7 Common Engine Oil Myths You Should Stop Believing Today

7 common Engine Oil Myths You Should Stop Believing Today When it comes to your car’s health, engine oil is one of the most crucial elements. Oil is what keeps your engine running smoothly without any friction, thereby improving performance, slowing down wear and tear, and reducing overheating.

However, when it comes to car engine oil, there are a number of false myths that people have started to believe. In this post, we’re listing seven common engine oil myths and debunking them with facts.

Myth #1: You need to change engine oil when it becomes dark.

Fact: Darker colour is not an indicator that you need to change the oil. In certain cases, some oils darken pretty quickly. What you need to watch out for is how dirty, gritty, and grainy the oil is. Dirty oil should be changed as soon as possible.

Myth #2: Your oil should be changed every 4,000 to 5,000 kms.

Fact: Modern car engines have evolved beyond the need to have their motor oil changed so frequently. You can easily go from 7,500 to 8,000 kms on normal oil and more than 10,000 kms on synthetic oil without an oil change, depending on your car model. Refer to your car manual for the exact recommendations.

Myth #3: Synthetic Oil can cause Oil Leaks.

Fact: When synthetics first came into the picture in the 1970s, they did cause additional wear and tear of seals and gaskets. This is not the case anymore. Modern synthetics do not cause deterioration and are good at protecting your engine. However, as synthetic oil molecules are smaller, they may leak through existing cracks and crevices. Get your engine inspected before using synthetic oil.

Myth #4: Once you use synthetic oil, you cannot switch back.

Fact: This is untrue. Switching between synthetic and conventional engine oils is quite normal and will not harm your engine or cause any damage. You can change between the two without any issue.

Myth #5: All Oil Additives are just the same.

Fact: Different oil additives are developed to help your car engine in different ways. Some help the oil perform better under pressure and intense use, while others help older cars improve their performance.

Myth #6: Thicker Engine Oil is Better.

Fact: While thicker oil can be better for older and worn-out engines, many modern cars prefer thinner oil with lower viscosity. It’s highly recommended to use the oil viscosity mentioned in your car’s manual by the engine manufacturer.

Myth #7: Additives can improve my Engine’s Performance.

Fact: Most premium-quality oils are already formulated with necessary additives to help you get the best performance out of your engine. While additives can help your engine, they cannot add more horsepower or improve your gas mileage any further.

Many times, myths with no factual basis become widespread beliefs. Therefore, it’s important to do your research and learn what’s right for your engine. You can also ask a reliable automobile mechanic (like CarFixo) to solve any queries for you. Read More