Suitability And Performance, Not Price, Should Decide Your Choice Of Engine Oils

By Author: Amar Iqbal
Total Articles: 9
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If you want superior performance and enhanced engine life you must choose fully synthetic engine oils. At least this is what a shopkeeper will advise when he wishes to push a can of expensive synthetic premium engine oil. Just as there are different types of engine oils cars and their engines too are different. You can buy a car with a basic engine design and then you have cars with digital computer controlled fuel injection, sophisticated engine oil delivery systems, tighter tolerances, higher temperatures and torque. This does not mean you must use only premium synthetic engine oils. Cars will work just as well on synthetic or natural mineral oils.

What works in car engines is oil blended with additives that can make up 25% of the volume. These additives are claimed to reduce friction, ensure uniform performance at low temperatures as well as at high temperatures, reduce sludge deposits as well as improve fuel economy. Then there are detergents and rust preventives added to oils and lubricants to keep engine parts clean. Typical additives may include viscosity index improvers ...
... for uniform viscosity and lubrication at all temperatures and pour point depressants that modify viscosity to ensure better starts at low temperatures. Then there are anti-oxidants, foam inhibitors, high pressure additives and anti-wear additives all of which enhance properties and provide additional functionality in oils and lubricants. Oils and lubricants with these additives cost more. You can just as well use normal oils and add aftermarket additives with specific properties and gain the same benefit at a lower cost.

By choosing the most expensive engine oils cars do not automatically receive a huge performance boost or extended life. It is smarter to match engine oil to the car’s engine. If the manufacturer recommends a normal grade of oil or a blend, it is best to go with that. By using the wrong type of engine oils cars may actually lose performance and the engine may also be damaged.

Another point to keep in mind is not to mix engine oils. There is no point in adding expensive synthetic oil to normal oil hoping it will be a happy blend.

An important factor to consider is how you use your car. Do you consistently drive it at high speeds for long stretches in hot weather? Do you live in a relatively cool area where it may be near freezing and it is important for your car to start immediately? Do you use your car only for short stretches and drive at sedate speeds or in heavy traffic? In each case you would have to use a different type and grade of oil and also consider the thickness. Thus, a 10W50 oil may be perfect in one set of conditions but quite impractical in another. The best person to recommend the right grade and viscosity is your local car garage or, if you buy online, a specialist dealer in car engine oils. Mobil engine oils are available in different types and grades and it would be smart to stick with a globally reputed brand that works as claimed and gives most mileage for your money.