If you know anything about vehicles, you've probably heard a lot of different things regarding engine oils. Many of them may sound like folk tales, which they most likely are.
Engine oil is necessary to the vehicle, just as water is to the human body. A vehicle cannot fulfill its mission of carrying people from one location to another without it. In short, engine oil shields engine parts from rust, sludge, and oxidation while also lubricating them.
Engine oil discussion might be deceptive to a new car owner because it can be full of myths and opinions that aren't based on facts. Myths abound, and it's difficult to pinpoint where they came from. However, the evidence must be used to dispel them.
In this post, we will try to debunk some of the most popular misconceptions about engine oil. The following are the top 10 engine oil myths you need to know about.
1. Engine Oil Needs to Be Changed After Every 3000 Miles
Your mileage counter isn't a reliable indicator of when it's time to change your engine oil. Because different car models and specs perform differently, deciding that a 3,000-mile count is the base for your next oil change is inappropriate.
This used to be true in older cars with older engine oils, but that is no longer the case! As oil viscosity and quality have increased, most current car manufacturers have defined the necessity for oil changes between 10,000 and 25,000 kilometers.
Your owner's manual is the finest source of information on how often you should change your vehicle's oil and which engine oil is ideal for your needs.
2. If the Engine Oil Turns Black, You Need to Change It Immediately
Brand new engine oil has an amber color, as you likely already know. However, over time, when the oil goes through the engine, it will become tainted with dirt, turning it black.
While black engine oil can indicate overused engine oil, this is not always the case. If you've ever replaced engine oil in a diesel engine, you're probably aware that the engine oil becomes pitch black just a few seconds after the engine runs with new oil. So, your engine oil turning does not always mean that it is time for you to change the oil in your car.
3. You Need to Change the Engine Oil before a Long Road-Trip
Before embarking on a road trip, it is prudent to get your vehicle inspected and serviced. This should not, however, be the main reason for the change. Always stick to your normal car maintenance schedule to maintain a true picture of your vehicle's condition.
Check the level of your oil dipstick as well. When the oil level falls below the marker, it means you'll need to add more.
4. The Engine Will Be Harmed When You Switch Between Oil Brands
This isn't correct! Rotating between brands will never hurt your engine as long as you utilize the same specifications as the last one. Furthermore, you should be aware that even though the specs are the same, there may be changes in oil quality, but switching brands will not damage your engine.
5. If Your Engine Is Running Well, You Can Settle For a Low-Quality Engine Oil
Always keep in mind that your car is a significant financial investment. It, like other investments, must be handled with care and only the best materials should be used. The same may be said for your engine oil.
Settling for a lower-priced, lower-quality product can only cost you money and harm your engine in the long run. Foreign components pollute low-quality engine oils, reducing the lubricating properties of a high-quality one.
6. The Performance of a Car’s Engine Is Improved with Additives
We're undecided about whether or not this is a myth. Oil additives will not directly improve performance, but they may have an indirect effect. If you have blocked oil lines in your mechanical lifters or chain tensioners, an oil additive will help you clear them out and improve the performance of your engine.
7. Even After an Engine Oil Change, You Can Continue to Use the Existing Oil Filter
Your engine oil filter and oil work together to keep your engine running smoothly—the filter aids in the removal of impurities that can harm your engine. Your engine oil filter becomes clogged over time, necessitating its replacement.
However, the scenario is extremely rare to occur, therefore we are pretty comfortable pronouncing this to be a myth, and you should treat advertisements about it with caution.
8. The “W” on the Packaging Refers to Weight
We are not sure where this misconception originated, but the W does not stand for weight. The numbers represent the oil's viscosity, and the W refers to "winter”. This letter denotes that the cold temperature viscosity is represented by the last two numbers.
9. In Older Engines, Even Quality Engine Oil Will Leak
If you see oil leaks beneath an older engine, it's a sign that your seals are failing. Whether you have a new car or an older model, high-quality engine oil does not leak. Take your automobile to a qualified expert as soon as you notice oil leaks so that the problem can be resolved.
10. Synthetic Oils Can Cause Engine Leak by Causing the Engine Seals to Wear Down
This myth isn't entirely correct. Gaskets and seals are not harmed by synthetic oil. This myth presumably began with synthetic oil via smaller openings than regular oils because synthetic oil can seep out via smaller openings.
Synthetic oil was not flawless when it first came out, as with any recently launched item, as it induced degradation of the engine seals and gaskets, resulting in a leak. To safeguard the engine and its vital components, new formulas have been devised today.
Most synthetic engine oils have been shown to be superior to conventional, commonly known as "mineral," oils in terms of protecting and boosting engine performance.
Final Word
People who do not have a solid basis for their views spread engine oil myths. Because many people have no clue how engines and other auto parts function, they create "myths" that can destroy other engines if they are mindlessly obeyed.
Question your trusted professional as much as possible regarding engine oil facts that you need to understand. It will also help if you educate yourself and make a commitment to automotive care and maintenance.