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.

Related articles

• Conseco Mansion Sells For a Song To Lucas Motor Oil President (luxist.com)