Motor Oil Basics: What Every DIY Car Owner Should Know

Last updated 1 year ago

The importance of motor oil is stressed by virtually every automotive repair guide. Understanding just how important engine oil is to a vehicle can help car owners avoid significant repairs. Review these motor oil essentials to keep your engine running smoothly:

An Oil Introduction

Motor oil serves a variety of purposes that keep your engine functioning normally. As a lubricant, motor oil ensures engine components avoid excessive wear damage. As a coolant, the same product protects your motor from overheating. Oil also protects the seal around the pistons in your engine’s cylinders. However, just buying any oil is not enough to guarantee your engine performs efficiently.

Viscosity Ratings

Engine oil must maintain a sufficient viscosity in a variety of weather conditions. Cold weather can cause oil to thicken, slow its flow and reduce fuel efficiency. Warm weather can thin engine oil to the point where it no longer serves its lubricant and sealant functions. As a result, viscosity is posted in a range (e.g. 20W-50) that signifies viscosity from cold to warm temperatures. The initial value should typically be rated above a 5 to guarantee sufficient winter flow. The second value indicates the level of viscosity retained in high heat

Matching Product Types

Premium oil serves as the standard for off-the-lot automobiles. 5W-20 brands will serve your car well in colder weather while 10W-30 products are sufficient for hot climates. Premium users should commit to an oil change at least every 4 months or 4000 miles. Vehicles with high-performance engines may be in need of a fully synthetic product. These pricier oils offer maximum viscosity in summer and effective flow during the winter. Truck and sport utility drivers should consider upgrading to a synthetic blend. Partially synthetic mixtures provide better fuel efficiency for heavier vehicles.

Meyers Auto Parts carries all the name-brand engine oil products drivers need to maintain a healthy engine. Contact us at (702) 431-8000 for more information on the best synthetic, premium, and high mileage blends.