As drivers, we’re always looking for that new edge when it comes to our engine performance. Whether you’re wanting better acceleration, higher top-end speeds or just a bit of a smoother ride, you want to get the most juice out of your engine.
Well, we’re here to tell you that it’s possible to get these results by making smart choices about which engine oil you use.
Plain and simple, engine oil does affect overall vehicle performance.
It’s all about economy and power production. Basically, the engine oil viscosity is what is most at play here. Rule of thumb? The lower the engine oil viscosity, the better. This is why oil grades switch from the tradition 10W-30 to 5W-30 or 5W-20, and more recently you may have seen the 0W-20.
Engine oils with lower viscosity, such as a zero weight (that’s the 0W), are more fluid at lower temperatures than greater weights.
This is significant for one reason: resistance.
With thicker oil in the crankcase, your engine needs to work harder to move internal parts, sapping energy before you can use it.
Consider the difference between stirring a cup of molasses with a spoon and stirring a glass of water with a spoon.
With molasses, not only is it impossible to match the stirring pace, but it also takes more energy.
Should I choose Conventional Oil or Synthetic Oil?
Synthetic oils, on the whole, have the best oil viscosity.
This is due to the fact that obtaining the same qualities in conventional oil is really, really difficult. Such is the nature of modern progress!
Your engine doesn’t have to work as hard when you reduce friction and resistance inside the engine, when you’re using a low-viscosity synthetic oil.
It has the ability to rev up faster and maybe to a greater maximum RPM, aka whizz-factor.
And because less energy is required, less fuel is required to generate that electricity.
However, don’t dismiss synthetic oil because of the small advantages we’ve mentioned.
Even if it’s not exactly a total rocket booster strapped to the back of the car, it’s still the greatest choice for your engine.
The most significant advantage of synthetic oil is that it reduces engine wear by up to 90%.
Use the oil recommended by your car manufacturer, but switch to synthetic to reap the benefits.
What are you waiting for?! A local, qualified mechanic on My Auto Shop can recommend what oil to put in your car during your next repair, and it’s quick and easy to book in online, just head to the service area to get started.