Debunking 3 Common Myths About Engine Oils

If you need a car but are short of cash, look for salvage vehicles offered in online salvage car auctions. Auctioneers organizing online auto auctions for public offer cars of different models and make at dirt cheap rates. Whether you own a salvage car or love moving around proudly in a new car, maintaining it is imperative to get value for money. One of the basic maintenance steps is monitoring the level of engine oil and replacing it at regular intervals to help avoid rust build up and sludge and glunk formation. Most drivers know the important part engine oil plays in helping their car return optimal performance, however,  very few are aware about engine oil myths, that they have been abiding by years, mistaking them for best practices. In this post, we try to shatter some such misconceptions. Take a look.

1. When oil turns dark colored, its time for a change

When the engine oil color turns from light amber to dark black, many car owners, wrongly think it is dirty, is depositing sludge and needs to be changed. This belief is complete opposite of the fact. Engine oil getting dirty indicates it is working the way it is supposed to, dispersing dirt and grime particles and not allowing them to bind together. While there is no denying the fact that engine oil is limited by its capacity to hold these tiny particles, and must be changed eventually, more than the color, manufacturer’s instruction matter here.

2. Irrespective of what the manual says, you must change engine oil every 3,000 miles

Many car owners consider changing their engine oil every 3,000 miles to be a rule written in stone. The rule applied to yesteryear engine oils, however, their modern counterparts have improved oil viscosities and boast superior auto engineering, and can go for up to 20,000 miles. Various consumer reports, over the years, have reiterated this, suggesting drivers who drive in normal conditions do not need to change oil for 10-20k miles.

3. Using synthetic engine oils can cause leaks

Old synthetic engine oils often caused seals in engine to shrink, resulting in messy oil leaks. With an improvement in technology over the years, this problem is behind us. Modern reformulated synthetic oils help get rid of sludge, unblocking cracks in the seal. That said, in old cars (15 years or more), using synthetic engine oils may still cause leaks. 

Wrap up

Using a quality engine oil can help prolong your car’s life and improve performance. When using engine oils, steer clear of these myths. Talk to your mechanic about best car maintenance practices and check your car’s health at regular intervals to ensure it is up and running for years.