The so-called ‘well-oiled machine’ is synonymous with something that runs smoothly, so when it comes to getting the most from your car, it’s good to know a little more about its lifeblood – engine oil.
Engine oil is effectively a lubricant designed to limit the wear created by the movement of car components against one another. It does this by creating a thin buffering film that prevents the parts from grinding up against one another.
But it has other important functions too, including: preventing corrosion from acids and oxidisation; cleaning the engine by suspending any dirt particles and so preventing dirt build-up; and directing the heat generated by moving components away from the engine and so keeping the engine cool.
Engine oil mainly comes in either mineral or synthetic kind. Mineral oil is a crude-derived oil that is processed in a refinery, where those elements not conducive to the running of vehicle engines are extracted. Synthetic Oil is manufactured in laboratories and is especially geared for high performance. It is created to derive optimal engine function with regards to starting, heat protection and withstanding wear. As the manufacturing process is more involved, synthetic oil tends to be more costly.
There are also hybrid engine oils that are a combination of mineral and synthetic oils. This is most commonly referred to as semi-synthetic engine oil. All oils vary in price and the one you use for your car depends on the type of engine you have and the conditions under which you use your car. Common high performance additives such as detergents and anti-rust agents can also be added to the engine oil to further enhance engine capability.