What is the best motor oil?

April 4, 4:48 PMTampa Sports Car ExaminerMichael Berenis

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The age long battle between synthetics, synthetic blends, and regular motor oil continues to rage on. Several advancements have been made in motor oil technology that extend life of the engine, oil, and reduction of thermal breakdown. Motor oil is also designed to cool down the engine. Most high performance vehicles use some variation of an oil cooler. Oil is the life blood of your engine. Before using motor oil, consider the following information in this article.

Basics of motor oil

"Motor oil, or engine oil, is an oil used for lubrication of various internal combustion engines. While the main function is to lubricate moving parts, motor oil also cleans, inhibits corrosion, improves sealing and cools the engine by carrying heat away from the moving parts. Motor oils are derived from petroleum and non-petroleum synthesized chemical compounds used to make synthetic oil. Motor oil mostly consists of hydrocarbons, organic compounds consisting entirely of carbon and hydrogen." - wikipedia

Viscosity

Motor oil is designed to lubricate, clean, cool, prevent, and protect. There are lots of choices when it comes to using motor oil. Each engine requires a different type viscosity, but most run on 10w 30. "Oil weight, or viscosity, refers to how thick or thin the oil is. The temperature requirements set for oil by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) is 0 degrees F (low) and 210 degrees F (high). Oils meeting the SAE's low temperature requirements have a "W" after the viscosity rating (example: 10W), and oils that meet the high ratings have no letter (example SAE 30). An oil is rated for viscosity by heating it to a specified temperature, and then allowing it to flow out of a specifically sized hole. Its viscosity rating is determined by the length of time it takes to flow out of the hole. If it flows quickly, it gets a low rating. If it flows slowly, it gets a high rating."- autoeducation.com

Types of motor oil

Synthetic

Synthetic oil was created by German scientists during the 1930's and 1940's to supplement the need of crude oil in various military applications. During the 1950's and 1960's synthetic oil reached a further customer base by becoming of use to aviation enthusiasts. Finally, during the 1970's the synthetic oil formulations were offered to consumers for automotive use. It took nearly 40 years for synthetic oil to make it from theory to your auto parts shelf.

The molecules of synthetic oil are made to be soft and therefore maintain viscosity at higher temperatures. Their molecular structure are branched, and keep the oil flowing in cooler temperatures. The molecular design allows higher and lower temperatures with a lower pour point. Due to their nature, synthetic oils do not need to use viscosity index improvement chemicals.  Viscosity index improvement chemicals are the ones that typically break down and cause damage, wear, etc. This is why synthetic oil lasts longer than standard oil; there is less chemicals that are susceptible to break down.

Synthetics due to their amazing nature have taken over lubrication liquids for nearly every moving part on a vehicle. You can find synthetics everywhere, as they are readily available along side standard motor oil. Synthetic is usually more expensive that standard motor oil, but only by a couple of dollars per oil change. Synthetic oils are better overall than standard oils.

The design of synthetic oils does have one flaw; extreme penetration ability can sometimes cause seepage or oil leaks. Older cars, and cars under 10,000 miles are typical to have seepage or leaks from using synthetic oils. Synthetic oil is not recommended to be used in new vehicles under 10,000 miles.

Synthetic blend

Synthetic blend formulas contain a mixture of standard oil and synthetic oil that is mixed with additional chemicals. Synthetic blends have been developed with a unique blend of premium synthetic and conventional base oils with advanced additive technology. Synthetic blend is not as good as full synthetic, and it is marketed to people that can not decide which type of oil to choose. It is also used for those that want to transition from synthetic to standard or vise versa.

Synthetic blend provides increased protection for "tough driving conditions" such as stop and go traffic, frequent trips, hauling, and towing, which place extra stress and demands on your engine just like full synthetics, but also contain additives that break down sooner than a full synthetic oil. Synthetic blends are also much cheaper in price than full synthetics, allowing budget consumers to gain some benefits of synthetic with out paying the full price. Synthetic blend is also a good choice if your car leaks with use of full synthetics.

The profiting side of synthetic blend is that is serves several markets and allows oil producers to introduce chemical additives. By using chemical additives, they have to pump less oil out of the ground per drop of oil used in your car. Synthetic blends and full synthetic oils are a great way to help protect the environment and reduce the oil energy strain. Companies make more money, and help solve the energy crises at the same time by using synthetic and synthetic blended oils.

Conventional oil

Pumped straight out of mother earth, this oil is made from old dinosaurs and decayed plant matter. The chemical composition is not as exact as synthetic blends and can have contaminants, debris, and other impurities.After it is pumped out of the ground, chemical additives are introduced to help fight thermal breakdown and maintain viscosity levels. Cleaning agents are also introduced into the oil.

Conventional oil leaves behind waxes, and other residue which forms oil sludge in your engine. Oil sludge is a leading cause of engines being blown. Oil sludge will clog your oil lines, pump, and spray nozzles resulting in uneven lubrication through out moving parts in your engine. The parts heat up, and friction wears them down to being not of use. Piston rings are usually the first to go when oil sludge starts attacking your car. You can see thick black smoke coming out of the exhaust as the combustion cycle burns oil left behind on the cylinder wall.

Switching from conventional oils to synthetics is not always the best idea. For cars with sludge issues, switching to a synthetic blend can cause these chunks of sludge to break loose and clog oil lines, pump, etc. If your car suffers from oil sludge, it's recommended you remove as much sludge as possible before converting to synthetic. Clean your oil pan, pump, lines, and crank case before converting older vehicles from conventional to synthetic oils.

Brands of motor oil

There is plenty of motor oil companies out there to choose from. It can be a difficult task to pick which one is the best. Everyone has their own opinion about brands of oil. There are a couple of things to consider when choosing an engine oil.

• History
• Credibility
• Market situation
• Car manufacturer's preference

The history of every oil company should be investigated before you decide to use their oil in your vehicle. Vehicles are one of the most expensive investments of your life time, and the oil you choose is the life of your engine. Several oil companies have bad reputations for things they have done in the past regarding their oil. Some companies have used bad mixtures, inadequate lubrication properties, faulty chemicals, and other neglectful choices that lead to harm of your engine.

Credibility of the oil company you choose should be on the top of your list. Consider using the major oil companies that racing teams use. Racing teams should be your first indication of the quality of the oil you are considering to use in your vehicle. Of course there are the big name teams supporting garbage oil, but look into amateur racing teams and see what they say. These teams are on very tight budgets and will only use the best oil possible.

Also, talk to other car enthusiasts that have turbo forced induction vehicles. Owners of turbo cars that take special care in choosing oil will always know what the best oil to use is. Turbo forced induction vehicles put oil to the test by the heat created. If oil can withstand a highly tuned turbo vehicle, it's a good bet it's safe to use in the average car.

The market situation and current economic problems can cause oil companies to short change the consumer by adding chemicals that reduce the amount of oil per gallon purchased. This increase of additives reduces the life of the oil by creating more molecules that are susceptible to thermal breakdown and degradation. Larger companies aren't always the best choice, because the bigger they are the harder they fall. When times are tough, all businesses tighten up and secure profits. Don't let your motor oil become a victim of profiteering.

What is the best motor oil?

I drive a turbo forced induction vehicle and have been conducting research about oil for several years. It is my opinion that "Mobile 1" full synthetic is the best motor oil for the money while "Royal Purple" synthetic is the best motor oil over all. Royal Purple synthetic is chosen by several racing and rally teams as their lubrication of choice. Mobile 1 is a highly regarded racing lubricant used in all forms of motor sports. The big guys choose Mobil 1, while the small racing teams and avid sports car enthusiasts prefer Royal Purple. If you can afford the Royal Purple, get it.

Either way, I strictly prefer synthetic oils over conventional and blend. Synthetic oils are made in a laboratory and therefore as close to perfect chemical composition as possible. Less amount of additives in synthetic oil also create a more stable lubricating product than that of counter parts containing several additives, detergents, etc. Synthetic oil also does not create as much energy strain on the environment because the oil you are using is not pumped out of the ground; it's made in a lab.

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 Video content: Why is Royal Purple the best?

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 For more information about the author's car, visit http://subaru-offroad.blogspot.com