Motor oil is truly the life blood of your car, despite the fact that many people would say that fuel is. While it is undeniably true that gas is vital to the operation of your car as well, driving while low on fuel is not anywhere near as potentially catastrophic as driving when low on oil. You cannot simply add oil to an engine that has none and be on your way like you could if you ran out of gas then filled up your tank. Operating your car without engine oil or with oil that has not been changed can lead to engine failure and a new motor that can easily cost you $5,000 or more. Fortunately, significant engine damage can be avoided without too much trouble by learning how to check your oil, adding oil when necessary, being able to spot oil leaks, and getting an oil change at regular intervals. Spending a few minutes checking your dipstick or a few dollars on a quart of oil are much better alternatives to spending several thousand of your hard earned dollars on a new engine or a new car.
Motor Oil Overview
Motor Oil - Essential to the Health of Your Car
Motor oil flows through your engine lubricating engine parts, reducing friction, keeping your engine clean and free of corrosion, and helping to eliminate heat buildup. Your oil pan acts as a reservoir for storing the engine oil. Oil is forced by your oil pump through an oil filter, which filters out contaminants and impurities, through the engine, and back into the oil pan.
Types of Engine Oil
Choosing the right type of motor oil for your car can sometimes be a confusing proposition. There are different types of engine oil you can buy, viscosity ratings and classification codes to consider, a wide range of different additives, and several brands to choose from. Understanding your options and what your car needs will go a long way toward helping you find and pick the right motor oil from among the many options at the auto parts store or service station.
How to Check Your Oil
How to Check Oil - Even if you take your car in for oil changes regularly, you should still know how to check your oil level. Driving your car when the oil level is too low can lead to serious engine damage and costly repairs. Anyone can learn to check the engine oil level even if you don't know the difference between a dipstick and a pogo stick.
Motor Oil Additives
Oil Additives - The motor oil that you put in your car contains additives which keep your oil clean and your engine free of sludge. Additives also enhance the friction reducing properties of oil and can protect your oil from thinning or foaming in extreme heat or thickening in extremely cold temperatures. Aftermarket oil additives are also available that claim to be good for you engine, but are they really necessary? Get the skinny on oil additives here.
Synthetic Oil vs Regular Oil
Synthetic Oil vs Regular - While some car makers recommend using synthetic oils exclusively in their models, many do not. That means you will have to choose between synthetic and conventional oil yourself at some point. While there are benefits to using synthetic engine oil, synthetics are not for everyone. This article will help you decide whether paying more for synthetic oil rather than using mineral oil is right for you.
