There comes a time when you need to change the oil in your car. When considering changing the oil, you need to ensure that you get the perfect oil for your vehicle. Most drivers do not know what type of oil they need to put in their cars. We have compiled six questions that you need to ask yourself before you purchase oil for your vehicle.
1. What kind of fuel powers your car?
You need to understand what fuel powers your car. Some cars use Diesel while others use LPG/Petrol. Diesel and petrol-powered engines require different additives to ensure that the machines perform to the required standards and protect them.
Some oils get used for petrol and diesel engines, while others are specific to an oil type. Some diesel engines require a diesel particulate filter or a specialized additive pack as per the manufacturer’s specification.
2. Know the perfect viscosity for the engine?
15W-40, 10W-30, 0W-20, these numbers are always on the oil containers, but most people do not know what they mean. The best way to understand the number is that if the first number is low, the oil pumps faster when it is cold; when the second number is high, the oil pumps slower.
Vehicle manufacturers specify the perfect viscosity that the car will run at ambient temperature. Vehicles that have multi valves and overhead camshafts require oils with lower viscosities. On the other hand, cars with larger capacities use oils that have higher viscosity.
3. What does the car manufacturer specify?
A car manufacturer can specify the type of oil that the car needs, such as ACEA, JASO, API, or ILSAC. Vehicle manufacturers specify the oil that is needed to ensure that the car operates smoothly. With the advent of technology, oils and the additives in them have improved. In comparison, the latest model oil is better for your engine.
With new vehicles coming into the global market, manufacturers ensure that they specify the best engine type that the car needs. When you do not use the recommended oil type, the vehicle’s performance will be primarily affected.
4. Is there a specifically required standard that the manufacturer has put?
Globally, manufacturers have different engine oil standards. The manufacturer ensures that the oil used in the cars meets their OEM requirements. When you use oil that does meet the OEM standards, the manufacture can void the warranty. If the car gets damaged because you use the wrong oil, you will be held liable.
5. What to use
There are Full Synthetic, Mineral, and semi-synthetic. You need to understand the type of oil that you need to buy for your car. All three different types of oils have benefits and unique purposes. The oils are available with a wide range of viscosities and specifications. The prices of the other oils will differ, which will directly impact the quality of the oil.
6. How regularly do you use the car?
You need to know how often you use the car. If the vehicle you have you use regularly, the type of oil you use needs to be of high quality to withstand the extra work; you also need to understand the kind of climate you will drive the car.
Final thoughts
You need to know the above information to help you select the best oil that your engine needs. When you use the recommended oil, it ensures that your car doesn’t fail you often.
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