So, when exactly is your engine due for an oil change?
You can find the easiest -- and safest -- answer in your owner's manual which lists the manufacturer's recommended maintenance intervals. Overall, though, it all depends on your engine's design and the type of oil used.
Past 5,000 kilometres or so, engine oil gets considerably dirty and loses most of its lubricating properties. This leads to premature wear of the internal components. Oil deteriorates because it constantly has to deal with high pressure, heat, fuel vapours, moisture, and various contaminants.
The million dollar question (so to speak): Should you use synthetic or mineral oil?
Each engine works best with a specific type of oil. Again, refer to the owner's manual to find out the recommended type of oil for your car. If the vehicle you purchased came with synthetic oil, then stick with that. More upscale or higher-performance models often use synthetic oil.
Mineral oil: pros and cons
Mineral oil comes from crude oil through a refining process. It contains saturated hydrocarbons; some of them are quality substances, while others are less than appropriate as they don't withstand heat as well. To reduce the risk of oxidization at high temperatures additives must be incorporated, usually in a proportion of 10%-25%. Mineral oil's biggest advantage is its low cost.
Synthetic oil: pros and cons
Synthetic oil uses synthesized chemical compounds, which means it's artificially produced from carbon and hydrogen. There are two categories: pure synthetic oil and semi-synthetic oil (also called “synthetic blend”). The latter blends mineral oil with up to 20%-30% synthetic oil for improved performance. It may not be as heat-resistant as pure synthetic oil, but it's cheaper. Consider it a best-of-both-worlds solution.
Meanwhile, synthetic oil can either be manufactured using chemically modified petroleum components (rather than whole crude oil), or synthesized from other raw materials. A certain number of additives are thrown into the mix to increase quality. In addition to superior heat resistance, synthetic oil boasts low-viscosity at low temperatures to protect the engine upon starting, while its stable viscosity and reduced oxidization, even at high temperatures, make it last longer. Moreover, synthetic oil does a better job of lubricating engine parts, thereby reducing friction. On the other hand, it's almost twice as expensive as mineral oil.
What you need to know
Engine oil is a vital fluid that finds its way everywhere. Its main function is to lubricate moving parts, but it also cleans, inhibits corrosion, improves sealing, and cools the engine by carrying heat away from moving parts.
There are various grades of oil (based on viscosity) on the market, and they can all influence your car's fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. The oil grading system consists of two numbers (example: 10W30): The first refers to the oil's viscosity at low temperatures, and the second at high temperatures (100°C): the higher the number, the thicker the oil.
Beyond the engine itself, seasons also determine the type of oil you should use. During winter, for instance, your best bet is an oil grade with a low first number so as to oppose less resistance to the crankshaft and, more importantly, allow the oil to quickly reach every part of the engine.
You can find the easiest -- and safest -- answer in your owner's manual which lists the manufacturer's recommended maintenance intervals. Overall, though, it all depends on your engine's design and the type of oil used.
Past 5,000 kilometres or so, engine oil gets considerably dirty and loses most of its lubricating properties. This leads to premature wear of the internal components. Oil deteriorates because it constantly has to deal with high pressure, heat, fuel vapours, moisture, and various contaminants.
The million dollar question (so to speak): Should you use synthetic or mineral oil?
Each engine works best with a specific type of oil. Again, refer to the owner's manual to find out the recommended type of oil for your car. If the vehicle you purchased came with synthetic oil, then stick with that. More upscale or higher-performance models often use synthetic oil.
Mineral oil: pros and cons
Mineral oil comes from crude oil through a refining process. It contains saturated hydrocarbons; some of them are quality substances, while others are less than appropriate as they don't withstand heat as well. To reduce the risk of oxidization at high temperatures additives must be incorporated, usually in a proportion of 10%-25%. Mineral oil's biggest advantage is its low cost.
Synthetic oil: pros and cons
Synthetic oil uses synthesized chemical compounds, which means it's artificially produced from carbon and hydrogen. There are two categories: pure synthetic oil and semi-synthetic oil (also called “synthetic blend”). The latter blends mineral oil with up to 20%-30% synthetic oil for improved performance. It may not be as heat-resistant as pure synthetic oil, but it's cheaper. Consider it a best-of-both-worlds solution.
Meanwhile, synthetic oil can either be manufactured using chemically modified petroleum components (rather than whole crude oil), or synthesized from other raw materials. A certain number of additives are thrown into the mix to increase quality. In addition to superior heat resistance, synthetic oil boasts low-viscosity at low temperatures to protect the engine upon starting, while its stable viscosity and reduced oxidization, even at high temperatures, make it last longer. Moreover, synthetic oil does a better job of lubricating engine parts, thereby reducing friction. On the other hand, it's almost twice as expensive as mineral oil.
What you need to know
Engine oil is a vital fluid that finds its way everywhere. Its main function is to lubricate moving parts, but it also cleans, inhibits corrosion, improves sealing, and cools the engine by carrying heat away from moving parts.
There are various grades of oil (based on viscosity) on the market, and they can all influence your car's fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. The oil grading system consists of two numbers (example: 10W30): The first refers to the oil's viscosity at low temperatures, and the second at high temperatures (100°C): the higher the number, the thicker the oil.
Beyond the engine itself, seasons also determine the type of oil you should use. During winter, for instance, your best bet is an oil grade with a low first number so as to oppose less resistance to the crankshaft and, more importantly, allow the oil to quickly reach every part of the engine.
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