oil types are manufactured for various purposes. To select the one that meets your requirements and needs, you have to understand the essence of such notions as the viscosity ratings, classification codes and oil additives. Let us have a closer look at each notion.

Each type of oil has specific viscosity rating that shows how the oil flows in the engine. With regard to this aspect, customers choose between two popular types of oil – single- and multi-viscosity oils. The prevailing amount of vehicles run on the second type of oil, because it can be used under any temperature conditions. Actually, the higher the viscosity index is, the thicker the oil proves to be and the worse flow capability it has. As a rule, the first number in the combination signifies the way the oil flows during the autumn-winter season, while the second number shows the way it flows under the hot temperatures in spring and summer. If you don’t know the most suitable viscosity index for your automobile, consult the manufacturer or the manual that comes with the vehicle.

Speaking about the oil additives, they are required to ensure the best engine performance. They contribute to the way the engine is cooled and cleaned by the oil. In high quality engines, the cost of the oil additives constitutes over 25% of the overall cost of the oil.

All types of motor oil have unique classification codes that reveal the levels of engine protection and economy of the fuel they ensure. The popular oil classification codes include: the API starburst label, the API donut label for diesel motor oil and the API donut label for gasoline motor oil. You should select the one, which fits your vehicle.