Before we discuss how to save money by using the appropriate engine oil, we should first talk about what engine oil is used for. Just to be clear, in order to do its work, the engine must lubricate the moving parts of the engine to prevent wear due to heat generated by friction. Any time two metal parts of the engine contact, they create heat (and that may happen if there is no protective layer of oil where the two parts contact).
Engine oil separates two metal surfaces from one another, preventing contact that can lead to damage. It also works to lubricate engine parts to make the movement more efficient against resistance, and thins out to combat heavy heat buildup that can result in serious damage and degradation. On the other hand, a common misconception is that all “engine oil” is the same, and you can use any engine formulated oil. That is not the case.
Why Does Choosing the Right Oil Grade Matter?
The viscosity (so-called “grade”) of oil is important to understand because it will help you figure out how thick or thin the oil could be. Note the fact that oil being thick or thin, does not equate to oil being good or bad; oil is right or wrong depending on what the vehicle needs to use. Some manufacturers designed their vehicles to operate using thick oils, while other manufacturers designed their engines for thin oil. If you use thick oil in an engine designed to operate with thin oil, or vice versa, there will be consequences.
You may be wondering why manufacturers have to design their engines to use either thin or thick oil. Why has there never been a grade of oil that all manufacturers would agree on? The answer is simple; different manufactures are designing their vehicles to be used in different regions and to achieve different performance levels. For example, thick oils are better utilized in hot climates, while thin oils may be better suited for cold climates.
Using the correct engine oil will minimize the wear and tear on the car engine. This offers other benefits as well as it is not just about making the engine last as long as possible. The proper engine oil can also help to smooth out a rough idle so the car engine runs as smoothly as possible. The right engine oil helps to ensure smooth, powerful acceleration, fuel economy, and more.
The Dangers of Using the Wrong Oil Grade
Engine wear and tear
The engine of your vehicle consists of many moving components. This means that it is necessary to use appropriate lubrication. If you use the wrong or wrong grade oil (very thin, very thick, etc.), then the engine, which includes cylinder heads, pistons, and valve trains, will not be adequately lubricated, which will lead to mechanical parts wear and tears.
Reduced fuel efficiency
Just as the wear and tear is associated with incorrect oil usage, if the car engine’s moving parts are not well lubricated, this will cause an increase in friction, which in turn leads to reduced fuel efficiency of the engine. So, always use the correct oil for your car.
Potential Damage to Engine
There are many ways a car engine can sustain damage from a lubricant standpoint. For example, suppose the engine oil is either too thin or too thick. This could potentially lead to an insufficient lubrication factor, with moving parts not providing enough lubrication for the car engine to operate smoothly under mechanical conditions, or friction and heat will cause a mechanical failure in the car engine.
At first glance, it would appear that you are simply looking to find the correct engine oil. It is a bit more complicated than many car owners realize. The first place to start is the car manufacturer’s recommendation. As the manufacturer, they understand the tolerances of your engine better than most other people. You can typically find the manufacturers oil weight recommendation in the owner’s manual, or on the oil filler cap on the engine itself.
