Motor Oil Purchasing Considerations

What do you think about when you buy motor oil? You know that changing your oil is important, and you probably stick to a recommended cycle for that task. However, there's more to getting the best oil for your car than simply changing the oil on a regular basis. A little thought needs to go into your oil purchases if you want to get the benefits you desire as a car owner.

Everyone Does it
Of course, changing the oil in your car is something that everyone does, and hopefully on a somewhat regular basis. You may not be a mechanic, but you have surely learned that your car needs to have oil to run, but not every oil is beneficial for every situation. Even your trusted mechanic probably doesn't understand the factors that play into making the most beneficial car oil decisions for your particular situation. Like everyone else, most mechanics have been taught to simply recommend regular oil changes and that is the extent of their knowledge.

Wouldn't you like to know the best oil for keeping your engine protected, especially if you plan to own the car for a long time? Or maybe you want to know which type of motor oil will be the most cost effective over the lifetime of your ownership, if you plan to trade your car in within a few years. These are both great considerations and the answer for each scenario is likely to be very different.

When you buy motor oil, get past the mentality of this being a 'generic' purchase and consider the varying factors that are involved. Taking an informed approach to motor oil purchase could go a long way in making your engine last longer, or in reducing maintenance costs.
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Is there one, best type of Motor Oil?

There are a lot of lessons to be learned from the world of competitive sports. Think about it; there are small, muscular gymnasts who perform amazing acrobatics and there are huge football players who need raw power and explosiveness. Of course, there are many other types of sports and athletes besides these two examples, but ponder, for a moment, the huge differences between the two mentioned here. Do you think that they eat the same kind of diets and train the same way?

Of course they don't. There can be no one diet, or training regiment that would cover these two types of athletes, let alone the hundreds of different types from various sports. So why is it, then, that people assume that the their car motor oil should be exactly the same as the oil used by a completely different type of car that is driven in a totally different manner on a daily basis.

The misinformation that exists about a car motor oil being the “best” is misleading and confusing to the average consumer. If you have an old pick up truck that you use to do a lot of work, and you need it to last another 7 years, do you really think you should be using the same motor oil that would be beneficial to a small car owner who plans on trading the car in after 2 years?

It should be pretty evident that there's more to a motor oil being considered the “best” than a commercial simply telling you so. It's very important to realize that there simply is not a blanket, “best” motor oil. Each has unique qualities that may or may not benefit a particular car, depending upon the car owner's usage and goImage via Wikipediaals for that car.

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Which Oil is the Best? The Answer Might Surprise You

If you're like most people, you probably have a favorite brand of motor oil that you use on a regular basis. You might be a regular user of one of the synthetic oils on the market, or maybe you stick to good, old fashioned petroleum based oil. Regardless of the type of oil that you use, have you ever stopped to think about why you came to use your favorite type of oil? Perhaps you've heard about how synthetic is better and decided you want nothing but the best for your car. Or, maybe you've heard that synthetic really won't give
your car any benefits, so you stick with petroleum based motor oils to save a few bucks.

To really find out the best oil for your car, there's a lot more to think about than “X is better than Y” or “Y costs less than X.” These are factors that you should consider, but maybe not in the way that you think. Yes, synthetic oil does provide many benefits to cars, but depending upon your goals and usage as a car owner, you may not benefit from paying for those benefits.

It's also true that you can save some money by choosing a cheaper brand of petroleum based oil. You may, however, only be saving money when you purchase the actual oil. Over time, depending upon your car and your goals as a car owner, you could be spending a lot more money over the long run, due to your choice in motor oils.

None of the automobile experts can tell you that one oil is best without knowing your unique needs as a car owner. For example, if you trade in your car every few years and purchase a new one, do you really need to purchase synthetic oil for your car, or are you wasting money by paying for engine protection benefits that will never make a difference to you? These are the kinds of questions you need to ask yourself and ponder before you make any rash, sweeping decisions about the type of motor oil that's best for your car and your unique circumstances.

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Are You Using the Right Oil in Your Car?

It's easy to look for a 'one-size-fits-all' solution for things in life, and expect to find one for every situation. After all, it's so much easier just to apply the common wisdom to the situation at hand without really putting in too much though, right? Well, there are times when the simple, conventional wisdom is sufficient, but not when it comes to motor oil. Yes, you will get better results when you take the time to learn a bit more about the different types of oil and the situations where a particular type of oil is the best choice.

Can't Trust the Commercials
It's unfortunate that most people end up making their decisions based upon something as non-informative as a television commercial. Of course, when you watch a commercial for a motor oil brand, they are going to try to persuade you that their product is the best. They are doing what they are supposed to do – promote their product. You have to realize, though, that an oil may very well be the best for certain types of cars, under specific conditions, but that doesn't mean it would be the best for you.

Critical Thinking About Oil Choices
Consider the vast array of automobiles on the roads each day. Then think about the wide variety of drivers and the differences in how, where and when they drive. Now, with all of that variety, do you think that each of these automobiles could be best served by the use of identical motor oils? Of course not. Like anything else in life, there are going to be oils that are best for each unique situation.

The type of oil you choose to use can, and will, affect how well your engine is protected and how muchImage via Wikipedia money you spend on your car's maintenance for as long as you own it.

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What do you Know about Motor Oil?

If you're like most people, you probably assume that there's not a lot to know about motor oil. You may even think that taking the time to learn a bit more about oil would be a waste of your time. What if you found out that having a bit more knowledge about the oil you put in your car could save you thousands of dollars every year? Would that make learning some oil facts more appealing?

Whether you're a car buff or not, you still want to get the best performance out of your car and maintain top engine performance for years to come. The motor oil you choose could potentially add years to the life of your car and keeps it running great too. You could even save money on regular maintenance costs, simply by learning the best oil to use for your car.

Regular Oil Changes - Are They Enough
We're all told to change our car's oil on a regular basis. This is good advice, but it should not be the be-all-end-all of your oil knowledge. You will only get the most out of changing your oil when you know the exact type of oil that is best for your car and your driving habits. Of course, if you don't know that information just yet, you should still get your oil changed according to the manufacturer's recommendations.

Synthetic or Petroleum?
When people think about the choices they have for oil, they often assume that synthetic oils are the better choice. While some cars will do best on synthetic oil, this should not be assumed as true for every situation. There is no cookie cutter formula for every car, some cars will thrive on synthetic oil, while others function best using petroleum based oils.

There are some valuable resources available to help you learn more about the oil you put in your car. The Motor Oil Bible is one such resource that is packed with amazing information about oil that most people have never heard or read about before. Taking the time to learn more about the oil you use could be one of the best decisions you make for your car.Image via Wikipedia

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Revews, Motor Oil and the Motor Oil Bible

In today’s time of economic challenge, consumers are turning to reviews more often.  We have determined that we want true value for our hard earned money.  Particularly with items that can make or break the longevity or usefulness of another product.  Take for instance, motor oil.  Motor oil reviews tend to be biased, at times; it appears that they are propaganda for an individual manufacturer.  Since motor oil is something that is intrinsic to the proper care and running of our cars, unbiased yet informative motor oil reviews are necessary.

Image via WikipediaMotor oils are not created equal.  Not all aid in helping our engines get us to where we want or need to go.  Some actually, if used repetitively, can actually do more harm than good.  So, what is a consumer to do when faced with a dizzying array of choices, limited knowledge of all the details as well as a demand for value.  The answer is to find an unbiased, knowledgeable resource for this information.  In the motor oil industry, one such expert is known as the Motor Oil Bible.

The business of reviews is either to praise or critique a particular product or service.  However, the Motor Oil Bible and its author, Mike Kaufman, reviews the significance of a particular type of motor oil and how it should be used to help the longevity of your automobile.  Not hung up on particular brands, or sponsored by deep pocket manufacturers, it specifically addresses the needs of your car and matches it with the proper oil.  

A book, and a series of videos are available for your enjoyment.  Get the info you need, make the proper decision and save your money, and extend the life of your car.

The Motor Oil Guy

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Motor Oil Secrets Revealed

What if you found out that there was information available that could potentially save you thousands of dollars every year? If you're like most people, you want to know what this secret is, so you can benefit from it. As you know, information is essential and having the right information about your car's oil could save you a lot of money on fuel costs, maintenance costs and repairs. The Motor Oil Bible is a manual that gives you surprising, much-needed information about choosing the best oil for your car.

Exposing Myths
It's important to know the myths and lies that most of us believe about oil to fully grasp how powerful the information in the Motor Oil Bible really is. For years, car owners have believed that as long as they put a name brand oil in their cars, there’s nothing more to be concerned about.  In this enlightening motor oil reference book, you'll discover how believing the "every oil is pretty much the same" myth could be costing you a ton of money every year.

This reference manual really is like a Bible of car ownership and oil knowledge. Reading this book will arm you with knowledge about motor oil that few people are ever made aware of. The book is available online and is an essential guide for every car owner. You don't even have to be a mechanic to appreciate this book. It is easily understood by anyone and is packed with amazing facts about oil that you'll never hear from your own mechanic.

Oil is the lifeblood of your car. Choosing the right one is essential. This book equips you with the knowledge you need to make the right motor oil choice and save thousands of dollars every year.

Image by SamAdams914 via Flickr

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Getting the Best Performance from your Vehicle

When you bought your car, you obviously wanted to get the most out of it that you could. We often baby our rides in the beginning, but tend to slack a little over time. One area that nearly everyone can improve on is choosing the right oil for their car. To get to a level of peak performance, motor oil has to be one of your top considerations. In fact, few things contribute as much to your car’s performance as the oil that you choose. Many people go a little over the top, though, and end up spending too much money on synthetic oils, when that may not even be the best choice for their car.

All things considered...
Since there is so much depending upon your motor oil for top car performance and long engine life, it's obvious that you have to consider a few things to make the best choice for your car. To get your car to the highest level of performance, motor oil has to be considered carefully, and the right kind has to be used. Many lube shops and garages will lead you to believe that oil is a one-size-fits-all choice as long as you change it regularly. Don't fall for this.

The best place to start is with your manufacturer's documentation. You should easily be able to find a recommended viscosity for the oil you choose. Sticking with this as your starting point for oil is usually a safe bet. Of course, the way you drive, the make and model of your car and other factors will play into your ultimate, long-term oil solution, but you are safe to start with what the manufacturer recommends. From there, do some research to find the absolute best choice in oil for your car.

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Smart Motor Oil Purchasing Tips

Any time you invest money in a product, you want to be sure that you are getting exactly what you look for. It's important to note, however, that many product reviews are directly from the manufacturer, so using them as your guide may not be the best choice. This is true when it comes to motor oil reviews, if you simply go by what you hear on a commercial or from what you read in a review, you could end up causing serious problems for your car. Every car is not the same. While the review for a particular type of oil, in a particular car, under very specific circumstance might be great, that doesn't mean it would be the best choice for your automobile.

Take it with a grain of salt
Okay, we know that manufacturers are always going to tout their own product, so take any motor oil reviews that you read with a grain of salt. Don't dismiss these reviews, but consider them along with the following information:

What oil type is best for your car, according to the vehicle's documentation? Make sure that you choose an oil that is the right viscosity according to the manufacturer.

Is the oil being reviewed petroleum based or synthetic? Neither is superior for every situation. Synthetic may be best for some cars, but that doesn't mean it is the best for yours.
Image via Wikipedia

What is your driving style? If you do a lot of heavy load work with your vehicle, it is going to change your oil needs, so take the style and needs of your driving into consideration.

Reviews can be helpful to make the right decision, but they should always be used in conjunction with some serious fact finding of your own.

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Should You Worry About Comparing Motor Oils?

Whether you're a professional mechanic, or someone who enjoys tinkering around with cars, you know that every car is different. You wouldn't go to change your spark plugs and choose the first set you got your hands on would you? Of course not. You know that every car needs the plugs specific to that make and model. It's curious how people can easily understand this fact, yet give very little thought to motor oil comparison when the time comes to get an oil change. To get the best performance and lower maintenance bills choosing the correct oil for your car, and driving conditions, is essential.

Compare and Contrast
It's essential to do some research about the oil that your car really needs. Motor oil comparison should be one of the building blocks of this education on choosing the correct oil. As you know, every car's engine needs oil to run, but you have to make the right choice for it to run its best.

Start by learning about viscosity. You hear this term a lot, but very few people know what it means and how it should play into your motor oil selection. You can ask a trusted mechanic, but there's a good chance that they don't understand this important variable either. Check your vehicle's documentation to see what viscosity oil you should use. Remember, though, that if you are using synthetic oil you may be safe with choosing lower viscosity oil. Just make sure that you are using a high quality synthetic if you decide to go this route.
Image via Wikipedia
Compare oils and educate yourself on the best oil for your car. Doing so can save you thousands of dollars over the lifetime of your car ownership.

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Shopping for the Right Motor Oil

When you buy motor oil, you are making much more than a simple purchase. Choosing the right oil is necessary to avoid engine damage and to get longer engine life. Too many people assume that oil is oil and grab whatever is cheapest, or whatever they are used to using. This habit of giving little thought to your oil is what leads to so many car problems every year and it will ultimately wear your car's engine out prematurely.

The Most Common Maintenance Task
Not everyone is a mechanic or all that interested in the workings of a car's engine, but every car owner is familiar with oil changes. The standard line that you hear is to have your oil changed every 3 months or 3,000 miles. This reminder that you hear from the oil change places and mechanics makes the oil change the most frequent maintenance task that people have performed on their car. Yet, even though people make this change every few months, very little thought goes into what kind of oil is going into the car at each of these changes.

Whether you buy motor oil and change your car's oil yourself or pay a mechanic to do it, it's important to learn what type of oil is going to be the most beneficial for your car. For some cars it will be synthetic oil, for others it won't. There are variables that make each scenario unique, and the right oil must be picked based upon that scenario. Find out more about choosing the best oil for your car. You will have dozens of oil changes over the years. Don't you want to use the oil that will be the most beneficial to your car's
engine?Image via Wikipedia

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Which Oil is the Best? The Answer Might Surprise You

If you listen to the car motor oil commercials, or even ask most mechanics which type of oil is the absolute best, you're likely to hear "synthetic oil" as the answer. For years now synthetic motor oil has been touted as the best oil for every type of car. In many cases, synthetic oil is the right choice, but there are more variables to consider.

All motor oils, conventional or synthetic, are crucial to a car's performance and choosing the right car motor oil can save you a lot of money over the lifetime of your car ownership. Many people pick synthetic oil for their cars, in hopes of gaining benefits, like a higher trade-in value or better fuel economy. These benefits, however, may not apply to every car owner who switches to synthetic oil. For example, it is true that using synthetic oil protects engines from long term damage. But if a car owner trades in their vehicle on a regular basis, they may not be benefiting from this long term engine protection, so the extra investment in synthetic oil would not pan out in any noticeable savings in this scenario.
Image via Wikipedia
Don't fall into the trap of assuming that the more expensive alternative is necessarily the most beneficial for your particular motor oil needs. Every car and driving situation is unique and calls for a very specific type of oil. You could be paying more for synthetic oil, in the belief that you are reaping benefits, when those benefits don’t even apply to your unique circumstances. When deciding on the best oil for your car, you must weigh the benefits against the costs to make an educated decision.

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Making Informed Motor Oil Decisions

Can you imagine being very ill and having a physician ordering blood for you? This is not an uncommon scenario, but how about putting a twist on it and hearing the doctor tell the nurse, "It really doesn't matter what type of blood, any human blood will do", this would probably get you more than a little concerned. We all know that you just can't do this.

What about your car's oil requirements? Are you of the mind that any kind of motor oil is acceptable? Many people are, and this nonchalant attitude about the life blood of their vehicles ends up being very costly.

Everyone knows that motor oils are available in a few different varieties, but the general attitude is that you can use pretty much any approved motor oil on any automobile. This, however, is not true. There are some very important considerations to think about. Like people, every car is different. Not only that, but every car is used in a different capacity too. The way one driver routinely drives her Lexus may vary greatly from another driver, who owns the same type of car. The bottom line is that the car type and how it is going to be driven greatly affect the types of motor oils that should be used.

The general belief that any oil will do causes thousands of dollars in damage to cars over time. Every car owner owes it to themselves to find out the exact kind of oil that they should use for their car and their unique driving needs. You wouldn't accept any blood in your body, don't accept just any oil for your car. Find out the facts that mechanics aren't telling you about picking the perfect oil for your situation at The Motor Oil Bible website.
Image by Ollie Crafoord via Flickr

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Performance Motor Oil - Help Your Engine Help You

Besides using high performance motor oil, what can one do to improve engine function?  Are there other products one needs to usealong with quality motor oils?  What are they? First, it is important to utilize an efficient air filter.  There are primarily four options: cellulose media air filters, foam media air filters, cotton gauze media air filters, and nanofiber air filters (AMSOIL).
 Image via Wikipedia
While foam media and cotton gauze filters offer good air flow qualities, they are not as efficient as cellulose or nanofiber filters.  Cellulose media filters build up a “dust cake” during their early life which helps increase their efficiency in removing contaminants from your air intake.
AMSOIL nanofiber filters are absolutely efficient down to 2 microns.  While the superior air flow qualities of foam and cotton gauze filters may be preferable for racing applications, cellulose and nanofiber filters are clearly preferable for protecting your engine from contaminants coming in through your air intake. Second, it is also essential to use a quality oil filter.  Traditional, off-the-shelf, cellulose filters are only 70 to 80% effective and only efficiently filter particles of a 30 to 40 micron size.  High efficiency filters, which are made
of combination of glass, synthetic and cellulose fibers, are often effective down to 15 to 20 microns.  As the majority of engine wear is caused by particles between 5 and 20 microns, it only makes sense to make use of an oil filter which can capture a larger percentage of these contaminants.  Doing so will significantly reduce the amount of wear to your engine from these particles. As you can see,using quality filters is important for protecting your engine.  While using a high performance motor oil will help your engine run more
smoothly, it is also important to employ quality air and oil filters in conjunction with this oil. Doing so will maximize the reduction of particles which can cause wear in your engine.

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Are you Performing Motor Oil Comparisons?

Let's say you want to do a motor oil comparison for how two different oils perform in your engine.  What steps would you take?  How could their performance be compared? Oil analysis can tell you how well your oil is holding up and whether your oil and/or air filter are ready to be changed.  A sample of about 3 ounces must be taken from your engine.  However, the sample is obtained (by sampling pump or valve, or by taking it from the drain pan plug), you must be sure to take it immediately after you shut down the vehicle, for this ensures that contaminants will be equally distributed throughout the system.  This sample is then sent away to a lab for analysis.

Oil analysis generally run from 10 to 25 dollars.  If you choose a 10 dollar test, chances are you will only receive information about wear metals present in your engine oil.  However, if you elect to get a more expensive test done, you will get more information.  You will be informed not only about wear metals, but about other contaminants (glycol, water, fuel) and their percentages in your oil. 

You will find out whether your oil's viscosity is consistent with what you put in.  Soot levels and oxidation and nitration percentages will also be included in your report, numbers which will also indicate how the oil is holding up.  You might also be informed about your oil's TBN-its acid neutralizing capability. All of these measurements will help you determine how well a given motor oil is working within your engine.  One way to do a motor oil comparison would be to do an oil analysis for each oil you use in your car.

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Time to Buy Motor Oil Filters

Image via WikipediaWhat are the important things to consider when one goes to buy motor oil filters?  As with motor oil, it pays to invest in a quality product.  Your engine's performance depends on efficient oil filtration and you should not cut corners when it comes to your oil filter.

Your oil filter is important because running your engine produces contaminants which need to be removed.  These particles cause engine wear-so you want to filter out as many of them as possible.  Which type of oil filter is most effective for this task?

Oil filters are rated for overall efficiency-the percentage of all contaminants removed.  Contaminants are measured in microns and it has been shown that most engine wear is caused by particles between 5 and 20 microns, so you want a filter which can remove particles this small.  Normal, off-the-shelf cellulose filters are 70 to 80% efficient and this means they are only absolutely effective with particles around 30 to 40 microns.  They are nominally efficient at 20 microns, which means that all of these particles will not be caught.  High efficiency oil filters, however, which are made from some combination of glass, cellulose and synthetic fibers, are absolutely effective down to 15 to 20 microns and are nominally efficient down to 5 to 10 microns.  
Obviously  these filters remove more contaminants than cellulose ones.  By utilizing this advanced level of filtration, you can reduce engine wear significantly (40-70%).

Good oil filters will have such features as metal endcaps, silicone anti-drain valves, an HNBR nitrile gasket, a heavy duty baseplate, thick outer housing and wire mesh backed filtration media.  You may not find all of these features in any one filter, but you should look for as many of them as possible.  Remember that when you buy motor oil filters, purchasing a high efficiency model can help extend your car's life considerably.

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Motor Oils: Decisions

When deciding between motor oils, picking one with proper viscosity is crucial.  What is viscosity?  It is an oil's relative resistance to flow at differing temperatures.  Phrased differently, an oil must be "thin" enough to flow at low temperatures and "thick" enough to provide engine protection at high temperatures.  Thus, an ideal oil will maintain its viscosity over a wide temperature range.  This, in fact, is an oil's viscosity index: the measure of its propensity to change viscosity with temperature changes.  The higher an oil's viscosity index, the more consistent its viscosity over a range of temperature changes.

How does all of this impact how we choose motor oil?  Naturally, it is best to choose an oil with a viscosity index best suited to your particular needs.   Monograde oils, such as an SAE 30 oil, are designed for use under consistent temperatures.  These are the oils often used in lawn mowers, as it is assumed that mowers will be used almost exclusively during the summer months.  They have a low viscosity index and will thicken quite a bit if used under cool conditions. Multi-viscosity motor oils, on the other hand, are designed for
use where temperatures vary greatly.  An example would be a 5w30 oil.  The first number indicates how easily it will allow the engine to turn over at low temperatures (the lower the number, the better the cold weather operation).  This number is determined through the use of two tests: the Cold Crank Simulator Test and the Mini-Rotary Viscometer test.  The better the startability at low temperatures, the lower the "w" classification of the oil.  As you can see, multi-viscosity oils are the better oils for most passenger car
automobiles, especially those used in climates with wide temperature ranges.

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Facts About Motor Oil

We all know that using quality motor oil and changing it regularly is necessary to keep one's car running smoothly.  But did you know the air filter you choose is just as important?  There are 4 different options to choose from when selecting an air filter.
First, there is what is known as "cellulose media air filters."  These are the conventional paper filters that everyone has used for years.  The interesting thing about these filters is that the efficiency with which they filter out contaminants increases as a "dust cake" orms on them.  However, as this "dust cake" forms, the efficiency with which they allow air to flow through the engine decreases.  So with cellulose filters, the key is to leave them in place long enough for contaminant filtration to increase (usually at least 10,000 miles) to a satisfactory level, while air flow is still at an acceptable level. Image by Ollie Crafoord via Flickr
Next are "foam media air filters" and "cotton gauze media air filters."  Foam media filters are like a sponge and use tack oil to grab debris.  The twisting channels of a foam filter, which are larger than cellulose filters, ensure that debris can be caught at numerous locations, while air flow is superior to cellulose filters because of the larger channels.  Cotton gauze filters also offer superior air flow characteristics.  These filters are preferable for applications such as racing engines where air flow is more important than contaminant filtration.
Finally, there are filters made from nanofibers.  These are sold by AMSOIL and utilize the same technology used by the military in its Abrams tanks.  These filter smaller particles than the other types of filters and typically last as long as 100,000 miles.  While these filters are obviously preferable to the others, they are surprisingly inexpensive, costing about the same as comparable foam or cotton gauze filters (although certainly more expensive than conventional cellulose media air filters).  If you want to avoid the expense, cellulose filters have been shown to be more efficient than foam and cotton gauze filters, which are perhaps better for racing applications.  As with motor oil, it is best to choose an air filter which best suits your particular needs.

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Info About Car Motor Oil

Thinking about changing your car motor oil to synthetic?  Wondering if it's a good idea?  There are many variables to take into consideration when contemplating switching to synthetic motor oil.  It may not always be the best choice for you. 

What factors should one consider before switching to synthetic oil? First, do you own an older vehicle?  Switching to synthetic oil may expose or make leaky seals within your engine worse.  Also if you only drive 5000 to 10,000 miles a year, synthetic oil may not be worth the expense.  Finally, if you drive a leased vehicle, you may not have it long enough to make running synthetic oil worth it.  So there are some situations in which synthetic oil may not be preferable, even with its superior performance qualities.

While synthetics are now compatible with petroleum oils, it's best to wait at least 3000 miles to switch over, to allow your engine's rings to "seat" properly.  Waiting also allows the wear metals that are generated during the engine's early life to be discarded with the first drain of petroleum oil.  Further, if your car has over 20,000 miles on it, it's best to perform an engine flush before switching to synthetic.
 Image via Wikipedia
However, beware of engine flush products with kerosene in them-it can contaminate your new oil.  Also install a new oil filter both before and after your flush.  Following these steps will ensure you have a smooth transition to synthetic motor oil. After installation, you may see your oil pressure drop slightly.  This is nothing to worry about-it is in fact evidence of the improved oil flow and lubrication that occurs with synthetic car motor oil.

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Motor Oil Bible

What is the Motor Oil Bible?  The Motor Oil Bible is a book devoted to examining how we use motor oil in our cars and whether we are doing so in a way that ultimately benefits us (i.e. makes our cars last as long as possible).  It carefully lays out the case for synthetic motor oil and quality filtration.

In the book, it is revealed that for many years already, there have been superior motor oils on the market which are not being utilized by the majority of drivers.  These are known as synthetic motor oils.  Rather than being made from petroleum, with all of its accompanying contaminants, they are designed specifically for protection and lubrication of your engine, without any of the extra substances in them that cause so many problems for petroleum oil and require additives to control.  These oils last longer than traditional oils and when combined with proper air and oil filtration, can extend the life of your engine significantly.  Their only
downside is that they cost more than traditional petroleum based motor oils.
Image via Wikipedia
Why haven’t we heard more about synthetic motor oils?  There are a number of reasons.  People are in the habit of changing their oil every 2000 or 3000 miles because they have been doing so for a long time and are afraid to change.  Oil manufacturers don’t really want to see this change, as they make more money when we change our oil this much.  Plus, synthetic motor oils and better air and oil filters cost more-another fact which keeps people from making the switch.  However, as the Motor Oil Bible reveals in its pages, in the long run you will recoup the expense in engine performance and by extending your car’s life.

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All About the Motor Oil Bible

When beginning to  research the topic of motor oil, there is no better place to start than the book out there known as The Motor Oil Bible.  It is full of useful information regarding motor oil.  It offers the reader a chance to be educated regarding motor oil and the filtration of motor oil.  The author is a veteran in the business and has spent countless hours poring over journals and technical data on the subject.  His book offers a clear and concise account of the issues surrounding motor oil use and is an excellent guide for those looking to become better informed about this topic.
Image via WikipediaWhat has his research revealed?  Primarily, he has found that, although synthetics are not a good fit for everyone, overall synthetic motor oils offer benefits that petroleum-based motor oils do not.  Because synthetics are engineered in a lab specifically for lubrication, as opposed to being refined from crude oil, they do not have the impurities that petroleum-based oils have.  They are more pure and stable and as a result many benefits accrue.  They need fewer additives to fight negative characteristics, such as contaminants.  The additives they do have are used up more slowly.  This means they more strongly retain the qualities needed in a motor oil for longer periods - qualities such as heat control, friction reduction and engine deposit reduction.
What does this mean for you, the consumer?  If you are willing to use synthetic motor oil, it means a couple of things.  First, it means longer intervals between oil drains-which means you will save money on oil and oil changes.   It also means extended engine life, and therefore extended vehicle life-longer, higher-quality  lubrication of your engine means your car will last longer.
With the price of cars where it is today, The Motor Oil Bible is an invaluable resource for the consumer looking to learn about motor oil and its use-find it today if you want to learn more about this topic.
The Motor Oil Guy

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Info Regarding Performance Motor Oil

Have you heard about high or extended performance motor oil?  How does it work?  Is it right for you?
Today's car engines need high performance lubricants, and synthetic oils are really the only ones that will do.  Why?  First, because of their purity and stability, synthetic motor oils do a better job of lubricating and protecting your engine, thereby improving its performance.  This in turn extends the life of your engine and your vehicle.  While petroleum-based oils have served us well for years, today's high performance engines are better served by synthetic oils.
Image via WikipediaIn addition to being better for your engine, today's high performance motor oils such as Mobil 1 Extended Performance, Castrol Edge, AMSOIL and others offer extended drains.  This means oil changes at durations as long as 15,000 miles or one  year.  Some oils have offered even longer drain intervals, for example, 25,000 miles.  For years such practices were avoided because it seemed as though no one was doing it.  But the fact is extended oil drains have been used with corporate fleets for years with excellent results.  The advantages are twofold - less money spent and less harm to the environment.
Nevertheless, even the manufacturers of synthetic, high performance motor oils are reluctant to recommend very extended drain intervals.  Why you might ask?  Because they still make most of their money selling petroleum-based oils.  Imagine if everyone switched over to synthetic oils and started changing their oil at intervals between 10,000 and 25,000 miles (depending on the oil).  With recommended drain intervals for petroleum-based oils at 3000 miles, many people are changing their oil 5-8 times a year.  This would all change - a frightening thought for oil companies and quick lube outlets. The fact is, however, extended or high performance motor oil is here to stay, and it offers distinct advantages over petroleum-based oils, advantages one would be a fool not to take heed of.
The Motor Oil Guy

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About Motor Oil Reviews

How does one make sense of all the motor oil reviews that are out there?  Are consumer reviews reliable?  What about reviews in magazines?  Are there websites that are worth looking at?  Which ones?

It pays to be careful.  There are many misconceptions surrounding motor oil and reviews from consumers are often based on subjective opinions.  Also be careful  about the origin of the reviews.  Are they written by someone from the motor oil company being reviewed?  Or someone being paid by that company?  Are they written by someone trying to sell you a certain brand or type of oil? 

While it may be helpful to listen to the thoughts and opinions of those in the business (mechanics) or those who have extensive experience using particular oils, it is best to rely on technical data generated during the testing of motor oils. Reviewing the technical specifications can help you determine which motor oil has the qualities which will best serve your purposes.  Most companies make this information available via their website.

There is also a  website called TheMotorOilEvaluator.com, which is an interactive, sortable database of motor oil technical specifications.  It has this information for over 650 different motor oils from over 30 manufacturers.  The site allows you to view technical specifications for motor oils side by side and also contains links to manufacturer's websites (so you can check to see that the data is correct-if you so desire).  In addition the creator is constantly updating the database with specifications for new oils as he finds out about them.

Remember to be careful when reading motor oil reviews-and do your research using a tool you can trust-the website known  as TheMotorOilEvaluator.com.

The Motor Oil Guy

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Consider a Motor Oil Comparison

How does one go about making a motor oil comparison?  Which qualities are most important?  How do I choose between two different oils which cost the same amount and appear, on the surface, to be of similar quality?
When comparing motor oils, the most important thing to do is compare the technical specifications.  These can generally be found on the company's website, although sometimes it may be necessary to contact the company to ask that they provide them.  Each specification is found using a standardized testing method (ASTM-American Society of Testing and Materials) and is assigned a certain test number.
Different companies provide different test results.  Some will leave out certain tests.  They may feel they are unimportant.  They may not want you to know a particular test specification. Image via Wikipedia
There are around 16 specifications you might see on the data sheet for any given oil, although it's more likely you will find around 8 or 9.  Which are most important?  There are three that you should focus on: the NOACK volatility test, the Four Ball Wear Test and the HT/HS test.  These three are designed to simulate conditions you might actually find in your engine.  If any of them are missing or left out, it could mean you are looking at an inferior oil.  Also, if you find entries that read "Meets or Exceeds All Requirements", you should be skeptical.  Look for oils from companies that are willing to publish the results of standardized testing.  Also beware of companies that list results of non-standard testing in an effort to look impressive.
Another option is to use the website, TheMotorOilEvaluator.com.  There are technical specifications for over 650 motor oils from over 30 companies.  It is a searchable database which has an application which makes comparing particular oils easy.  This website allows you to make just about any motor oil comparison as you try to decide which brand to use in your vehicle.
The Motor Oil Guy

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