Today’s world can’t be imagined without bikes and cars, right? When commuting to the workplace, going on a trip, or simply roaming the city, our vehicles are our go-to companions. Engines, the heart of these machines, demand great care. To keep your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently, understanding the role of engine oil is a must. In this guide, learn about engine oils, exploring their benefits, types, and the factors to consider when choosing the right one for your vehicle.

How Do They Work?

Like any other mechanical device, a vehicle’s engine consists of a large number of moving parts. Over time, these cause friction and generate heat, thus reducing the performance of your vehicle. Engine oils help in lubricating them, ensuring an efficient long life of the engine.

Benefits of Engine Oils

The key benefits of engine oil for your vehicle are as follows:

• Increased lifespan of engines
• Prevents sludge buildup inside the engine, which clogs the narrow oil passages, drastically reducing performance
• Saves costs in the long run because of the lesser need for repairs
• Facilitates better lubrication, thus increasing the performance and fuel efficiency

How Do You Choose the Appropriate Oil for Your Vehicle?

Simply using an engine oil isn’t enough. You must choose the most appropriate one for your vehicle, depending on various factors and the engine type. 

• Viscosity

Don’t worry; this is not related to high-level physics terms. Simply put, it is the measure of the thickness of the oil. A highly viscous oil will make the engine unresponsive since a greater amount of energy will be required to overcome the oil’s resistance to flow. Generally, newer engines require lighter engine oils, having less viscosity.

• Types of Motor Oils

Different engine types usually need different oils to function efficiently. The vehicle manual, bundled with your purchase, can guide you on your vehicle engine type. The various oil types are:

• Mineral Oils

These are generally used for older engines and have a low heat and oxidation resistance. They usually last approx. 5000 km, so this might not be a popular choice for you. They need to be changed frequently, costing time and money. However, they can be used if your engine specifically mandates their usage.

• Fully Synthetic Oils

These are comparatively more resistant to heat and oxidation than mineral oils. You can expect them to last more than 10,000 km before they need to be changed.

Their viscosity is lower than that of mineral oils thus, they provide better protection engines against friction. With a higher initial cost than mineral oils, these provide better value for money as your maintenance costs are lessened and engine life is greatly enhanced.

• Semi-Synthetic Oils

These are a blend of fully synthetic and mineral oil, so you get the best of both worlds. You should definitely use this if your engine supports it. Nowadays, this is also becoming quite popular among vehicle owners.

• Certifications

This is perhaps one of the most important points to consider before choosing a brand. Always check whether your choice of product has been certified by some established bodies such as API (American Petroleum Institute), ILSAC (International Lubricant Standardization and Approval Committee), etc.

Conclusion

We saw how engine oil can greatly enhance the quality and longevity of your vehicle. Be sure to keep in mind your specific requirements, such as the type of vehicle (four-wheeler or two-wheeler engine oils), climate conditions, and driving habits, to help you choose the most suitable product. Scooter engine oil, for example, often has special formulations to handle the specific needs of scooters. So, stay informed and make the right choice to ensure your journeys are hassle-free!

FAQs

Q1. Is it mandatory to use engine oils for my vehicle?

Yes, since engines are in a constant state of movement, owing to various mechanical parts, it is required to use engine oil. This reduces friction and promotes the long life of your vehicle.

Q2. Can I use engine oils interchangeably?

No, there are specific requirements for different types of engines. For example, you can’t use car engine oil on your bike and vice-versa. Doing so may significantly hamper your vehicle’s performance.

Q3. Are engine oils value for money?

Yes, engine oils can prove to be value for money. High-quality engine oils play an important role in maintaining the engine’s performance, reducing friction, and preventing wear and tear. This leads to a longer engine lifespan and minimises the chance of frequent breakdowns, ultimately costly repairs and replacements.