The type and quality of a car’s engine oil can make a drastic change in the fuel economy of your beloved car.
Here is a brief guide to help you pick the right oil for your car.
There are many ways to improve the fuel economy of your car while driving steadily and no sudden accelerations to inflating your car at the right pressure. You should also know that car engine oil also contributes as a major factor in helping your car reach the extra mile without any extra costs.
There are three kinds of oil available in the market:
a) Mineral oil
b) Semi-synthetic oil
c) Fully-synthetic oil
Normally, mineral oil is the regular oil that lubricates your engine, but requires frequent changing. Semi-synthetic have minute polymers inside them that reduce engine wear and tear and also help protect the engine from cold damage and cold-starts. Fully-synthetic oil enhances performance of the engine by reducing carbon build-up and has excellent, ability to avoid cold-starts.
Which Oil Is Right For Me?
To choose the right oil for yourself, you should always look at the car’s engine manual for recommended oil and make. Apart from that, your car mechanic will also suggest you the best oil based on the car and the conditions you drive in.
For most buyers, the fully-synthetic one is the best since it proves economical in the long run and does not require changing as frequently as the mineral oils do. Since these are manufactured in specialized labs by adding additives to the basic oil, they are able to provide performance, engine longevity and better efficiency.
However, there are more factors you should consider, like:
1) Oil Quality
There are dozens of brands in the market, but the oil rating labelled on the container, like 5W30 tells you that this kind of oil can work in both high and low temperatures. The W tells you the winter rating and the second number tells you the summer rating. Fully synthetic ones are meant for winter conditions mainly.
Similarly, the brand should also be of repute. Do not opt for any unknown brand.
2) Viscosity Level
Thicker or thinner oil is what matters most. The lower viscosity oils work best and should be used in your car. Oils that are thinner work the best in cold conditions and turn thick when conditions become warmer. You can also go for multi-grade oils that have extra polymers in them that activate only when the oil gets heated up, unless they keep the oil thin.
3) Car Servicing Intervals
Always follow the oil change interval diligently! These oils can last only up till the time the manufacturer prescribes for them. After that, they will kill your engine slowly. Do not use oil more than its intended life; your engine may clog beyond repair.
So, always go for oil change when it is due since it increases the life of your engine and helps it perform at an optimum level.