Friday, October 29, 2010

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.
Enhanced by Zemanta

Monday, October 25, 2010

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. Motor Oil Sign.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.
Enhanced by Zemanta

Friday, October 22, 2010

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.
 Mobil 1Image 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.
Enhanced by Zemanta

Monday, October 18, 2010

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.
Oil filter for motor oil in an automobile.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.

Enhanced by Zemanta

Sunday, October 17, 2010

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.
Oil filter for motor oil in an automobile.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
Enhanced by Zemanta

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

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.
Crankshaft (red), pistons (gray) in their cyli...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
Enhanced by Zemanta

Friday, October 8, 2010

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
Enhanced by Zemanta

Monday, October 4, 2010

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. Draining the motor oil out of an automobile as...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
Enhanced by Zemanta