Choosing the right car engine oil is one of the effective ways that you can increase the life of your engine. The parts of your engine work closely together at high speed. This constantly high friction generates a lot of heat that can eventually result in wear and tear in the engine parts. The right lubricant works to smoothen out this friction and reduce the level of heat, making it function efficiently for a longer time period.
When you do not change the engine oil at a recommended time period, it can damage the engine parts. Moreover, dirt particles and acid get to build up inside the engine, which decreases its ability to reduce heat, thereby increasing the stress.
What Effect Does the best car engine oil have on Performance?
Yes, changing the engine online timely can have a significant impact on the quality of performance of your vehicle. And when we say performance, it essentially implies gas mileage. The engine that is running on old, sludgy oil will decrease the fuel economy.
When the oil gets thick and sludgy, it is way past its changing time. This results in the oil losing its lubricity, putting more stress on the engine. Moreover, due to heat exposure, the old oil will begin to break down. This will cause the oil to lose its viscosity necessary to do its primary function.
When there is no right viscosity, the engine oil does not reach its intended place, making the engine get hotter and operate less efficiently. This makes the engine lose its horsepower as well as gas mileage.
Sludge and Performance
When you do not change oil for a long time, it results in the development of oil sludge. The thickness of this sludge can get in the pathway and block the flow of the oil. This limits the ability of the oil to reach the main parts of the engine.
Additionally, oil sludge also covers the hot engine parts, which can be quite harmful. One of the functions of lubricants is to draw heat away from the parts of the engine. But when the slugs cover these parts, they stay hot for a long time, reducing their lifespan.
How Often An Engine Oil Needs To Be Changed?
Older cars need engine change based on their mileage and generally have two maintenance schedules. One schedule is for the cars driven in standard operation, and the other is used in extreme service situations. The latter means that your car was operating under the following conditions –
- Extreme weather conditions (heat, cold, dusty)
- Towing or carry heavy items
- Constant short trips
- Experienced stop-and-go operations
If your vehicle has experienced any of the above conditions, then the vehicle needs more rigorous maintenance. Most of the newer car models come with oil change alerts. So when it is time to change the oil, you will get notified on the display panel.
Typically, it is recommended to change the oil of your engine every 12 months. Maintaining adequate oil levels can help you save considerably on repair costs. And, when you get the oil change, ensure that the technician has reset the oil-life system. If you are changing the oil on your own, follow the manual’s instructions to reset the system.
Not changing the oil will reduce the engine’s performance, impact its horsepower, and reduce the mileage. This will result in constant issues with the car and reduce its longevity. Therefore, make sure you invest in the best car engine oil and keep changing it on a recommended time duration.