How do I know what oil my engine needs?
The owner’s manual for your car will list its recommended oil weight, whether that’s a standard format like 10W-30 or something more unusual. That number refers to the viscosity (or thickness) of the oil that you should use.
Does engine oil have to be the same brand?
MYTH: Switching motor oil brands is harmful to my engine. No. Switching brands is not harmful to your engine as long as you choose an oil marked with the API donut of the same level, e.g., API SN. You may give up enhanced performance if you switch from synthetic or high mileage to conventional oil.
Is it OK to mix oil types?
Mixing different types can destabilize your motor oil, reducing its efficiency and affecting your engine’s performance. The smartest choice is to stick with the oil type and oil change intervals recommended by your car’s manufacturer and visit your local car care experts for affordable services.
Do you know what kind of oil you need for an engine?
To know exactly which oil you need for your engine, you should check your car’s repair manual. Some cars require thick oil and other car engines required thinner oil, depending on the engine construction. Humans create myths, but they often have no factual basis.
What to do when you need to add a quart of motor oil?
With the cap off, carefully and slowly pour your quart of motor oil into the engine. Don’t worry if you spill a little, you won’t do any damage but it might smoke and stink a little when you start the car. Put the cap back on the oil fill hole and you’re done. You’ve just reduced the wear inside your engine by a lot!
What happens if you use the wrong motor oil in your engine?
While such oil leaks are certainly not damaging, this can increase your visits to the gas station. Engine Noises. Using synthetic oil on an older or high mileage car instead of conventional motor oil has another major problem. It can make your car noisier, which will usually be the loudest right after firing up.
Why do you need to change your oil so often?
Most of the wear and tear on your engine occurs when you’re starting your car, and if you aren’t driving very far, most of your driving is of the type that is very hard on your engine. More frequent oil changes will help minimize the damage.