The principle of automotive fluid is simple- that is to make the machine do its work properly. Apart from the engine, our vehicle has other important systems such as radiator and windshield wiper. The work of both is poles apart as well as their fluid. So, what are the dissimilarities?
What is the difference between coolant and windshield wiper fluid? Coolant fluid works to keep the temperature stable with glycol compounds while windshield fluid uses different alcohol mixes to keep the windshield clean and visible.
It would be a wise job if you know which one to use among these fluids. So this is just a short version. Let’s explain it a bit more.
Windshield Wiper Vs. Coolant Fluid
The use and absence of several contents make them different. For instance, WW fluid uses de-icing compounds while the antifreeze fluid doesn’t. Let’s know about them in detail.
Windshield Wiper Fluid
Such fluids mainly work to keep the windshield clean. However, they also lubricate the mechanisms that run the wipers.
Some of the common windshield wiper fluid ingredients include water, methanol (de-icing agent), isopropanol, and other combinations with some detergents. These alcohols ensure the breakdown and removal of grease and debris in the system. Moreover, it may have small amounts of antifreeze agents made of methylated spirits so the liquid doesn’t freeze in cold temps.
It generally comes in light blue so that people don’t confuse it with coolant or other fluids.
Coolant Fluid
Coolant helps make the radiator prevent your vehicle from overheating and freezing by absorbing, transferring, and dissipating heat in the air. It regulates the temperature in the system and defends components against corrosion.
The fluid is a half-and-half mix of water and ethylene or propylene glycol coming in a 50:50 ratio. Here, the glycol ensures that the fluid doesn’t freeze at extremely low temperatures. It also protects the radiator from boiling-level heat. Apart from the major contents, it also has additives like antifreeze and anti-corrosion agents.
Coolant is usually greenish or bright yellow so that it’s easy to detect the fluid among other variants.
Using Windshield Wiper And Coolant Fluid Interchangeably
Having somewhat similar contents, can you use windshield wiper fluid as coolant or vice versa? No, we won’t recommend using coolant and WW fluid interchangeably. This can be harmful to both systems.
So, can coolant be used as windshield wiper fluid? No, adding coolant fluid to the wiper reservoir can damage the paintwork of your vehicle, especially the front part. Why? Because it has paint-stripping properties. Plus, such fluids have little to no cleaning power to ensure visibility.
Now, what if I put windshield wiper fluid in coolant? Using windshield wiper fluid in the cooling system can put it at risk of the radiator freezing at subzero temps. Plus, the de-icing agent in the fluid can become extremely corrosive to the radiator in such a situation.
You’ll even find warnings against swapping in the manuals of your vehicle.
You can also see: What Happen If I Put Wrong Oil In Car?
Comparison Chart Of Coolant And Windshield Wiper Fluid
Factors | Coolant | Windshield Wiper Fluid |
Purpose | Keeps radiator from overheating or freezing. | Keeps the windshield clean. |
Other Uses | Prevents corrosion. | Lubricate the wipers. |
Contents | Water and ethylene or propylene glycol; detergents, antifreeze, and anticorrosion agents | Water, methanol (de-icing agent), ethylene glycol, isopropanol; additives like antifreeze agents. |
Color | Greenish or bright yellow | Light blue |
Frequently Asked Questions
- How To Check Coolant And Windshield Fluid Level?
Checking both coolant and windshield fluid is an easy task.
For the cooling system reservoir, check the markings on the side of it. You don’t need to open the cap. The tank should be labeled coming in translucent plastic that helps you see the fluid level and condition.
As for the wiper system, you just need to open the hood and locate the reservoir near the windshield base or at the back of your engine bay. It should be translucent with markings on the body and have a designated symbol on the cap. With this, you can easily check the level. Another easier method can be to engage engine sprayers and see if fluid comes out.
Whatever you do, just wait for the engine to cool before you go for it.
- Can You Mix Coolant And Windshield Wiper Fluid?
No, coolant mixed with windshield wiper fluid is never a good idea since it can become a contaminant and lead to system damage. Doing it will reduce the efficiency of both fluids.
One will cause paint stripping while the other will cause corrosion. In this case, you can neither use the mixture in cooling system nor put it in the wiper.
- What Can I Use Instead Of Windshield Wiper Fluid?
You can make DIY windshield wiper fluid with a solution of water and glass cleaner in a 1:3 ratio. Add a few drops of liquid dish soap to get optimal properties of cleaning.
Another efficient recipe would be to mix 8oz. of rubbing alcohol, castile soap, and a gallon of distilled water. You can adjust the alcohol amount depending on the weather conditions (mild to extreme).
Final Words
Because the fluids have some similar properties, this can make you think- Is coolant the same as windshield washer fluid? But, no they aren’t same, the formulations are different from one another and designed for specific systems and purposes. This makes the use of both unsuitable to be used as substitutions.
Hence, we suggest you don’t mix or swap one for other to avoid accidents.
What Is The Difference Between Dexron 3 And ATF+4?
The formulation of transmission fluids keeps changing and updating with the advancement of vehicles and their mechanisms. Although ATF+4 managed to keep pace with the upgrade, Dexron 3 stopped in the mid (with H) allowing different versions (like Dexron HP or ULV) to continue. But that’s not what makes them different. There’s one vital point.
So, what is the difference between Dexron 3 and ATF+4? Dexron 3 is a conventional auto fluid made for older transmissions of Chevy and Ford while ATF+4 is synthetic and compatible with older and modern models of Chrysler, Ram, Jeep, and Dodge.
But wait, there are more dissimilarities that we found out.
Dexron 3 Vs. ATF+4
Both are made for specific mechanisms that make one different from the other. However, DEX 3 kind of has outdated ingredients whereas ATF 4 comes with an updated formula.
Below, you can read more about ATF 4 vs Dexron III.
Dexron 3
Dexron comes with a series of ATFs that are compatible with transmissions of Chevrolet and General Motors. Although the original one (DEX B) was introduced in 1967, the first version of DEX 3 (F) appeared in 1993 while the last version, DEX 3 (H) in 2003.
When it comes to Dexron 3, it’s a standard conventional fluid made of Group 2 base oil and special additives. It acts as a hydraulic fluid and lubricant for different mechanisms like transmissions, manual gearboxes, transfer cases, and power steering systems.
You can use it in older Chevy models like GM transmissions pre-2005, Ford transmissions introduced between 1983 and 1996, and the ones that require DEX 2. However, the newer the automotive models, the later the fluid versions that are required.
For instance, Electric Vehicle (EV), Hybrid (HEV), Newer 6, 8, 9, and 10-speed transmissions would need particular fluids to work properly. So to make the fluid compatible with modern transmissions, its specifications have been upgraded over the years.
ATF+4
ATF+4 is created to meet the requirements of Fiat Chrysler auto transmissions (FCA). It can be used in transmissions of Ram, Jeep, and Dodge models too. The fluid was released in 1998 by Chrysler and was stated to be officially licensed.
It’s fully synthetic and contains Group 3 base oil with a variety of additive packages. ATF+4 acts as both hydraulic fluid and lubricant for the transmission system, hydrodynamic converters, and steering systems. However, the formulations have changed over the years.
While the original version was suitable for Chrysler mini-van transmissions, the revised ones were compatible with the latest 6-speed transmissions. ATF+4 also has specific additives included for particular transmissions.
It might work for the mechanisms that require ATF+, ATF+2, and ATF+3 fluids. You can also use it in most of the older and some of the newer models of the stated manufacturers. All you need is to check their compatibility.
You can also read: All About Power Steering Fluid.
Comparison Chart Of Dexron 3 And ATF+4
Factors | Dexron 3 | ATF+4 |
Type | Standard conventional ATF | Fully synthetic ATF |
Introduced in | 1993 | 1998 |
Brand Compatibility | GM transmissions pre-2005, Ford transmissions from 1983 and 1996 | Chrysler, Ram, Jeep, and Dodge |
Suitable for | Older transmissions | Most of the older and some newer transmissions |
Made of | Group 2 base oil and additives | Group 3 base oil and additives |
Uses | Transmissions, gearboxes, transfer cases, and power steering systems. | Transmissions, hydrodynamic converters, and steering systems |
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can You Mix Dexron 3 With ATF+4?
Yes, you can mix Dexron 3 with ATF+4 as long as they meet the specifications of the transmissions. Since one is conventional and the other is synthetic, you’ll end up with a synthetic blend. It’s a safe mixture if you’re using the vehicle at a medium level.
In case the system is operated in severe conditions, the blend will fail to function properly. Hence, we wouldn’t suggest mixing the types as it won’t maintain the quality. Not just that, the worst thing that can happen is the slip of torque converter clutch and transmission wear.
- Can I Use Dexron Instead Of ATF+4?
No, using Dexron instead of ATF+4 can degrade your transmission system. Most of the Dexron fluids are outdated whereas ATF+4 comes with upgrade formulas.
The system that’s compatible with ATF+4 would need certain alternatives. For instance, AMSOIL Multi-Vehicle ATF can be a suitable option since the quality and grade are similar.
Meanwhile, Dexron fluids are for older engines and you can use them with the ones that call for them.
- Is Dexron 3 The Same As ATF+4?
No, Dexron 3 and ATF+4 have different formations made of different contents. They are also designed for particular transmissions of certain brands. The only similarity is that they are transmission fluid that also acts as a lubricant.
Final Words
The key difference between Dexron 3 and ATF+4 is the use of contents and additives in them. Also the vehicles they are formulated to be used in play a vital role.
Although you can use ATF+4 instead of Dexron fluids, the opposite is a big no. It’s because ATF+4 is a high-quality fluid and can give you advanced benefits. Meanwhile, Dexron 3 is just for older models of Chevy or Ford and works to perform average.
However, we suggest you always check the specifications of vehicles and transmissions and get the fluid accordingly.
All About Power Steering Fluid
Thanks to power steering, we get to control and move the vehicle the way we like without any effort. However, such mechanical devices need a sort of fuel to keep up the good work. And that’s when the steering fluid comes into effect.
What is power steering fluid? Power steering fluid is a medium that makes sure the wheels turn easily and that the components like valves, pistons, pumps, and hoses work well. It gives power to the steering system and keeps the parts lubricated. These are what power steering fluids do.
Now through this article you are gonna learn all bout power steering fluid. Let’s get started.
Contents Of Power Steering Fluid
Power steering fluid is a kind of hydraulic fluid containing 92wt% of mineral oil, silicones, or synthetic oil and a variety of additives. It also has 0.5-5wt% of vegetable-based oil, particularly an estolide of a hydroxy-stearic acid. When it comes to additives of power steering fluid, it includes-
- Anticorrosion agents like amines, alkenyl succinic esters, and alkenyl succinic imides. They work to make the fluid non-corrosive.
- Antioxidants like phenols (i.e. mono-alkyl and poly-alkyl phenols) and amines. They prevent auto-oxidation of fats and oils.
- Anti-wear additives like phosphate esters. They prevent asperities and abrasion in the fluid system.
- Friction-controlling additives like organic molybdenum compounds and fatty acid compounds. They help decrease friction.
- Antifoaming agents like esters and silicone compounds. They help hinder the creation of foam.
- Viscosity index improvers like methacrylate copolymers and olefin copolymers. They resist the dilution of power steering fluid at extreme temperatures.
- Detergents like alkaline earth metal phenates and alkaline earth metal sulfonate. They prevent formation and buildup of sludge and deposits.
- Dispersants like alkenyl succinic esters, alkenyl succinic imides, and amino-amidos (i.e. amides of a long-chain fatty acid with a polyamine). They help keep the system free of sediments.
Types Of Power Steering Fluid
The fluids contain some specific contents. So, are all power steering fluids the same? No, power steering fluid has different kinds. Even though some ingredients are similar, some are different. Let’s know about the power steering fluid types.
You can also check: Is Car Oil Toxic?
- Synthetic Power Steering Fluid
Such fluids are created in a lab and mostly contain polyesters, polyhydric alcohols, and a trickle of refined petroleum fractions. They are typically ideal for modern vehicles. Manufacturers like Volvo, Toyota, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Porsche, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Honda suggest such fluids. However, they suggest using the ones that meet their specifications. You can consider using Royal Purple, Driven, or ATP for the system.
- Mineral Power Steering Fluid
It’s mainly made of refined petroleum fractions coming with additives. You can use Penrite, Mineral 1 L, or Febi for vehicles, especially the older ones that are compatible with such fluids.
- Auto Transmission Fluid
For power steering systems compatible with ATF fluid, consider using Mercon, ATF+4, Dexron, Starol, and Type F. Typically, many vehicles from the 1970s till mid-1990s use such steering systems that accept ATF fluid.
How Long Does Power Steering Fluid Last?
The shelf life of power steering fluid depends on the type, whether it’s opened or not, storage condition, usage, and different elements. While the unopened container should last from 3 to 5 years, the opened but unused one can stay good from 2 to 3 years.
However, the contents of fluid can break down due to metal or sediment contamination, overheating, and extreme pressure. This can reduce the shelf life of the liquid too.
Not just that, the steering fluid can oxide over time and end up with a change in color and residual buildups on the pump valves. The seals and O-rings can get hard leading to cracks of parts, leaks, and poor performance of the fluid.
Read Also: What Happens If You Put Wrong Oil In Car?
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is Power Steering Fluid The Same As Hydraulic Fluid?
Power steering fluid is a sub-type of hydraulic fluid whereas all hydraulic fluids aren’t compatible with a power steering system. The contents of such fluid give power to the steering system while making it flow through the rack and pinion. As it moves across the parts, it applies pressure to the piston that helps make the wheels turn with ease.
- Is Power Steering Fluid The Same As Brake Fluid?
No. Different chemical compositions make power steering fluid different from brake fluid. So, you cannot use them interchangeably. Doing so can lead to severe damage to the steering or braking system. And this can result in unwanted accidents.
You can use Auto Transmission Fluid as power steering fluid alternative but the vehicle has to be compatible with them. Meanwhile, a solution of soap and water can be an effective brake fluid alternative. So, you can see the difference.
- How To Change Power Steering Fluid?
Make sure to turn off the engine before changing the fluid. Then, wipe the reservoir and its cap with a cloth. Check the fluid level with a dipstick fixed to the cap. If it’s below the MIN line, then add fluid while making sure you don’t exceed the MAX line. In case the fluid is above the MIN level, then examine the fluid quality. If you find it cloudy, dark, or foamy, then change it.
Final Words
That’s all about power steering fluid. It indeed makes driving easy by giving power to the steering system. However, you should check the fluid occasionally so you can change it at the right time.
Is Car Oil Toxic? Toxic Sides Of Car Oil Vs. Eco-friendly Fuels
We praise petrol and diesel whenever they are compared to gaseous alternatives. Not only do they power the car, keep the engine parts well-lubricated, and cause less internal damage, but also emit lower harmful chemicals than their counterpart. That said, the same car oil has a darker side which makes us ask this prominent question.
Is car oil toxic? Regular car oil can have up to 90% hydrocarbon and a variety of additives that make it toxic. Additives cause combustible hydrocarbon to burn more and generate black smoke that results in affecting humans, plants, animals, fishes, trees, and soil.
The good news is that there are eco-friendly fuel alternatives that have impressed us with their benefits. So, not all kinds of car oils are toxic.
What Makes Car Oil Toxic?
Most types of car oil contain around 75-90% of hydrocarbon distillates while the rest are additives. The common ones include petroleum and diesel. Among these two, diesel has lower hydrocarbon content with around 75% than the other which has 90%.
Since the organic compound isn’t very thick, it’s mixed with anti-knocking agents like lead, copper, and cerium. These metals add more viscosity to the oil and keep engine pistons from clanking while moving. Without them, the parts will create constant loud friction and end up causing damage.
What’s the issue with car engine oil?
Now, hydrocarbon is super combustible whereas agents promote the combustion. This makes the agents responsible for generating more carbon dioxide in form of black smoke. And as the smoke is released from car exhausts into the environment, traces of different harmful chemicals disperse alongside. Some of them include-
- Carbon Monoxide (CO)
- Nitrogen Oxides (NO)
- Sulfur Dioxide (SO2)
- Formaldehyde
- Benzene (Aromatic Hydrocarbons)
- Soot
All of these contribute to air pollution.
Few Consequences Of Car Oil Toxicity
1. Affecting Human Health
Different chemicals are released from car exhausts. Car engine oil reduces air quality and causes several conditions in human health.
Carbon monoxide easily binds with the hemoglobin and produces carboxyhemoglobin (COHb). This leads to CO poisoning for which we suffer from suffocation. It can also lead to death.
Exposure to a greater amount of Benzene or Aromatic Hydrocarbons and Sulphur Dioxide leads to lung diseases. Those 2 along with Formaldehyde and Nitrogen Oxide also contribute to conditions like coughing, shortness of breath, nausea, and different neurologic problems.
When it comes to soot pollution, it can be pretty severe. Studies have found that breathing soot heavily for a longer period can cause strokes, heart attacks, asthma, acute bronchitis, and premature death.
2. Adverse Impacts On Water, Fish, Soil, And Plants
When Sulphur dioxide and Nitrogen Oxide are released into the air from the car exhausts, it can cause acid rain. The impacts of acid rain are multiple. It pollutes everything in nature including freshwater, marine creatures, plants, soil, and trees.
- When water becomes acidic, it lowers the pH level and ends up killing a variety of marine creatures.
- Acid rain also affects the growth of crop fields and forests. It removes nutrients and minerals from the soil and reduces its fertility.
- Trees and plants that are exposed to acid rain lose their nutrients and become more vulnerable to extreme temperatures and insects.
3. Affecting Animals
Aromatic hydrocarbons and soot can cause cancer in animals. Breathing air or drinking water that’s contaminated can impair the respiratory system. If animals inhale those chemicals heavily and the toxins get deposited in the lungs for a longer period, it can damage different organs as well.
Eco-Friendly Car Oils
- Biodiesel
Biodiesel is made with renewable sources of oil. It can be produced from substances like rapeseed, soy, waste cooking oil, vegetable oil, tallow, and animal oil or fats. Not only it’s biodegradable but also non-toxic.
So, we consider it an efficient alternative to common types of motor oil for reducing air pollution.
Although biodiesel combusts and generates hydrocarbon and carbon monoxide, the emission is much lower.
As per the research by Environmental Protection Agency, biodiesel releases 11% less CO and 10% less harmful chemicals than diesel.
- Bioethanol
Bioethanol is made from fermentable sugar and starch that comes from first-generation biomass i.e. crops. It can be corn, wheat, sugarcane, or anything with a higher concentration of sugar.
Studies claim that using bioethanol can be a beneficial way to reduce environmental pollution. How?
Because it’s a clean-burning fuel. When the fuel combusts, it usually emits Carbon Dioxide and water. So, there will be no harmful chemicals like black smoke or soot.
Moreover, many results of engine tests showed a noticeable improvement in the performance of car parts and their health.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Aren’t Eco-Friendly Car Oils Common Yet?
Engine incompatibility and the cost of raw materials are two primary reasons why biofuels aren’t prevalent yet:
- Engine Incompatibility
Most car oil engines that run on diesel can use biodiesel only if it’s for a couple of hours and under mild weather conditions. A lot of engine manufacturers have limited the use of such biofuels since they can affect the lifespan of the engine.
If the engine isn’t compatible, biofuel can cause damage to the physical properties of different car parts.
In such a case, we must check our OEM engine warranty and make sure that the manufacturer has approved the use of higher blends of biofuels.
- Cost Issues
The price of feedstock or raw materials used in biodiesel and bioethanol is expensive. Hence, it has increased the cost of biofuels. As per the latest report, biodiesel is between 70 and 130% pricier than fossil diesel depending on the materials used.
Is Engine Oil Toxic To Touch?
Engine oil may burn your skin and irritate it if you have skin sensitivity. In case the contact is frequent and prolonged, it can result in dermatitis, skin diseases, and cancer too. So, we suggest you avoid touching engine oil, be it diesel or petroleum, with your bare hands. Make sure to always wear disposable gloves while draining used oil.
Can Biodiesel Be Blended With Regular Diesel?
We can blend up to 20% of biodiesel with the regular ones for car engines. Many blends are available that go by the name- B20, B5, and B2.
- B20 is 20% biodiesel with 80% petroleum diesel
- B5 is 5% biodiesel with 98% petroleum diesel
- B2 is 2% biodiesel and 98% petroleum diesel
Changing the ratio and blending a large amount of biofuels with regular ones can affect engine life. Hence, we must check the approval of blending usage in the manufacturer manual of the engine.
Final Words
Although car oil emits harmful chemicals lower than gaseous alternatives, it doesn’t help reduce environmental pollution. Traditional oils contain combustible components like hydrocarbon and harmful additives like lead. So, when all of them along with secondary toxic chemicals are released through black smoke via car exhaust, it gets mixed with air and causes damage to humans and other living beings.
See Also:
What Happens If You Put Wrong Oil In Car?
Engine oils may seem like a minute detail in car management, but they can make a world of difference. Using the wrong type of oil can put you in a sticky situation. But you might be wondering, ‘What happens if you put wrong oil in car?’
If you put the wrong type of oil in your car’s engine, you may face the following issues- trouble during colder or warmer weather, low fuel economy, unexpected leakages, burning smells, loud noises, and worst of all, a reduction in the engine’s protection and hence, lifetime.
But we think it is imperative to know a lot more about motor oil to make an informed decision. That’s why before talking about the consequences of using incompatible oil, we’ll cover-
1. How Engine Oils Are Differentiated
2. How To Make An Informed Decision On Engine Oil Selection
Ways To Classify Engine Oil
Before we get into why choosing the wrong type of oil is bad, we first need to answer the question- what is the wrong type of engine oil?
Read Also: Does Engine Oil Brand Matter?
1. By Viscosity
Most commonly, the engine oil will cause hiccups if you don’t pick the right viscosity. Viscosity is the density or how easily the oil flows at any given temperature.
The way this is shown is in the format ‘0W-20’. The number before the W tells the oil’s viscosity at 0 degrees Celsius whereas the one after it indicates its viscosity at 100 degrees Celsius.
Here are the most common viscosity options you need:
- 0W-20
- 0W-30
- 0W-40
- 5W-30
- 5W-40
- 10W-40
2. By Composition
Next up, you can separate oils by what they are made of. This creates three distinctions-
1. Synthetic Oil
2. Conventional/ Mineral/ Regular Oil
3. Synthetic Blends
The key difference between synthetic oil and conventional oil is that synthetic oil is made of chemically manufactured components whereas regular oil is made of natural minerals. Synthetic blends are a mixture of the two. This table should help navigate through the option.
Type Of Oil | Best For |
Synthetic Oil | Premium protection at a premium cost |
Mineral Oil | Good protection at a reasonable price range |
Synthetic Blend | A middle ground between synthetic and mineral |
3. API Certification
This is the one distinction where we can clearly state one type of oil is better than the other. If your oil has any sort of API certification, either an API donut or an API/ISLAC starburst, it is the right type of oil. Otherwise, chuck it in the bin!
3. Brand
This distinction doesn’t even really matter. As long as you are using a renowned brand, it is completely fine. Castrol, Shell, Mobil, and Valvoline are the best brands of motor oil from our experience.
How To Choose The Right Oil?
Choosing the right oil is no DIY project, refer to any one of the two following options when picking the oil-
1. Manufacturer’s Instructions/Recommendations
2. An Experienced Or Trusted Mechanic
The Effects Of Using The Wrong Oil
Now that you know how to pick the right oil for your car, it finally makes sense for us to cover why picking the wrong oil is bad news for your engine–
1. Engine Will Be Prone To Weather Issues
Ever been stuck in the garage on a cold winter morning because the engine just won’t start? This is a result of the viscosity being too high in the winter. The cold weather thickens your oil ironically causing engine overheating.
2. Fuel Economy Will Take A Hit
This is pretty obvious. If you don’t use the motor oil that gives maximum efficiency, your engine won’t operate at its best. This will result in it using up more fuel for shorter distances.
3. Plenty Of Oil Leakage
Thinner oils just won’t stay in some oils. If you don’t follow the manufacturer’s specifications or consult the best mechanic in the area regarding this, don’t be surprised by puddles under your car.
5. Unpleasant Odor And Sounds
As your engine oil isn’t going to take care of your engine well enough, the car may just act up physically. The sounds and the burning scent are very visible warning signs.
5. Long-term Damage
Unfortunately, all the previous effects pile up and take a toll on your engine. The wrong oil simply doesn’t offer adequate protection and your engine undergoes wear and tear in the long run.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why Do I Need To Use Engine Oil?
Engine oil is one of the most overlooked, yet one of the most important areas of car maintenance. Because oil changes are so infrequent, people forget just how much this lubricant does. The reduction of friction between the metal parts is crucial for your engine.
The wrong type of engine oil can cause long-term damage to your engine.
2. Where Do I Buy Engine Oil?
This is a good question as all vendors cannot be trusted. We’re lucky to be living in the time of the internet. You can get reliable options from one quick search on Amazon. Make sure that the motor oil matches your car’s engine and you’re good to go.
If you still can’t trust the online medium, there are a lot of auto-repair shops that sell motor oil. You’ll find it at any service station as well. Scams are unlikely at any of these locations.
3. How Often Should I Change My Oil?
That depends on the type of oil you are using. We recommend a change every 5000 miles for conventional oil and around 10,000 miles for synthetic oils. It’s a little difficult to estimate for synthetic blends, but we’d say 7,500 miles is a good point.
4. Can I Mix Different Types Of Oil?
If you are talking about brand or composition, yes. Oils from different brands should work together with no issues. Mixing synthetic and conventional oil should also be fine as that’s essentially what synthetic blends. Never mix oils with different viscosities, however.
Final Words
With that, you know what happens if you put wrong oil in car. We hope this article was able to stress the importance of picking the right oil for your car and how much damage negligence can do to your beloved vehicle.
Can You Mix Synthetic Oil with Regular Oil?
Car maintenance is one of the most complex tasks out there. That’s why many people neglect their automobile’s health and we, for one, are against that. It is necessary to give a car the care and attention it deserves.
Picking out the perfect motor oil for the engine is part of good car maintenance. There are plenty of debates among car owners: BMW v Audi, Auto v Manual, AWD v 4WD, the list is endless.
Naturally, there is a famous debate when it comes to engine oils as well- synthetic oil vs regular oil. Synthetic oils beat regular oil in every category except price. Synthetic blends offer those benefits at a lower price. Mixing the two oils at home isn’t a wise choice.
In this article, we attempted to give our take on this conversation. Along with that, we discussed an option for those looking for a mix between synthetic oil and regular oil.
But before all that, we would like to cover a very important topic.
Why Choosing The Right Type Of Engine Oil Important?
Before we cover the differences among the types of motor oil, it is a good idea to explain why it even matters. The wrong type of engine oil can let you down in these 3 areas-
- Engine efficiency
- Durability
- Cost
1. Engine Efficiency
As a lubricant, the oil determines how well the components of the engine work together. Synthetic oils, for example, tend to give your engine a better boost as the chemically manufactured stuff smoothens the interactions a lot more.
2. Durability
Oil changes are tedious and some of us want to avoid them at all costs. For these people, we suggest going for a type of motor oil that is resistant to extreme temperatures, chemical degradation, and oxidation.
3. Cost
Last but not least, it is crucial to factor in the economic side of things. The price ranges differ greatly for the types of oils. You can save a fast buck by choosing a cheaper oil.
Synthetic Oil Vs Regular Oil: Which One Works Best?
So now that you know why choosing the right type of oil is so important, it’s time to understand what is the right type of engine oil for your car. Is it synthetic oil or regular oil?
1. Price
There is a clear winner here. Synthetic oil is expensive. Regular or conventional oil is around half the cost of its synthetic counterpart. Interestingly, regular oils also improve fuel economy on the highway. In other words, synthetic oil is going to create a crater in your pockets.
2. Performance Of The Engine
But that crater may be worth it as the difference in performance is notable. As we already mentioned, the synthetic option just flows better. The parts of the engine undergo less stress. So, along with performance, it also improves the protection of the engine. Synthetic oil increases the lifespan of the engine.
3. Resilience
Synthetic oil is a durability champion. There is not a single category in which regular oil does a better job when it comes to durability.
For starters, it does a great job against the elements. The viscosity does not change much at different temperatures. If you live in a region where the temperature changes frequently, synthetic oils are a must.
Synthetic oil is also less prone to chemical degradation. As they are chemically manufactured oil, they’ve been altered to make sure that they don’t decompose easily.
Lastly, they are less likely to oxidize. All oil oxidizes eventually but this process is much slower for synthetic oil than it is for regular oil.
4. Maintenance
As synthetic oil is much more durable, the frequency of oil changes is much lower. To be precise, regular oils require a change every 5000 miles whereas synthetic oils can go well over 10,000 miles.
Putting a period to these distances is difficult as it depends on how much you use your car. But if we had to guess, it would be around 6 months for conventional oils and at least a year for synthetic oil.
Category | Synthetic Oil | Regular Oil |
Price | Loser | Winner |
Engine Performance | Winner | Loser |
Resilience | Winner | Loser |
Maintenance | Winner | Loser |
Why Commercially Sold Synthetic Blends Are The Best Option?
As you can see, synthetic oil is vastly superior to regular oil but the price difference is so significant that the former simply isn’t viable for many of us. Mixing the two oils won’t do much good as you can’t transfer the benefits of synthetic oil just by diluting it in regular oil.
Commercially manufactured mixtures, however, do the trick. Synthetic blends are an excellent balanced option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Do Engines Need Oil?
The oil acts as a lubricant for the metals of the engine to operate together smoothly. It reduces the friction and ensures that the aforementioned parts don’t scratch or damage either.
Where Can I Buy Synthetic Blends?
Buying engine oil is no easy task. As made clear from this article, even choosing engine oil is a lengthy process. We suggest going to a trusted dealer to make the purchase. If you are buying online, ensure that product is exactly what you are looking for and only buy from reputable sites.
How Is OIl Thickness Calculated?
If you’ve tried to buy oil, we bet you’ve seen numbers such as 5W–30 and 10W–30, these numbers show the viscosity of the oil.
The number with the W shows the thickness of the oil at zero degrees Celsius. The other number shows thickness at 100 degrees Celsius. The higher these numbers are, the thicker your oil is at any given temperature.
Does The Brand Of Engine Oil Matter?
Yes. Unlike other products, motor oil is one where you can’t take a risk. Using the wrong even just for one instance can greatly damage your engine, and so, we recommend going for big brands like Castrol, Mobil, and Shell.
Final Words
All in all, synthetic oil vs regular oil is a choice that needs to be made carefully. Synthetic oil blends offer a good middle ground. However, mixing the two on your own will not offer the same benefits.