There are a number of reasons why you need the correct types of car engine oil. Oil plays many roles within the car engine block. It serves it purpose from the moment you start the car. It usually acts as a lubricant, for protection and even cooling. If you choose the right type of car engine oil, you won’t have to worry about towing your car because it broke down.
Further, oil prevents corrosion and cleans the parts of the engine block to rid it of any abrasive particles. Hence the reason why you should not skip an engine oil change. Once the engine is cleaned, the oil passes through the filter to remove some of the contaminants.
For this reason, you should always ensure that the car has sufficient oil. As you conduct the routine car maintenance checks, make sure you look at the oil level. Though cars have engine oil sensors that issue a warning light when the engine oil is low.
Factors that make oil different from each other.
- Method of production.
Engine oil is produced differently. The three varying types of car engine oil go through processes that give them their unique characteristics. Mineral oil is comes from petroleum. While semi synthetic oil comes through mixing the mineral oil and synthetic oil through a chemical process. On the other hand, the fully synthetic oil comes from chemical processes within a lab to achieve controlled and desired characteristics.
2. Level of viscosity.
Oil viscosity is rated as per the oil’s capacity to flow during an engine start versus when the engine is fully fired up. When you assess the oil container, you will notice some markings on it with the letter W in between two numbers. The letter W represents the temperature conditions of the engine as well as the weather outside.
For example 00W00. The number in front of the W represents oil viscosity during cold temperatures, when the car engine is starting. The lower the temperature the better the viscosity during cold temperatures. Alternatively, the number after the letter W represents the oil’s viscosity during normal engine operation temperature. The higher the number, the more efficient the oil flows during normal engine operation temperature.
Sometimes, this temperature even gets to 400 degrees. If the engine cooling system components are faulty, it results to overheating.
Types of car engine oil.
- Mineral Oil.
This is a very basic type of car engine oil. It is mostly used for older engines that are not performance engines. Because of its nature, this oil is not meant for high performance engines. This oil does not have a high flowing capability. It is usually thicker than the others.
Further, mineral oil does not do well under extreme weather conditions. The thing is if you live in areas with such extreme temperatures, you will have to go for another type of oil. Additionally, this oil’s oxidation properties are lower than the others hence oil changes must be frequent for this one.
2. Semi Synthetic oil.
This type of oil is pretty simple because it mixes synthetic and mineral oil. That gives it a balance of the properties from both oils. The semi synthetic oil is very affordable when compared to the fully synthetic oil. Further, it offers quality that is recommendable for high performance and older engines. Additionally, it has good oxidation properties that don’t necessitate a frequent oil change.
3. Synthetic oil.
It is chemically modified to achieve higher quality performance and properties when compared to the others. It has superior oxidation properties that make it last within the engine for a longer period than the others. Meaning the oil changes can occur once every few months.
Its pricing is quite expensive but the quality of performance is worth the investment. If your car engine is a high performance one, then this is the recommended oil to choose.
