Introduction:
Motor oil has attracted more than its fair share of myths. From being the root cause of car trouble to thinking you need extra additives, motor oil's central role in vehicle longevity and performance is undeniable.
But as generations have passed, many people believe misinformation about how it works or what should go into your tank! It's time we bust these popular misconceptions followed by facts straight from our auto repair experts in Eden, NC.
Myths About Motor Oil That Must Be Busted
Myth 1: Motor Oil Must Be Replaced Once It Has Turned Black
Motor oils naturally darken over time as they are exposed to heat cycles. Additionally, detergent and dispersant additives hold particles in suspension so that these cannot adhere to engine parts which could turn the oil black.
The blackened motor oil in your car sometimes can be a good sign that the additives are doing their job.
Follow the oil change guidelines to know exactly when to change oil, and if you want more precision, the used analysis will tell exactly how much more waiting until the next oil change service is needed!
Myth 2: You Should Change Oil Every 3,000 miles Introduction:
Motor oils and engine technology are far more advanced today. Just like you do not need to add water to your battery or change ignition points. In the same way, you no longer need to change the oil every 3000 miles.
In fact, the Car manufacturers recommend longer intervals between a car oil change, with many up to 10k+ mile service schedules, which means they'll be able to absorb some driving without having any concerns about wear-and-tear on parts like bearings, etc.
Plus, premium synthetic oils provide better protection against harmful contaminants found inside dirty gasoline engines – meaning cleaner performance all around no matter what kind of fuel is used.
Myth 3: You Can’t Mix Synthetic with Conventional Oil
Synthetic and Conventional motor oil is made of the same basic components: Base Oils And Additives.
Although the base oils in synthetic motor oil are superior to their conventional counterparts, they can safely be mixed. In fact, that is what makes them so great for use with all types of cars and trucks because it reduces engine wear over time!
While safe, we recommend avoiding this as doing so will reduce synthetic oil performance significantly.
Myth 4 – You Cannot Switch Back to Synthetic from Conventional Oil
Many people ask whether it’s safe to switch back and forth between conventional oil and synthetic motor oils. The answer is yes! Both types of fluids are compatible so there won't be any harmful effects on the engine performance or durability of your car's parts.
However, the better question will be, after using synthetic oil and experiencing a better performance, why would you want to switch to conventional oil?
Myth 5: Synthetics Cause Oil Leaks
There was a time when this was true—when synthetic oils first came on the market back in the 1970s, they weren’t perfected and could cause additional wear to seal gaskets within your car's engine. Today, however, new formulas have been created to help your engine by protecting these important components.
So synthetic is actually better than conventional type as it better protects the engine against any rust or corrosion at an accelerated rate!
However, there are still those that believe that synthetics will cause oil leaks in their car. We say, if your car is well-maintained and you use the right products for your engine, there’s no reason to be concerned about this anymore!
Myth 6: All Oil Additives Are the Same
Not true! Oil additives are specifically designed to improve the performance of your car's engine oil. Some are designed to help keep the oil performing under high pressure and heavy loads, while others are designed to help the older and higher-mileage cars last longer by preserving the seal conditioners in the oil.
The most important thing to remember is always to consult your car's owner’s manual to see what kind of oil and additives are best for your vehicle!
Myth 7: Additives Improve Engine Performance
Yes, additives can do that! But oil can’t add horsepower to your car's engine, nor can it improve your car's gas mileage. So any claim about the performance enhancement is a big, fat lie!
But there are many other benefits that additives can provide, such as:
- Reducing engine wear
- Protecting against corrosion
- Improving oil's ability to flow in cold weather
- Neutralizing acids
So while they cannot overall improve your car's performance, they are still an important part of keeping your engine running smoothly and efficiently!
Myth 8: I Don’t Need to Change the Air Filter Every Time I Change Oil
The oil filter is what's responsible for keeping all the nasty contaminants sludge, grime, and even dirt out of your car's engine oil. As with most filters, the more they are used, the more they get clogged up and need to be replaced.
They are generally designed to last just one cycle of an oil change, so skipping a filter change could cause long-term damage to your car's engine!
Myth 9: Bottled Oil Is of Higher Quality Than Bulk Oil
When you buy your oil from an auto parts store, you buy it in a single-quart bottle or a five-quart jug. But when you buy it from an auto repair shop, they often have big vats of oil that they use to fill up your car's engine.
This might make you think that the oil from those big vats is lower quality than what you would get in a bottle, but that's not necessarily true! The oil in those vats is the same oil you would get in a bottle—it's just bulkier and cheaper.
Conclusion:
Motor oil myths are so common because they've been around for generations. But now that you know the truth, you can make sure your car's engine is getting the best possible care!
Consulting your car's owner’s manual and regularly taking your car to your nearest oil change shop in Eden is the best way to keep your engine running smoothly and efficiently for years to come!
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