Choosing the right oil for an engine can be a complicated process. A lot of factors come into this process and to make an informed decision, it is essential to understand the differences between the types of engine oil.

To simplify this decision, we decided to explain exactly what synthetic engine oil is and how it compares to its famous alternative, conventional oil.

Synthetic oil is a lubricant made of artificial chemical compounds as opposed to conventional motor oil which is made of refined crude oil. It is considerably more expensive but in the long run, it improves the performance of the engine of a car as it is more durable.

Before we get into the perks of using synthetic engine oil ahead of conventional motor oil, there are a few other topics to cover:

●      What are all the options available for engine oil?

●      When and how did we come about synthetic engine oil?

Types Of Engine Oil

If we were to divide the types of oil by what they are made of, we can put them into three categories: conventional, synthetic, and synthetic blends. There is another type of oil called high-mileage oil but we decided to leave that out as it is not a distinction of base compounds.

1. Conventional Motor Oil

Conventional motor oil is also called mineral oil and as the name suggests it is made of minerals, namely crude oil. Crude oil is processed into petroleum which is then processed into refined oils. Conventional engine oil is a mixture of these refined oils and plenty of other additives. 

 2. Synthetic Engine Oil

While we will go into much more detail about what it is and what the advantage of using this oil is, at the surface level, synthetic engine oil is motor oil that is not derived solely from whole crude oil. It is made either from modified petroleum components or other raw materials. It is important to note that it is still mostly crude oil.

3. Synthetic Blend Oil

Spoiler alert: synthetic oil is quite expensive. Synthetic blends are for those looking for a balance between cost and efficiency. It will still give your engine more of a boost than conventional oil but it won’t hype it up to the level that a purely synthetic oil would.

 History Of Synthetic Oil

Synthetic oil was first put into use back in the second world war in jet engines in Germany. This oil was a last-ditch effort made by Nazi Germany when the Allied Nations did not sell them conventional oil. It’s as they say: necessity is the mother of all inventions.

It was not until the 1970s that oil made its way to the commercial market.

Synthetic Oil Vs Conventional Oil- Who Is The Winner?

We thought it would be best to illustrate the advantages and disadvantages of using each type of oil with a table. This comparison table should be a perfect guide to determining the best use of each oil.

As displayed by the table, synthetic oil pretty much wipes the floor with conventional oil. The price difference is more than made up for due to synthetic oil’s durability and its ability to shield the engine.

It is important to note a couple of things, however: first and foremost, conventional motor oil more than gets the job done for those who aren’t extensive car users. Synthetic oil is overkill for these individuals.

Secondly, if the need to change oil frequently is too bothersome, a synthetic blend would be a good option. While it doesn’t last as long as classic synthetic oil, we think the money saved justifies the shorter period.

This oil was made for heavy-duty usage; it was jet fuel. As such, modern cars seldom need this level of a performance upgrade. Enthusiasts are welcome to try this oil but it is certainly not a must-have for car owners.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Often Should I Change My Oil?

In terms of conventional motor oil, it is wise to change oil at least every 5000 miles. As we mentioned multiple times, synthetic engine oil needs to be switched out way less often. Generally speaking, it takes at least 10000 miles to even consider an oil change for this type of oil. In terms of time, that would be 6 months.

Is Synthetic Oil Environment Friendly?

Well, it would be a bit of a stretch to call synthetic oils environmentally friendly. The oil is still mostly crude oil and the chemicals used to make this oil are not exactly green. However, it is by far the better option for the environment when compared to conventional engine oil as it uses less crude oil. 

Where Should I Buy Synthetic Oil?

It is very important to check the authenticity of engine oil before making a purchase. Always buy from trusted vendors. When buying online, it is a good idea to buy from verified sellers.

Is Synthetic Oil Compatible With Old Cars?

There is a rumor going around that older cars are not compatible with synthetic oil. This is not true. Back in the day, the formula for synthetic oil wasn’t perfected and hence it damaged engine seals. This led to people believing that synthetic oil wasn’t right for their cars. 

Final Words

We hope this article was able to completely answer the question: what is synthetic engine oil? We hope our rundown on synthetic oil was able to illustrate the differences between it and conventional engine oil.

There is no clear winner between the two even though synthetic oil beats it in a lot of categories. The price difference is considerably high and that keeps conventional oil in the competition.

Related:

• Does Synthetic Oil Reduce Oil Consumption?
• Can You Mix Synthetic Oil with Regular Oil?

The uniform nature of molecules in synthetic oil speaks it all. This is what keeps the lubricant more stable and makes it flow smoothly regardless of the temperature. But easy flow doesn’t mean the engine gets the freedom to consume the fluid the way it wants. In fact, such lubricants have special features to be consumed effectively. 

So, does synthetic oil reduce oil consumption?

Yes, synthetic oils can reduce oil consumption thanks to seal swelling agents that prevent leakage and excessive oil consumption. 

Let’s show you how that happens. 

Synthetic Oil And Oil Consumption 

Synthetic lubricant is formulated differently. It contains pure base oil with uniform chemicals. There are fewer impurities in the fluid and it can resist the formation of deposits and sludge better than the conventional. Studies by AAA say the same. The result showed that synthetic oil can perform 47% better than its rival. 

It has an agent made of sorbitol and carboxylic acid that works to swell the seals and keep them from leaking. No leaks mean reduced oil consumption. Plus, the oil’s uniform molecules ensure it stays thick at high temperatures and thin at lows to provide smooth and efficient flow without getting much consumed. 

However, synthetic oils may not be suitable for older engines. The lubricant contains esters that refer to the blend of organic compounds and alcohol. Typically, this mixture can be severely rough on parts especially seals which can damage them and make them burn or leak more oil. In that case, conventional oil is better for old engines since it doesn’t have such risky ingredients. 

Causes Of Engine Oil Consumption

Here are two major causes of high oil consumption in engines. 

1. Damaged Engine Parts

Parts of engine such as seals, pipelines, gaskets, and fittings can get cracked or damaged as the engine ages. This results in leakage that can cause oil consumption. 

Damaged piston rings are another reason. When they wear out, the engine oil takes more time to enter the combustion chamber which leads to excess oil burning. Not just that, it also triggers carbon deposits to form on the rings. 

2. Unsuitable Engine Oil

Different engines need different kinds of engine oils. Getting the wrong one will cause more oil consumption. For instance, engines that require viscous oil can result in damage if low-viscosity fluid is used. As we all know, the lubricant gets thinner at higher temperatures. And diluted fluid creates more heat and friction.

Apart from improper picks, low-quality lubricant causes quicker oil consumption. Such engine oils don’t have the necessary additives that can keep the parts moving without damage. 

Ways To Reduce Synthetic Oil Consumption 

Experts suggest that the increase in fuel economy is what reduces motor oil consumption. However, picking the right oil matters too. 

1. Drive Slow

Speeding up your driving can increase the use of motor oil because of air and tire rolling resistance. So, make sure the acceleration is gentle. When it comes to light-duty cars, if you go over 50mph, you may need to pay around $0.20 more per gallon of gas for every 5mph. So, reducing the speed by 5-10mph can increase fuel economy by 10%. 

Aside from following the speed limit, you should brake gently and gradually too. 

2. Decrease Vehicle Load

The extra weight of items inside will need more lubricant to push your car. For instance, if the item weighs 100 pounds, it can decrease the fuel economy by 1% more or less. Look for unnecessary stuff such as heavy baggage or wheels and unload them.  

Plus, make sure to allow lesser riders to get inside so the car can move more freely. 

3. Using Proper Lubricant

The right pick will ensure smooth lubrication of engine parts while resisting any kind of leaks. For instance, high-mileage synthetic oil has different additives like seal swellers that help stop leakage. This results in less oil consumption. 

Apart from selecting one for specific engines, make sure it’s of high quality to enjoy the same benefit. 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What Is The Best Speed To Save Fuel?

The best speed to save fuel ranges from 55mph to 65mph. However, it depends on vehicle type. For passenger cars, the optimal speed would be between 40mph and 55mph while it would be slightly lower for trucks, SUVs, or other larger cars. 

2. Is Synthetic Oil Better For Engines That Burn Oil?

Synthetic oil is better for new engines since the contents don’t affect the parts as they would do to parts of older ones. However, if engine is the real culprit, then no matter which type you choose, it will consume the same amount of lubricant. 

3. Does High-Mileage Oil Stop Oil Consumption?

High-mileage oils can reduce oil consumption as they contain additives like seal conditioners and detergents. These contents make seals, gaskets, and O-rings swell as well as rejuvenate damaged covers. All of it helps lead to less consumption of lubricant and burn-off. 

Final Words

Synthetic oils have lots of benefits to offer. They lose only 4% of their weight if run at 400°F for around 6 hours. It’s way less than conventional one that experiences 30% loss. Not just that, the contents of lubricants also work the keep the engines in shape by swelling the seals so that it could prevent leaks. All these show how synthetic oil reduces oil consumption. 

Related post:

• Does Motor Oil Degrade Over Time?
• Does Engine Oil Brand Matter?

A temperature rise brings several changes in automotive lubricants. As long as it’s in the safe range, there’s nothing to worry about. But in case the fluid gets extremely heated, then it may result in internal and external damage. 

The most common trait of a hot lubricant is that its viscosity becomes thinner. And another one is that the volume increases.

So, does engine oil expand when hot?

Yes, engine oil expands due to the increase in kinetic energy and distance between the molecules when heated. And as the temp goes up in the lubricant, different stuff happens. Let’s know more below. 

Thermal Expansion Of Engine Oil 

Temp rise is common whenever it comes to the automotive engine. It can be due to weather or the machine itself. The friction of moving parts is one of the sources of heat. So, when we drive, the parts get hot, and so is the lubricant in the pan which flows to different areas through the filter to run smoothly. Here, the energy created by the movement of engine parts gets converted into thermal energy and increases the lubricant’s temp. 

Now, what happens to engine oil when heated? Motor oil expands just like any liquid would at high temperatures. Since such a lubricant is liquid, the intermolecular interactions are fairly weaker. For that, the kinetic energy of those mobile molecules and the space between the atoms increase as the fluid is heated. This results in the expansion of engine oil. Meanwhile, the viscosity of oil decreases too. 

Although the change in oil level is somewhat noticeable, we suggest that you avoid checking it immediately after stopping the vehicle. Otherwise, you may hurt yourself and your engine. Also, this won’t give you the correct measurement. 

Volume Of Engine Oil Expansion At High Temperature

How much does oil expand when heated? Engine oil expands approximately 4.8% more volume per 120°F when hot. The calculation is based on the volumetric coefficient of expansion of unused motor oil i.e. 0.0004/°F. However, the size of expansion isn’t definite as it varies in the temperature, type, and condition of the lubricant. For instance, synthetic oil expands more than mineral ones when it’s hot.

If you want to know the expansion, you can check the change in engine oil level through a dipstick test. However, make sure to wait for around 10 minutes after stopping the vehicle so the lubricant gets back to normal temperature. This will help give you an accurate idea about the oil level in your vehicle. 

Effects Of Engine Oil At High Temperature

Hot engine oil not only does expand but also creates unwanted situations. Here are what happens to your engine oil at high temps. 

• The lubricant becomes diluted or less viscous. 
• Severe friction creates noise and causes damage to moving parts.
• Quicker consumption of oil. 
• Formation of sludge and sediments.
• Risk of leakage. 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Does Engine Oil Shrink In Cold Weather?

Yes, engine oil would shrink in cold weather just like it can expand at high temps. The molecules of lubricant will get a little closer to each other causing the oil to shrink. Additives like viscosity improver contract during winter and make the fluid more viscous than it should be. As a result, the flow of engine oil gets slower while the pump puts the fluid under pressure forcing it to run through the filter. 

2. At What Temp Does Engine Oil Break Down?

Engine oil can break down at over 300°F. However, it depends on the lubricant type. Conventional motor oil can tolerate up to 250°F and start degrading as it goes past 275°F. Contrariwise, synthetics can withstand up to 450-700°F since they have higher level of tolerance. 

However, you should try to keep the lubricant temperature between 240 and 270°F based on what you’re using. 

3. Does Synthetic Oil Burn Slower?

Yes, synthetic oil has additives that help it burn slower than conventional ones. It contains agents made of sorbitol and carboxylic acid that cause the seals to swell so that it prevents leakage and burns oil slowly. 

Moreover, synthetic oil comes with uniform molecules that ensure the right level of viscosity at different temperatures to make the fluid flow smoothly without excessive burning. 

Final Words

Severe expansion of engine oil is never good. Why? Because extreme hot oil can make things worse as we stated. So, you should try to keep the lubricant within 240-270°F. 

How can you maintain the temperature of engine oil? Just following some simple tricks can keep the lubricant at recommended temp range. Avoid towing heavy stuff, driving aggressively, and extended idling. Use high-quality lubricant and change the oil or the filter as per the manufacturer. Also, check the level of oil regularly. 

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• Does Engine Oil Absorb Heat?
• What Is Boron Used For In Motor Oil?
• Does Synthetic Oil Reduce Oil Consumption?

There are several chemical elements in lubricants, but there’s one of them that shines the most. And that is Boron. It gives life to the fuel so that our automotive engine continues to stay fit for a longer period. 

So, what does boron do in engine oil?

Boron ensures higher lubricity of motor oil, reduction of friction, and lessening of engine noise while making the fluid more slippery so that the engine runs smoothly. It’s a metalloid used as a detergent, anti-wear, or extreme pressure additive in the lubricant.  

The functions mentioned here are just the primary, it also has several unpopular benefits. Let’s explain how it works. 

Use Of Boron In Engine Oil

Boron is a metalloid element present in different formulations of lubricants. It’s mostly used in detergent additives. However, some of the antioxidants, extreme pressure agents, and anti-wear agents also contain the component. 

It doesn’t stay as a whole in motor oil, rather comes in a compound. The common one is boric acid (BA) and hexagonal boron nitride (hBN). 

BA tends to form a triclinic crystal structure where the atoms of Boron, Oxygen, and Hydrogen are closely packed with one another in each layer. This helps the layers slide easily with each other to give the engine system effective lubrication. Not only is it eco-friendly but non-toxic too.  

Meanwhile, hBN features noticeable tribological properties and can even retain lubrication up to 4532°F. It too has a crystal structure where Boron and Nitrogen atoms are covalently bonded to each other as well as other atoms. All these layers allow for ease of sliding. 

The strength of the film they form is the reason why boron is important in motor oil. 

Percentage Of Boron Additive In Motor Oil

The amount of boron may vary from one lubricant product to other. However, the standard level should be 4% of boric acid and 4% of hexagonal boron nitride. Studies consider it the optimum concentration ratio of boron compounds.  

However, since the level of boron decreases as the motor oil is consumed, we may need to add the additive to make up for the loss. It’s also suggested we use such additives after an oil replacement if the new one lacks such an element. 

Benefits Of Boron In Motor Oil 

Now the main question. Is boron good in engine oil?

Yes, boron is good for engine oil since it gives us several benefits. Even researchers found that the element has reduced fuel consumption and increased power efficiency. They concluded that such additives can decrease friction, especially at low temps, low speeds, and high loads. So, let’s take a look at the strengths of boron here. 

1. Friction reduction by making the film more slippery. 
2. Formation of tribofilm to provide anti-wear benefits.
3. Noticeable thermal-oxidative stability.
4. Prevention of sludge formation and corrosion.
5. Lubrication of moving parts at high temperatures.
6. Low consumption of fuel. 

Where Is Boron Used In An Engine?

Boron can be used in any kind of automotive machine. You can consider it for engines such as-

• Diesel
• Petrol 
• Liquefied Petroleum Gas

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Which Boron Additive Should You Use?

Speedol F6 BOR can be an effective additive to consider for engine oil. In case your lubricant doesn’t have enough boron, it’d work to increase the performance of the fluid. Not only does it decrease friction and wear but also lessens consumption of oil, carbon dioxide emissions, and noise levels. 

Moreover, it protects the moving parts against rust and corrosion while making sure the engine lasts and runs longer. 

The product also lower engine oil temperature so that it works well with stability.  

2. Can Oil Additives Hurt My Engine?

No, additives like Boron compounds help increase the efficiency of motor oil. It ensures the lubricant does the job properly while keeping the engines in shape. However, the oil lacking additives can hurt your automotive engine. It’s because the fluid won’t be strong enough to give a shield between moving parts. As a result, the oil may become thinner and end up with increased friction and wear. 

3. What Are 4 Additives In Engine Oil?

Here are some of the additives commonly found in motor oil.

• Viscosity Index Improvers.
• Detergents.
• Antioxidants and Anti-wear agents.
• Corrosion Inhibitors.

Among these, boron is a common and efficient element present in detergents, anti-wear agents, and anti-oxidants. It keeps the engine well-lubricated while lessening friction. 

Final Word

Lubricants contain several elements but boron seems to do most of the job. Starting from increasing the level of slipperiness and protection against heat to making the engine last longer, it gives different advantages.  

Although most engine oils contain boron compounds, some may not have them. In such cases, you can buy boron additive products to mix with the oil. But before you do this, we’d suggest you talk to an expert regarding this or take the car to the service center. 

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• Does Synthetic Oil Reduce Oil Consumption?
• Does Motor Oil Degrade Over Time?

Hydraulic fluid works to make the job of the steering wheel easier as it transfers power to the system. Not only does it fuel the system but keeps the moving parts lubricated too. 

However, some fluids made for automotive parts have been accused of corrosion. Now, this can make you think about the power steering fluid too.   

So, is power steering fluid corrosive?

Power steering fluid isn’t corrosive thanks to the presence of anticorrosion agents. Nevertheless, such inhibitors can break down over time due to heat and pressure which can make the fluid lose efficiency and cause corrosion. 

Power Steering Fluid- Corrosive Or Non-Corrosive?

Power steering fluid is typically hydraulic fluid composed of different additives like antioxidants, detergents, viscosity index improvers, and anticorrosion agents as well. The latter mostly comes in the form of amine inhibitors that help prevent or reduce the rate of corrosion. Some other elements such as alkenyl succinic, imides, and alkenyl succinic esters present in the fluid also work as anti-corrosive agents. 

Moreover, the fluid contains phosphorus compounds and thiadiazole derivatives. These two can prevent corrosion of piston sealing of power cylinder, which eventually helps avoid fluid leakage. Hence, it benefits power steering with stable operation while making it last longer. So, the anticorrosion properties of power steering fluid make it non-corrosive. 

However, the properties may not stay intact for good which can enable the fluid to cause corrosion.  

Shelf Life Of Power Steering Fluid

Depending on different factors such as contamination, extreme heat, and pressure, the chemical compounds used in the hydraulic fluid can change and deteriorate. If unopened, the fluid can stay good for around 3 to 5 years. Meanwhile, opened fluid can last up to 2 or 3 years. 

However, the frequency of use and several other factors can reduce the shelf life and degrade the fluid sooner than it should. 

So, what happens to power steering fluid over time? As time goes by, the power steering fluid can oxidize which results in a change of color and buildup of residual varnish on the pump valves. When it deteriorates, the fluid loses properties that keep the seals and O-rings pliable. And as these parts harden, it ends up causing poor performance of the fluid and leaks. 

In short, the ingredients in the fluid can break down over time which decreases its efficiency leading to the liquid becoming corrosive. Not just that, these after-effects are also what happens if you never change power steering fluid.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. When Should Power Steering Fluid Be Changed? 

We must flush power steering fluid after every 40,000 to 80,000 miles. However, it may vary since manufacturers can recommend the change sooner or later than the range.  

That said, some warnings can let you know that it’s time for a replacement. Here are 6 signs you need to change power steering fluid. 

1. Heavy or difficult steering: Due to low or degraded power steering fluid.
2. Color changes: From healthy light red to amber, gray, or black due to oxidation.
3. Burnt smell: Due to damage of fluid as a result of overheating.
4. Strange noises: Since the fluid deterioration will make the moving parts of the steering system cause abrasive friction. You may hear whining, scraping, squeaking, and scratching noises. 
5. Bubbles: In the hydraulic fluid of power steering.
6. Leakage: Due to degradation of the fluid.

2. How Do You Fix Power Steering Fluid Leak? 

Fixing power steering fluid leaks depends on the causes behind them. If it’s the pressure valves or hose that’s broken, then you can buy and replace the parts yourself. In case the seal is broken, then you need to consider a full hose replacement. For that, it’s better to bring the car to the service center and let the experts do the job. 

In any case, we suggest you take the experts’ help to fix serious fluid leaks since doing it yourself can be unsafe for you and the car. Typically, the leak may cost around $500 to 700$ to repair depending on the parts that failed. 

3. What Happens If I Spill Power Steering Fluid?

It’s not a problem if there’s a little spill of power steering fluid on the engine and transmission. It will just get oily and dirt and won’t cause any harm. You can fix it by wiping the parts with a degreaser. 

If the fluid gets on the exhaust pipe, manifold, or catalytic converter, it may cause smoke. However, the smoke shouldn’t cause the exhaust components to burst into flames. But we suggest you contact an expert in case of such smoke to be safe as it can cause a fire too. 

Final Words

Power steering fluid has anti-corrosion properties that help it prevent corrosion as long as it’s functional. Nevertheless, extreme heat, pressure, and contaminants can affect the agents and make them prone to corrosion. 

Hence, you should flush the fluid according to the manufacturer’s recommendation. Also, look for signs of degradation in case the fluid goes bad sooner. 

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Whenever we think of purchasing lubricant for our vehicle, we always prioritize quality. After that’s met, comes the compatibility and other factors. Most of the time, we’d like to look for options among popular manufacturers. 

But does engine oil brand make a difference?

Yes, engine oil brands can make a difference since such lubricants are made of high-quality additives with improved formulations. Off-brands mostly use ingredients and fillers that can harm your engine. So, engine oil brand matters.  

However, there’s still a “BUT”. 

Brand Name Motor Oil Vs. Generic

Motor oil comprises common ingredients including petroleum hydrocarbon base stock and different additives. However, having similar contents doesn’t mean the lubricant will be identical. Even a small change can change its properties. This may make the fluid different from others but what about the quality? 

Are all engine oil brands the same quality? No, brands manufacture engine oil their way which makes the quality different. It mostly depends on factors like process of production; kinds and grades of contents used in the lubricant; and blends of contents. 

However, while branded oils have some fans, generic ones attract people with tight budgets. 

Branded Motor Oil 

They are most likely to have a high level and class of additives. This helps prevent oxidation, reduce sludge formation, and keep the engine well-lubricated. 

Plus, their lubricant is supposed to be licensed by API (American Petroleum Institute). This is like a certificate to show that the oil has been thoroughly tested and meets the API standards to ensure quality. 

Not just that, the lubricants of popular manufacturers also draw attention of experts. Hence they are heavily researched to give us more insights about them. For instance, this study on Pennzoil. 

Although their steeper price is a con, the lubricants can still fail to perform effectively. 

Generic Engine Oil

They may meet minimum API specifications. However, they mostly use inexpensive ingredients that make them achieve lower price points. Some can also be recycled which would just last up to 3,000 miles. 

Because of being generic, it’s tough to do investigations on each lubricant. Hence, we get skeptical about their reliability. However, some lubricants can still work better than those of popular brands. So, if the oil weight, viscosity, type, and certification match what your vehicle requires, then it’s safe to get one even if it’s non-branded. 

Top 3 Brands Of Engine Oil

1. Pennzoil Motor Oil

Pennzoil was started by Michael Late Benedum and Joe Trees but now is owned by Shell plc. Their lubricants comply with the specs of API SN PLUS category. Not only are they formulated to resist severe conditions but also made of natural gas that keeps the engine clean. 

2. Valvoline Motor Oil

It’s a company by Ashland Incorporation. Most of their lubricants can efficiently decrease friction and sludge buildup. Plus, they claim to perform all five tests for both API and ILSAC petrol categories in their engine test laboratory. 

3. Castrol Motor Oil

This British company was started by Charles Wakefield. Their motor oil formulation is claimed to meet the required standards under the API SN PLUS specifications. They say their oil can work well in different situations that put severe stress on the engine. 

Is It Bad To Change Oil Brands?

No, as long as the grade/viscosity of lubricant is the same or better and it matches the specs/ API ratings the company recommended, switching motor oil brands wouldn’t be bad. 

However, a change in grade can affect performance to some extent. Lower quality and incompatible viscosity will cause damage to the engine. Meanwhile, using the right type of lubricant or upgrading to one with better formulations will benefit the engine in long term. 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Which Brand Of Oil Is The Best For Engine?

Pennzoil brand offers oils that can suit the engine well. Their synthetic lubricants are made from natural gas and are 99.5% free of impurities. 

As for the product, the Platinum engine oil can be a good option to consider. It gives protection against friction and extreme heat while ensuring smooth oil flow regardless of different temperatures. 

2. Can You Mix Engine Oil Brands? 

Yes, you can blend engine oil brands as long as the grade and viscosity are similar or better and the API rating matches. For instance, you can mix Pennzoil with Quaker State if the instructions are properly followed. It wouldn’t cause damage to the engine. However, mixing lubricants of different grading will surely be risky for your vehicle. 

3. Which Motor Oil Brands Should You Avoid? 

Here are 3 of the motor oil brands that you should avoid since they don’t meet API or ILSAC standards. 

1. Xpress Lube Pro: Low-quality additives. 
2. Mileage 365 Motor Oil: Contain abrasive materials. 
3. Questron Motor Oil: Don’t come with viscosity grading and are highly volatile. 

Final Words

Even if brands are popular, do check whether their lubricants meet all the standards. Plus, they should use additives of quality since that determines overall performance. However, if you find a generic motor oil that has everything your engine needs, you can surely go for it. 

Make sure you don’t use products that can do all. Because some are also made to work with lawnmowers, chainsaws, and weed eaters apart from vehicles. These lubricants typically lack the kind of ingredients required by the motor. 

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• Does Engine Oil Brand Matter?
• Does Motor Oil Degrade Over Time?
• Does Engine Oil Absorb Heat?