What engine oil does my car take?
With so many motor oil options available, picking the right engine oil for your car can feel overwhelming.
The choice of oil you need to pick will be based on the viscosity level required for your engine, which is greatly influenced by the climate and its impact on oil flow.
Furthermore, it is important to consider the type of oil as well. You have the option to select from usually:
Conventional oil is crafted from refined oil and has a slower flow, which makes it perfect for lubricating older engines and cars in colder temperatures.
High-mileage oil is recommended for cars with over 75,000 miles. It can help break down sludge, reduce oil loss, and enhance oil efficiency.
Your driving patterns, along with the climate, type of engine, and required viscosity, will play a role in determining the type of oil you select. If your vehicle is used for work such as towing or regularly encounters stop-and-go traffic, synthetic oil may be worth considering.
If you have an older engine or a more relaxed drive, conventional oil may be the most suitable option. If you are performing your own oil changes, consider purchasing items such as STP Pro Formula Engine Oil in Conventional 5W-30 and, Oil in Full Synthetic 5W-30. Finally, remember to make a plan for recycling your oil after you finish changing it.
For everyday use in mild temperatures, whatever is recommended in your owner’s manual will suffice. It is important to always pick oil from a brand with the starburst symbol, which indicates that the oil has been tested by the American Petroleum Institute (API).
Additionally, you will see a two-character service designation on the container. The most recent service standards offered by API are SP for gasoline engines and CK- for diesel engines. The letters are derived from a series of laboratory and engine tests used to assess the oil’s capacity to shield the engine from wear as well as high-temperature deposits and sludge. For those who are curious, API provides a complete list of these standards. However, it’s important to ensure that the oil you’re purchasing has been tested under a current standard.
HOW MUCH OIL DOES MY CAR NEED?
Oil serves dual purposes in your engine: not only does it lubricate the parts, preventing friction and damage, but it also aids in keeping the engine at an optimal temperature. Insufficient oil levels can lead to issues in both areas. Furthermore, the oil needs to quickly reach the top of the engine as soon as the car is started to provide lubrication and protection to these critical areas.
On the other hand, an excessive amount of oil may cause foaming and inadequate lubrication of the engine’s components. It is crucial to be aware of the amount of oil present in your car and the quantity needed for proper cooling and lubrication. Engines generally require five to eight liters of oil. On the other hand, the capacity of your engine may impact the quantity of oil required. An engine with four cylinders may require approximately five liters of oil, while a six-cylinder engine may need around six liters. Typically, a smaller engine requires less oil.
HOW TO IDENTIFY HOW MUCH OIL MY CAR NEEDS?
Here are a few ways to check to see how much oil your car needs.
1. REFER THE OWNER’S MANUAL:
Make sure to start by looking in your car’s owner’s manual. It typically provides information on the recommended oil type, the desired viscosity, oil change intervals, and the correct amount to use. In the event that you no longer have your manual, you can go to the manufacturer’s website and look for their collection of manuals. At times, you might have to sign up on a website or provide your VIN number in order to receive one.
2. CHECK PRODUCT MANUAL:
For more information, see the product’s user guide. The product provides valuable information about whether the oil is suitable for your car. Multigrade oil is usually marked with two numbers that indicate the viscosity of the motor oil. The initial number indicates the viscosity or thickness at lower temperatures. If the number is lower, the oil will perform well in cold temperatures.
The 2ND number shows the oil and performance at higher temperatures. Oils tend to thin out at higher temperatures. It is very important to find oil that will effectively lubricate your engine in hot climates. Understanding the quality of the oil and cross-referencing it with the owner’s manual will help you calculate the required amount of oil.