In 2018 alone, approximately 17 million cars were sold in the US. This trend is a reflection of the evolving motor industry. Unfortunately, not everyone is aware of appropriate vehicle maintenance practices. You can’t choose just any motor oil for your vehicle. Keep reading for 5 crucial tips for selecting the best motor oil for your vehicle.
1. Consider Your Driving Habits
Individual driving habits will determine the type of oil convenient for you. Your vehicle may be meant for heavy-duty or covering short distances. The consumption in both cases is different.
Oils that work for short travels won’t be applicable for heavy-duty. Consider oils that have unique additives.
2. Choose Between Synthetic and Conventional Oils
The right choice entirely depends on your needs and budgetary allocations. Synthetic oils are known to be more effective than conventional ones. They, however, have an extra cost.
Synthetic oils will do you good, especially when driving in extreme temperatures. High-performance vehicles will also require these synthetic oils for efficiency.
Conventional oil is slightly cheaper. It may also cause damages to your high-end vehicle. In extreme weather, it might fail you. Nevertheless, it’ll be sufficient for your old vehicle.
Liaise with peakauto.com to get these oils at reasonable prices.
3. Eliminate Old Motor Oil
In standard cases, the shelf life of the oil is around five years. Anything above that age limit is detrimental to your engine.
You may have a jerrycan of oil in your store for years with the hope of using it in your car. Generally, it’s a bad idea since engine oil degrades as the years go by.
Always be keen while replacing oils in a garage. The attendant might dupe you depending on your levels of alertness.
4. Avoid Overflows
The engine is a sensitive part that’ll need your keenness when adding oil. Fill the oil to the top line of the stick. Overfilling will affect the engine.
You may consider overfilling as a remedy to faulty engines, but it isn’t always the case. Instead, focus on mending individual faults.
Vehicle parts such as the catalytic converter are at risk of destruction due to excessive oil consumption. This damage will cost you over $1,000 to repair.
Overflows also lead to air whipping, thus foam formation. Foam doesn’t cool the engine which eventually leads to overheating and general destruction of the engine.
5. Oils Vary with Individual Vehicles
Relatively new cars are easy to deal with since the choice of oil is part of the user’s manual. A more extensive range of oils is available for selection as the vehicle gets old.
In case you are dealing with an ancient vehicle, consider using cheaper oils. After all, the car will be in its death bed within no time.
High-mileage engine oils have special additives that prevent damages such as corrosion. The motor oil choices will depend on the vehicle. Reading the manufacturers’ manual is recommended.
Bottom Line
Replacing motor oil doesn’t amount to proper vehicle maintenance. Focus on servicing your vehicle every 3-6 months, depending on the use.
Check out the rest of our blog for more auto tips and tricks!
