About Me

Enjoying My New Car

After finally saving enough money for a down payment on a new car, I was really excited about customizing it and really making it my own. I spent a lot of time going through and thinking of different ways to make the vehicle unique, and it was exciting to see how far it was able to come. I completely replaced the seat covers, overhauled the electronics, and gave the engine a serious tune-up. When I was finished, the car ran like a gem, and it looked even better. This blog is all about enjoying your new vehicle and not taking great features for granted.

Search

Latest Posts

Enjoying My New Car

How To Read A Motor Oil Label

by Arianna Tucker

Keeping a fresh supply of motor oil in your vehicle is critical in protecting your engine against overheating. Most drivers understand the importance of motor oil but may find themselves confused when faced with selecting the right oil for their vehicle. Being able to read and understand the label on motor oil products will help you find the oil that is best suited to meet your specific driving needs.

Synthetic vs. Conventional

One of the first things you will see on a motor oil label is a designation of either synthetic or conventional. Synthetic oils are those that are enhanced by engineers in a laboratory setting. Conventional oil is a product of the refining process.

Most mechanics suggest that drivers use synthetic oils because these products contain protective additives and have fewer impurities than their conventional counterparts. A synthetic oil will not break down as quickly in the face of daily driving, making it a great option for today's commuters.

Viscosity Grades

Another important piece of information found on the label of a motor oil label is the viscosity grade of the oil. This grade is typically designated as a number range. The lower the numbers are, the better the oil can protect your engine in the face of colder temperatures.

A higher viscosity range will offer greater protection in high-heat or performance situations. Some viscosity ranges will feature the letter "W" in addition to a numerical range. This "W" stands for winter, and it tells you that the motor oil is designed to maintain its integrity when operating in winter weather.

API Classification

Many motor oil labels will contain an API classification. Motor oils undergo a series of bench tests and engine tests to determine their efficacy under varying conditions. Oils that are capable of withstanding these tests will be given an API-SP classification.

This classification means that the oil product is capable of maximizing fuel efficiency, resisting oxidation, and reducing mineral deposits within your engine. Motor oil with an API-SP classification will offer your engine greater protection over time, making these oils a great option for drivers who log a lot of miles behind the wheel.

Buying motor oil can be confusing. If you are able to understand the information that is included on each product's label, you will be in a position to select the oil that can protect your vehicle's engine against serious damage in the future. For more information, speak with a professional at a company like AMSOIL Power Sports Oil.

Share