Motor Oil Introduction
The subject of motor oil can be a touchy subject for some. Everyone wants to believe the oil they use is the best oil. However, what are the real differences between motor oils? Is synthetic motor oil really better than conventional motor oil? Is light weight motor oil better than heavy weight motor oil? What does 10W-40 mean?
The answers involve many complex equations, but we'll skip the really techie speak and lay it out in terms we can all understand.
Motor oils are far superior today than they were just 20 years ago. There have been so many advances in anti-wear technologies, and other property enhancing ingredients, that most oils today can be rated to be very good. But that is not to say that all motor oils are created equal. Today's line of motor oils can divided into 3 main categories:
- Conventional motor oil
- Full Synthetic motor oil
- Synthetic Blend motor oil
The brand and type of motor oil people use is many times nothing more than a personal preference. As long as you change your oil at the proper intervals, your vehicle will likely perform just fine with any quality motor oil you choose; as long as it's an approved oil for your vehicle.
But other people like to know they have the best performing motor oil with the best protection for their vehicles. When it gets right down to the technical facts, there is no doubt that some types of motor oils really do outperform others. Let's take a closer look at motor oil.