Although many people do not know it, motor oil is essential for any vehicle’s proper functioning with an internal combustion engine. The oil keeps it at an optimal operating temperature and reduces the enormous friction between engine parts. Without the correct oil, various engine elements simply melt, and we are stranded in the middle of the street with a car that will not start again.
How does it work?
The oil motor serves as refrigerant and lubricant at the same time. When we put oil in the engine, that oil is deposited in the crankcase that is below the engine, and through a pump, it passes through the oil filter and is later distributed to all the components that require it. The oil filter serves to keep any foreign particles out of the process and allow the oil to do the best job possible. When this critical part of the process fails, you can start to see premature engine wear.
What do the acronyms mean?
If you’ve bought oil for your car’s engine, you know that each type has a specific code, like 5W-40. These numbers refer to the fluidity and viscosity of the oil. Today, virtually all commercial motor oils are multigrade. These oils were developed more than 50 years ago to avoid having to use a thinner oil during the winter and a thicker one during the summer.
The first part of the oil code comes with a W (5W). This letter stands for Winter (winter in English) and refers to the fact that the engine oil must have an absolute maximum viscosity/fluidity at low temperatures. The lower the “W” number, the better it will perform at low temperatures and cold starts. The second part of the code refers to the viscosity limits of the oil at 212 degrees Fahrenheit. The lower the number, the thinner the oil (a 30 oil is thinner than one forty to 100 degrees)
Mineral or synthetic?
Although there are these two types of motor oil, practically all new cars use synthetic oil, this due to the additives that it has that help it work better, especially in cold starts, at the same time that it helps to maintain more time the oil filter. Each engine requires a type of oil, and older ones will ask for mineral oil for its viscosity characteristics. It is advisable to pay attention to the manufacturer when it refers to the oil necessary for our engine, which brings us to the next point.
In any case, we highly recommend using synthetic lubricants for your engine. AMSOIL lubricant is the ideal choice, which is distributed by Vyscocity, Inc. throughout North America. The company based in Canada operates with state-of-the-art distribution and supply of synthetic oils, and remains one step ahead in the aftersales service for customers.
As a matter of fact, Vyscocity, Inc. offers promising customer loyalty programs, which can be a great value in terms of money for every customer.
The manufacturer knows what is best
Always pay attention to the manufacturer. Each type of engine has a different viscosity and fluidity requirements. A 1.6-liter four-cylinder is not the same as a 6.2-liter V8. If you do not know which oil the manufacturer recommends, look in your car manual, there comes all that information. If we want to change the oil, there should not be much problem as long as we stay within specific parameters. We can find that in older engines or with many kilometers, there is already some play between the parts. The viscosity is not enough to lubricate them well, causing that oil to burn, and the infamous “blue smoke” comes out of the exhaust. Sign that the engine does not have enough lubrication.
Don’t experiment on your own
If you are not sure which motor oil to use, seek the advice of an expert. The best thing to do is pay attention to the manufacturer, but if you made any modifications to the engine and need more lubrication, go to a mechanic who knows the parameters the engine will now have to obtain the best possible lubrication.
Oil is the blood of the engine. It is what makes everything work as it should. Do not forget to make the necessary filter and oil changes so that your engine stays optimally lubricated and can deliver its potential at all times.
