What Is The Difference Between Single-Grade Motor Oils Versus Multi-Grade Oils?
Single-grade oils (i.e. SAE 30, SAE 40) have temperature limitations in that they will not flow in very cold temperatures. Many engines do need single-grade oils, however, so always check your owner's manual. Multi-grade oils (i.e. SAE 10w30, 5w30) contain additives that enable the oils to perform in a wide range of temperatures. |
Do I Have To Use My Car Manufacturer's Branded Oil To Protect My Warranty?
A warranty cannot be tied to the use of a specific brand of oil, but it can be tied to the use of a specific quality level of oil. Use of a lesser quality oil is construed as abuse, and abuse is not covered by the warranty.
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Can I Safely Extend My Oil Change Intervals From Those Recommended By The Car Manufacturers?
The normal oil change intervals in the owner's manuals are not conservative today. Engines have become more demanding of the oil, but recommended intervals have not been shortened. By definition, most of us drive our cars in "severe" service conditions for which change intervals are about half as long as the normal intervals.
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What are Considered Severe Service Conditions?
Short trips, stop and go traffic, extreme heat or cold, and excessive dust or dirt. Normal service conditions include long trips and highway driving which are much easier on motor oils. |
Is It True That Paraffinic Base Oils Can Cause Wax Buildup And Sludge?
This is not true. All high quality motor oils are made from paraffinic base oils. Despite its name, paraffin does not mean candle wax. The stability of paraffin molecules makes paraffinic base oils more resistant to the chemical changes that can take place in an engine than other types of base oils. That means less sludge, varnish and corrosive wear with a high quality paraffinic base motor oil. |
What Is The Difference Between Conventional And Synthetic Motor Oils?
Conventional motor oils are refined from standard petroleum products. They contain additives specially formulated to provide protection and performance in a wide range of temperatures. Semi-synthetic motor oils contain a blend of pure conventional and synthetic motor oils, specially formulated with advanced technology. They offer better performance and better wear protection at start-up than conventional motor oils. Full synthetic motor oils are a specially formulated 100% synthetic base stock. They offer increased horsepower, cooler engine temperatures, and offers better low-, high-temperature properties. |
If I use Synthetic Motor Oil, Can I Extend My Oil Drain Interval Longer Than Recommended?
Although synthetic motor oils outperform conventional motor oils, extending the OEM's oil change interval is not recommended. The additives used in a synthetic motor are still depleted due to the by-products of an internal combustion engine and the oil needs to be changed as recommended. |
What Causes Increased Oil Consumption?
There can be several circumstances associated with an increase in oil consumption and a variety of reasons for them. Probably the most common reason is a failure of valve stem seals which permits oil to be drawn down the clearance between the valve stem and the valve guide. There is usually an increase in consumption after changing oil brands. In this scenario, it is usually only for a short period of time and then returns to its previous low level. The change occurs because motor oils differ in additive packages, which make up about 20% of the product. This change in the detergent/dispersant chemistry tends to remove previously deposited material that is helping to seal. Once this deposit is removed, the new chemistry will produce a deposit that regains full sealing benefits and controls oil consumption to the original lower level. Any increased oil consumption not related to these circumstances is generally due to a mechanical problem. |
Does A Change In Motor Oil Color Indicate A Quality Problem?
No! Occasionally an oil manufacturer will change the formulations of their products. This may occur due to changing API classifications or additive changes. A darker or lighter color in the finished product may result, but this does not mean that there is a problem. |
