A Guide To What Motor Oil Is And How It Helps In A Car'S Operation

Regardless of the type of vehicle you drive - truck, car, van, SUV or hybrid - you cannot hope to see a return on your investment without taking care of the engine by using the right type of motor oil.

Consequently, this article has been developed as a primer to explain the basics of what motor oil is and how it helps in the operation of a vehicle.

What Motor Oil Does

Motor oil, like any grease, helps reduce friction between two surfaces. In the case of a vehicular engine, motor oil stops the metal moving parts from grinding against one another, "seizing up", or getting too hot as the liquid moves through the sump.

Lubrication isn't the only role that motor oil plays, however. It also assists in keeping the engine cleaner by picking up silicon oxide and acids that naturally occur during an engine's lifetime. These waste materials are suspended within the motor oil; hence, when the motor oil is flushed from the engine, the waste is flushed, too. 

What Motor Oil Cannot Do

Motor oil is absolutely essential when used as intended, yet the best motor oil in the world cannot stop the breakdown of engine parts if the vehicle operator does not take care of his or her truck, car, van, SUV or hybrid. 

Stop-and-go driving (especially in cities), long periods of storage, and cold starts take their toll on an engine, even when premium motor oils are used.

The Make-Up of Motor Oil

Twenty-first century motor oils offer different grades and brands. Though they may appear (or even feel) similar, they are not the same on the inside. Mineral-based motor oils have been refined (though they still originate from the earth); synthetic motor oils are completely manmade using a base of mineral oils; and semi-synthetic (premium) motor oils are a mixture of the former two types.

Motor oils typically contain additives such as detergents, buffers and other ingredients which keep the engine primed and ready for action. (Note: There is a type of motor oil known as a "pure" synthetic; this is generally used in industrial machinery and is therefore beyond the scope of this article.)

Which Motor Oil to Choose

Motor oil comes in a variety of grades, each offering a unique trait. Some offer amazing fuel economy, others boast incredible performance. Other motor oil "selling points" include quick engine circulation (even in very cold temperatures), high mileage vehicle protection, and deposit/build-up defense. The savvy motorist must pick the most needed characteristic for his or her vehicle.

No matter which grade or what type of motor oil chosen, though, remember that a vehicle is an investment. As a result, motor oils should never be picked solely from a "wallet" standpoint. After all, a few additional dollars can go a long way toward keeping a car or truck "fit" for years and years.

How Often Should Motor Oil Be Changed?

Over time, motor oil breaks down, becoming "sludge-like" and thus detrimental to the effectiveness of an engine. This process is completely natural, though it can be slowed down with proper maintenance and regular check-ups.  

Most vehicle owner manuals recommend changing the motor oil every 3,000 miles or every three months, whichever happens first. By following the 3,000 miles/three-month rule of thumb, an owner/operator can be certain he or she is making the wisest investment possible.