Buy Motor Oil

Why should I care which brand or type I get when I buy motor oil?  Is there really any difference between the cheap ones and the expensive ones?  Between synthetic and non-synthetic engine oils?  Getting the right answer could be crucial to your car's performance and longevity.
Image via WikipediaWhen it comes to motor oils, generally you get what you pay for.   While that cheap petroleum-based motor oil you've got your eye on may have the API (American Petroleum Institute) symbol on the side, this only ensures that it meets minimum specifications.  It only means you can be reasonably sure that the oil will adequately protect your engine.
Nevertheless, most of us want to do better than that when it comes to our cars.  With the amount of money we invest in them, more and more we need them to last longer and perform satisfactorily.  Taking the time to learn the science of motor oils is essential  to determining which type of oil has the best protection and performance characteristics.
An investigation regarding petroleum oils versus synthetic oils will lead to the conclusion that synthetic oils are better in almost all cases.  Because synthetic oils are specifically designed for lubrication, as opposed to being manufactured from a refined substance (as petroleum-based oils are), they are free of many of the impurities present in petroleum oils.  Thus they need fewer additives and those additives they do contain are used up much more slowly, allowing them to do their job over a longer period of time.  This makes for longer performance.  The ultimate result is less money spent on oil changes over the life of your car, along with extending the life of your car.  This is why you should pay close attention when you buy motor oil.
The Motor Oil Guy

Related articles by Zemanta

• Castrol Named Top Motor Oil Brand in Popular Mechanics Reader's Choice Awards (eon.businesswire.com)

The Importance of Car Motor Oil

Why is the car motor oil you use important?  What different types of motor oils are out there?  How do I choose?
Image via WikipediaFirst, it is important to understand how motor oil is made.  Motor oils are made up of two components-a basestock and an additive package.  The basestock makes up the majority of the oil and the additive chemicals are added to counteract the negative qualities of the oil and improve the positive characteristics.  There are two types of basestocks-petroleum and synthetic.  Petroleum basestocks are made from crude oil and have been used since motor oil was first developed.  Synthetic basestocks are a more recent invention.  They are made in a laboratory and are engineered solely for lubrication.  They do not have to be purified or refined and have none of the impurities present in petroleum basestocks.
 
The purification process used with petroleum basestocks improves high and low temperature performance.  Resistance to oxidation (which causes sludge) and viscosity index (the ability to maintain viscosity over a wide temperature range) are also improved by this process.  There is also a refining process with petroleum basestocks which helps remove impurities.  Some are even put through a refining process called "hydrocracking."  The resulting basestock is so pure it can legally be called synthetic.  This is the type of oil you will find at your local auto parts store being sold under the banner "synthetic", even if it is not truly a synthetic oil.
As you might imagine, actual synthetic oils offer much that petroleum-based ones do not.  Their purity means improved high and low temperature performance, improved oxidative and thermal stability, enhanced frictional characteristics and longer lubricant life.  All of these characteristics mean longer periods between oil changes.  Mileage and performance are improved as well.  All of this makes synthetic oils the right car motor oil for you.
The Motor Oil Guy

Related articles by Zemanta

• Conventional Oil vs. Synthetic Oil: A Brief Explanation (ridelust.com)

Motor Oil Differences

Ever wondered how to decide between all the different types of motor oils on the market?  What's the difference between petroleum-based motor oils and synthetic motor oils?  Which is best for your particular vehicle?
First, petroleum-based oils are made from crude oil.  It is purified through a refining process that includes desalting, partial vaporization, vacuum distillation, solvent extraction, dewaxing and sometimes hydrofinishing (this process is used with more premium petroleum basestocks).  These processes are done to remove contaminants and purify the oil.  The important thing to remember is that companies must spend money on this process.  They must attempt to find quality crude oil basestocks and then they must also spend on the refining process.  This is reflected in the prices you will pay - higher quality, better-refined, brand name motor oils will cost more.
There are also petroleum-based motor oils that are so pure and refined that they can be sold as synthetic.  These oils are put through a process called "hydrocracking," which actually changes the molecular structure of the oil.  These oils have much better performance characteristics and can legally be labeled as synthetic.  In fact, most of the oils you will find at your local auto parts store that are labeled "synthetic" are of this variety.
"True" synthetic motor oils have been designed specifically for the purpose of lubrication.  As such, they are an improvement in all ways over petroleum-based motor oils.  They have improved low and high temperature performance, better friction reduction and a longer life span.  Simply put, synthetics  protect, lubricate and cool better than petroleum-based oils.
Image via WikipediaDoes this mean you should use synthetic motor oils in your car?  Not necessarily.  If you have an older vehicle, switching to synthetics may expose leaking gaskets and seals in your engine.  In addition, if you are a low mileage driver, synthetic oils may not be worth the expense involved.  It is important when trying to decide between petroleum-based and synthetic motor oils to do your research and make sure to choose what's best for your needs.
The Motor Oil Guy

Related articles by Zemanta

• Engine Oil Facts and Information (athingforcars.com)

The Role of Motor Oil

Image via WikipediaEver wondered about the role of motor oil in your car's functioning?  What it does and why it's important?  Motor oil plays a crucial role in the life of your car and it's important to get the facts so you can make a good decision about which type of oil to use.

Motor oil has four main functions.  First, it lubricates so that engine components will pass by one another without friction, which can cause loss of power.  A second closely related function is protection against wear and corrosion.  A motor oil must combat the acids which are a byproduct of the combustion process to prevent corrosion of engine parts.  Third, a motor oil must clean by keeping deposits from forming and holding contaminants in suspension until they are removed by the oil filter.  Finally, motor oil must cool your engine.  As it passes through your system, it is directed onto the hot surfaces within your engine in order to carry the heat away to the oil pan.

How does it do this? Your oil pump draws oil from the oil pan and forces it through the oil filter.  It is then pushed throughout the engine to lubricate the components.  One cannot underestimate the importance of this process.  Engine (and car) life can be extended as long as 200,000 to 300,000 miles when proper motor oil use is combined with sensible oil drains.  A smart car owner would be foolish not to research this topic and take steps to get the best possible motor oil for their vehicle and their needs.  As well as extending your engine's lifespan,  a good motor oil can prevent costly repairs, improve fuel mileage and also improve performance.


The Motor Oil Guy

Related articles by Zemanta

• Hello Kitty motor oil (boingboing.net)