Why some engine oil are better than the others in Alexandria

Engine oils are created to function for specific operating conditions. The base oils and additives usually used in the engine are mixed up to provide the preferred lubricant performance in an appropriate environment that can give you benefits such as smoother running performance, longevity on the engine, and better return on your investments.

The main function of engine oil in a used car is to protect your engine against wear. It potentially reduces the friction between parts. Other functions include protecting your car against rust and corrosion, cooling lubricated surfaces, preventing deposit formation, removing contaminants, and neutralizing acidic degradation. Hence, engine oils are integral for the smooth performance of your used car. However, some engine oils are better than others. Airport Auto Sales Used Car Dealership in Alexandria, Virginia provided you key differences in these types of engine oil.

Understanding the types of engine oil

First, you need to familiarize yourself with the various types of engine oils. There are three types of engine oil in the market, namely conventional, semi-synthetic, and full-synthetic oil.

Conventional. This natural engine oil comes from the ground. Oil coming naturally usually makes anything pure; hence, there are additional ingredients in it, which merely depends on how much it was refined or cleaned.

Synthetic. Unlike conventional engine oil, it originally doesn’t come from the ground. Instead, it is made in a factory. This means that it comes out pure, and most producers will add good stuff depending on their preference and the application.

Semi-synthetic. This is a mix of both conventional and synthetic engine oils.

Is engine oil brands important?

Most used car dealership says that engine oil brands vary from one another. There are those which are more refined than others. Some are pure and differ in terms of the number of additives, which make a significant impact on the way the oil behaves with time and heat of your used car.

Bear in mind that the quality of the engine oil determines the duration of the process it will take or how much heat is needed. It is noteworthy that heat drastically accelerates the process, but it can happen with time alone.  Conventional oils that sit in a stored engine for long is just driving for 30,000 miles (48,280.32 km) without an oil change. Over time, the oil starts to change its viscosity, become clumpy, and leave a coating on everything.

Engine oils should be carefully selected

To avoid undesired negative effects, most used car dealership suggests that for every additive put in the engine oil, it must be carefully selected to complement the base oil and also with other additives. Detergents added to keep the internal of the engine clean may encourage foaming, which prevents a good oil film and reduces the oil from being circulated. There is a need for balance between the anti-foaming agent and the detergent.

Moreover, additives have specific functions. Aside from keeping the entire engine internals clean, it also keeps undesired impurities in suspension to be removed when the oil is changed or effectively removed by the oil filter. Anti-wear additives significantly increase the lubrication properties of the base oils, which creates a protective film or moving components. To protect the engine from the accumulation of sulfur in the oil, anti-corrosion and rust inhibitors are applied.

Effects of switching engine oils

The viscosity is an integral property of a lubricant.  In the case of engine oils, the selected viscosity must allow the oil to be pumpable at the lowest startup temperature the vehicle will experience at the same time protecting the components at in-service components.  In general, diesel engine oil possesses higher viscosity. If you put higher viscosity oil in a general engine, implications will arise. The first issue comes in heat generation from internal fluid friction. Heat negatively affects the life of the oil that for every 10 degrees Celsius, the temperature of the oil is raised; hence you cut the life of the oil in half.

How can we help?

Don’t believe in the commercials of oil companies. Instead, rely on the expert advice of a professional car mechanic. For further queries regarding engine oils, don’t hesitate to contact Airport Auto Sales Used Car Dealership in Alexandria, Virginia to find out more.

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