Engine oil has a significant role in keeping the smooth functioning of engine parts through lubrication and reducing friction. Importance of engine oil can’t be neglected as it protects the car engine parts from rust and because of it the car parts can move smoothly. However, there are certain myths about engine oil that are not true.
In this guide, we will be debunking myths about engine oil:
ENGINE OIL MYTHS
Car maintenance and enhanced performance depend on the motor oil. If the correct oil type is not used, it will affect the performance of the engine. Not only that, engine oil reduces wear and tear of parts, friction, lowers the temperature and also, prevents engine seizing.
The myths about engine oil can affect the performance of your car and can cost you extra bucks for maintenance. Therefore, you should know all the misconceptions about engine oil that might have been previously – but are now invalidated.
Following are some of the myths about engine oil:
CHANGE THE OIL AS SOON AS IT GETS DARK
It is one of the myths about engine oil. The dark colour is not an indication of dirty oil requiring change. Engine oil becomes dark when the additives start working to clean the engine components. Therefore, the dark colour of engine oil is never a sign of changing it. However, grainy or gritty oil requires quick changing.
CHANGE THE ENGINE OIL AFTER EVERY 5000 KILOMETRES
Engine oils come in different qualities and types. Generally, changing the oil after every 5000 kilometres is not required at all. Good quality oils can last 14,000 to 16,000 kilometres. The best way to determine when to change engine oil is by referring to your vehicle user manual. However, you should never delay oil change as it will affect engine performance.
ADDITIVES IN THE ENGINE OIL ARE ALL THE SAME
This is also one of the myths about engine oil. Engine oil contains different additives for different purposes such as cleaning, improving viscosity index and preventing rust and corrosion of parts.
Refer to your car manual to see if any other type of oil additive is required or not as it can affect the performance of the car.
SYNTHETIC ENGINE OIL CAUSES LEAKS
In the early years, synthetic engine oils didn’t suit the gaskets and seals. This caused gaskets and seals to shrink causing oil leaks. However, this myth is outdated. Manufacturers have reformulated the synthetic oil so that leakage doesn’t occur.
If you use the new synthetic oil in old cars manufactured 15 years ago or so, it will still cause seal shrinkage and the oil will leak. However, modern vehicles equipped with advanced materials will not leak synthetic oil.
SWITCHING ENGINE OIL BRANDS IS HARMFUL TO ENGINE
This is one of the myths about engine oil. Switching engine oil brands will not affect your vehicle performance as long as oil with the same specification is used.
ENGINE OIL IS THE SAME IN ALL BRANDS
It is false and one of the myths about engine oil because different brands use different base oils and additives. Therefore, making engine oil different in all brands.
THICKER ENGINE OIL IS GOOD FOR YOUR CAR
This is another engine oil myth that is not true at all. The ideal viscosity of oil will depend upon the car’s specifications and engine conditions. You should check your car manual to find out the best-suited oil type and viscosity index according to your engine.
These were all the myths about engine oil. Knowing facts from fiction will help you avoid common mistakes people make due to misconceptions. Therefore, whenever you buy new or used cars for sale in the UAE, make sure you follow the car manual to learn all about changing oil.
Stay connected to your favourite cars blog in the UAE and find more detailed guides on different parts and repairs.
Related Posts
