Many people don’t recognize that each oil is unique and that there truly is a difference in quality and performance between each different oil. They do NOT all offer the same benefits and drawbacks to the consumer. Once an individual finally realizes that there IS a difference, they often begin a motor oil quest of epic proportions to find “the one” that will best protect their vehicles and/or equipment. I hope, within this article and some subsequent follow-ups, to help guide an individual through that process .
Legendary Lubrication Dreamland
The most common mistake that many people make when seeking out their “ultimate oil” is that they assume the “best oil” is best for everyone. They are in search of some magical motor oil utopia. But, the unfortunate reality is, the utopia they seek does not exist.
It really is not possible for a single oil to meet the needs of all applications. I’m sure that’s probably obvious to most. But, it is also not possible for a single BRAND of oil to perfectly match the needs of every user. For instance, although a premium synthetic motor oil like AMSOIL, Redline or NEO may be of higher quality than most, that does NOT make any of them the ultimate choice for all users.
Thus, you’re going to want to consider your situation and application and what motor oil characteristics will be most valuable to your particular needs (such as low temperature or high temperature operation, long oil drains, low internal friction for improved fuel economy, better wear protection, low volatility, etc.). Upon establishing those characteristics, then begin looking for the oils that best offer those lubrication qualities.
Following this objective method is really going to be the most effective way to ultimately find an oil that will meet all of the particular needs of your application, thereby extending it’s useful life and offering you the greatest economy of use.
The choices that you make (synthetic, blend or petroleum, 10w40 vs. 15w40, CJ-4 or CI-4) are likely of little importance, no matter what any oil distributor tells you, except in the sense that those choices should be ones that will best serve your engine’s needs. As long as they do, it really doesn’t matter what oil or brand you choose.
Tags: Autos