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Many motorists view engine lubricant as a consumable item, like gasoline or windshield washer fluid. This is not the case. Engine oil is more like a part than it is a consumable. While the level can deteriorate over time, especially if you have a leak in the system or your car starts burning it. Fully synthetic motor oil is often a good choice, especially in an older car that has clocked up a lot of miles. These oils are, however, very expensive.
Many vehicles can survive on run-of-the-mill mineral oil. Prepared from refined crude, it is the least expensive of the engine lubricant options. It works perfectly well in your everyday motor vehicles. The next most expensive lube is a synthetic blend. These are manufactured in a laboratory and designed specifically for high performance motors, as well as those that are getting a little bit long in the tooth.
Then there are the totally synthetic lubes. These are caviar for the prima donnas of motoring, your Corvette Sting-Ray and others of that ilk. They have a price tag to match. One reason for choosing these types of oils is because of their high longevity.
What are the driving factors (no pun intended) behind the use of high-grade synthetics over garden variety mineral oils? One of the main benefits of synthetic lubricant is its improved flow characteristics, especially at low temperatures. This feature is particularly useful when starting the engine, when most wear takes place.
Synthetic oils can extend the length of the time span in between oil changes. If you tend to do your own work, this alone can make it worth the extra expense. Over time, it obviously saves you money on oil and filters.
There is a bit of an old wives tale going around about manufactured lubricants; this is the notion that they cannot be mixed with the real thing. Not true. The two types of lubricant are perfectly compatible at whatever ratio and in old cars as well as new. You can even swap back and forth from one type to another. It isn't the same thing as diesel versus unleaded gasoline, where making a mistake can be costly and embarrassing.
There is one little word of warning, however. If you do decide to go upmarket, make sure you go all the way. Cheaper variants of synthetic engine lubricants may contain harmful additives. This could make you worse off than if you just used simple, low-rent mineral oil. There are some things you shouldn't skimp on, and engine lubricant is one of them. Learn how to darn your own socks to save money, but don't scrimp on your motor oil.
Different types of car require different types of oil. If you are in any doubt about which type you should get for your own vehicle, check with the manufacturer. An artificial lubricant can extend the useful life of a car with more than 100,000 miles on the clock. Prima donna performance cars also prefer the expensive stuff. Remember not to scrimp on the synthetic lubricant or you could be doing your vehicle a disservice.
Many vehicles can survive on run-of-the-mill mineral oil. Prepared from refined crude, it is the least expensive of the engine lubricant options. It works perfectly well in your everyday motor vehicles. The next most expensive lube is a synthetic blend. These are manufactured in a laboratory and designed specifically for high performance motors, as well as those that are getting a little bit long in the tooth.
Then there are the totally synthetic lubes. These are caviar for the prima donnas of motoring, your Corvette Sting-Ray and others of that ilk. They have a price tag to match. One reason for choosing these types of oils is because of their high longevity.
What are the driving factors (no pun intended) behind the use of high-grade synthetics over garden variety mineral oils? One of the main benefits of synthetic lubricant is its improved flow characteristics, especially at low temperatures. This feature is particularly useful when starting the engine, when most wear takes place.
Synthetic oils can extend the length of the time span in between oil changes. If you tend to do your own work, this alone can make it worth the extra expense. Over time, it obviously saves you money on oil and filters.
There is a bit of an old wives tale going around about manufactured lubricants; this is the notion that they cannot be mixed with the real thing. Not true. The two types of lubricant are perfectly compatible at whatever ratio and in old cars as well as new. You can even swap back and forth from one type to another. It isn't the same thing as diesel versus unleaded gasoline, where making a mistake can be costly and embarrassing.
There is one little word of warning, however. If you do decide to go upmarket, make sure you go all the way. Cheaper variants of synthetic engine lubricants may contain harmful additives. This could make you worse off than if you just used simple, low-rent mineral oil. There are some things you shouldn't skimp on, and engine lubricant is one of them. Learn how to darn your own socks to save money, but don't scrimp on your motor oil.
Different types of car require different types of oil. If you are in any doubt about which type you should get for your own vehicle, check with the manufacturer. An artificial lubricant can extend the useful life of a car with more than 100,000 miles on the clock. Prima donna performance cars also prefer the expensive stuff. Remember not to scrimp on the synthetic lubricant or you could be doing your vehicle a disservice.
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