|
|
(NewsUSA) - Some people take advice about motor oil from those who may not know any more about lubricants than they do. There are meaningful differences in motor oil, however, so selecting the right one can make a difference in the performance and reliability of your car.
There is no easy way to determine lubricant quality, but price is often an indicator since the more advanced lubricant technologies cost more to produce.
Additionally, consumers can research lubricant companies' Web sites to seek out information on independent third-party testing.
The following oil breakdowns should help you navigate the many motor oil choices and find one that's right for you and your car.
Mineral-Based Motor Oils.
These are the cheapest and most widely available oils. Refining helps reduce the impurities in the mineral oil but leaves molecules of all shapes and sizes. These lubricants typically use standard additive packages that provide minimum levels of performance and protection.
Synthetic Oils.
These man-made oils are more expensive than mineral-based oils but are still widely available. Their performance advantages come predominantly from the synthetic base oil used. Synthetic lubricants are man-made compounds whose molecules are all the same size and shape. Consequently, they reduce friction better than mineral oils. Synthetic oils have a longer service life and offer some improvements in protection. They typically use the same additive packages found in mineral-based oils.
High-Performance "Specialty" Motor Oils.
These technologically advanced motor oils outperform both widely distributed mineral-based and synthetic motor oils. These oils primarily differ in their use of more advanced, proprietary additive technologies. Their performance advantages include reduced engine wear, increased horsepower and torque and reduced fuel consumption and emissions. These oils also allow users to go longer between oil changes, saving consumers time and money. You can find more information about high-performance motor oils by visiting www.royalpurple.com.
If you're still confused, here's a quick breakdown: For a used car with little life left in it, stick with cheap mineral-based motor oil. For some improvement in performance, upgrade to major brand synthetic motor oil. To get the most performance and to protect a vehicle you really care about, upgrade to a high-performance "specialty" motor oil.