Top 10 Myths about Motor Oil
Some of the top myths about motor oil can lead to incorrect and potentially costly false information and decisions. Separating fact from fiction to dispel these top 10 myths about motor oil can lead to saving money as well as better performance of your vehicle.
Dark oil is an indication that it is time for an oil change
The fact that motor oil appears dark does not necessarily mean that it is time for an oil change. It simply means that the oil is using the detergents to clean the inside of your engine. In most cases, dark oil means that the oil is simply doing what it is supposed to do.
The heavier, the thicker the oil, the better
The truth is that vehicle manufacturers recommend using thinner and lighter viscosity grades of motor oil.Texaco Express Lubesays that at start up as well as in cold weather, lower viscosity oil will “reduce internal engine friction.” Thinner motor oil also protects your car’s engine from excessive wear.
I can just use whatever motor oil I want
It is crucial to not use just any motor oil in your vehicle. You must always select and use the proper viscosity grade that is recommended by the vehicle manufacturer. Consult the owner’s manual to learn the proper viscosity grade for your car.
I do not have to change the oil filter every time I change the oil
To eliminate potential contaminants that have become trapped by the filter from re-entering the oil, change your oil filter every time you have the oil changed.
If I just change the oil filter, then I do not have to change the oil as often
Just as you should change the oil filter every time you change the oil, you must also change the oil every time you change the oil filter. The presence of dirt or any other contaminants can mean less life for both your motor oil and oil filter.
If I use synthetic motor oil, it will void my vehicle warranty
Not only will using synthetic oil not void the warranty on your vehicle, but in many cases it meets tougher vehicle manufacturer and industry standards.
Changing the oil myself will void my vehicle warranty
If you know how to properly change the oil and filter in your car, doing it yourself will not void your warranty. Just be sure to use the oil that meets vehicle manufacturer’s standards for your vehicle.
Synthetic oil causes more sludge
Valvoline saysthat this is not true. Valvoline Synthetics are higher in detergents that help clean the engine and reduce the potential of sludge.
I can safely extend the oil change intervals recommended by my vehicle manufacturer
CITGO stressesthat car engines have become more demanding of oil, but that the recommended oil change intervals have not shortened. It is not advisable to extend the oil change intervals, indicates CITGO, and also Texaco and Valvoline, who all recommend against exceeding the interval recommendations for oil changes.
It does not matter what additives I use because they are all the same
All additives are not the same. The different formulas of various additives affect different parts of the engine in different ways than other additives. While some additives may be good to use, others can cause serious problems. Not only can they cause sludge to form, but there is the potential for additives to be harmful to the engine of your car if not used properly.
There are so many myths about motor oil that some drivers may feel it can be difficult to keep up with all of them and to know what to believe and what not to believe. The best means of determining the validity of information about motor oil is to consult the vehicle’s manual and only follow the guidelines in that manual, rather than what myths your neighbor or your uncle's cousin’s nephew tells you.
