Changing your motor oil is an essential part of car maintenance. However, with so many options available to cloud your decision, which oil will suit your car? That decision depends on the type of car you are driving and the weather you are preparing your vehicle for. Interestingly, you can deduce all that information from the oil bottle. This article will help you understand the data presented on the bottle, so you can pick the motor oil you want confidently.
The Three Types Of Motor Oil:
Conventional Motor Oil:
This type of motor oil is derived from crude oil. When crude oil is refined, a part of it exhibits an excellent quality of lubrication and protection. This lubricant part is separated from the rest of the mixture and then sold as the conventional motor oil.
Synthetic Motor Oil:
This oil type also begins its life as conventional motor oil. Rather than packing it into the bottle for sale, it is sent out for further improvements. Thus, impurities are removed, and some specialized compounds are added to the mix to enhance oil properties. Hence, you can choose the motor oil with the properties you desire the most with so many formulations. You can select one to perform well for high mileage cars or the one that offers exceptional protection to your engine. Therefore, you can expect improved lubrication, better stability, reduced breakdown, and fewer deposits when you opt for synthetic oil.
Synthetic Blend Oil:
As the name suggests, it’s a blend of the above two categories. Although this oil might not be as efficient as the pure synthetic one, it will do the job well, and that too at lower costs.
Data On Oil Bottle And Its Meaning:
Grade: Grade is mentioned as ‘number’-w-‘number’, for example 5w30. This primarily indicates the viscosity, the ease with which fluids flow, of the oil under cold and normal operating temperatures. The number preceding w (stands for winter) indicates the fluidity of oil during winters or a cold start. Moreover, the lower the number, the better will be the oil’s performance under cold temperatures. For example, a 0w30 grade oil can work in frigid temperatures lower than -30 degrees. The number coming after w indicates the viscosity of oil in normal working or warm conditions.
API: It’s an acronym for American Petroleum Institute. This is the code for which you can use the oil. Hence, there are broadly two categories defined by letters S and C, with S for petrol engines and C for diesel ones. What follows these letters describes the specification it meets. Therefore, you can use SM or CI4 for the modern cars you have.
Conclusion:
Now that you know the ins and outs of choosing the right type of motor oil for your car, you should always refer to the car handbook for oil specification. However, if the task still seems daunting to you and you don’t want to mess up your car with the wrong oil selection, then Cadillac Car Wash is here for your aid. Feel free to drive into our car wash for all your oil replacement needs.