Motor oil plays a crucial role in keeping your vehicle’s engine running smoothly and efficiently. Often overlooked, this vital fluid serves multiple functions, from lubricating moving parts to cooling and cleaning the engine. Without it, your engine would face increased friction, wear, and potential damage.

Understanding what motor oil does, why regular changes are necessary, and how often to change it can help you maintain your vehicle’s performance and extend its lifespan. In this article, we’ll explore what motor oil is, why it’s essential, and provide guidance on how frequently you should change it to keep your engine in top condition.

---

You might also read:

• All Wheels Drive vs 4-Wheel Drive: What’s the Difference? Do You Actually Need Them?

• What size is considered a mini excavator? What size trailer do I need for a mini excavator? How do you position a mini excavator on a trailer?

---

What is Motor Oil?

Motor oil is a blend of base oils and additives. The base oils are typically derived from crude oil or synthesized from chemical compounds. Additives are included to enhance the performance of the oil, protect the engine, and extend the oil’s life. These additives can include detergents, dispersants, anti-wear agents, and antioxidants.

Functions of Motor Oil

1. Lubrication: The primary role of motor oil is to lubricate the engine’s moving parts. This reduces friction, which can cause the parts to wear out and generate excessive heat. By minimizing friction, motor oil helps the engine run smoothly and efficiently.
2. Cooling: While the engine’s coolant system is primarily responsible for cooling, motor oil also plays a role. As it circulates through the engine, it helps dissipate heat away from the moving parts, preventing overheating.
3. Cleaning: Motor oil contains detergents and dispersants that help clean the engine. These additives prevent the formation of sludge and deposits, which can clog the engine and reduce its efficiency.
4. Sealing: Motor oil creates a seal between the piston rings and cylinder walls, which helps maintain compression and improve engine performance.
5. Protecting: The anti-wear additives in motor oil form a protective layer on the engine’s surfaces, preventing metal-to-metal contact and reducing wear. Additionally, antioxidants in the oil help prevent oxidation, which can degrade the oil and form harmful acids.

Types of Motor Oil

1. Conventional Oil: This is the most common type of motor oil, derived from refined crude oil. It’s suitable for many engines but may not perform as well in extreme temperatures or under heavy loads.
2. Synthetic Oil: Made from chemically engineered compounds, synthetic oil offers superior performance and protection. It flows better at low temperatures and maintains its viscosity at high temperatures, making it ideal for high-performance engines and extreme conditions.
3. Synthetic Blend Oil: This is a mix of conventional and synthetic oils. It offers better performance and protection than conventional oil but is more affordable than full synthetic oil. It’s a good middle-ground for many drivers.
4. High-Mileage Oil: Designed for vehicles with over 120,000 kilometres (75,000 miles), high-mileage oil contains special additives that help reduce oil consumption, minimize leaks, and protect older engines.

Why is Motor Oil Essential?

Using the right motor oil and changing it regularly is crucial for maintaining your engine’s health and longevity. Here are a few reasons why motor oil is essential:

• Reduces Wear and Tear: By providing proper lubrication, motor oil reduces the friction between moving parts, preventing wear and tear.
• Prevents Overheating: Motor oil helps dissipate heat, preventing the engine from overheating and potentially suffering severe damage.
• Improves Fuel Efficiency: A well-lubricated engine runs more efficiently, which can lead to better fuel economy.
• Extends Engine Life: Regular oil changes and using the right type of oil can significantly extend the life of your engine by keeping it clean and well-protected.

Can you ride a motorcycle or drive a car without motor oil?

No, you cannot ride a motorcycle or drive a car without motor oil. Motor oil is essential for the proper functioning of internal combustion engines, which are found in both motorcycles and cars.

What Happens If You Don’t Change the Oil?

If you don’t change the oil in your vehicle, several problems can arise, affecting the performance, efficiency, and lifespan of your engine. Here’s what happens if you neglect regular oil changes:

1. Oil Degradation

• Loss of Lubrication: Over time, motor oil breaks down and loses its ability to effectively lubricate engine parts. This can lead to increased friction between components, causing wear and tear.
• Reduced Viscosity: As oil degrades, it becomes thicker or thinner than its intended viscosity, which can impair its performance in lubricating and protecting the engine.

2. Sludge and Deposits

• Sludge Formation: Old, dirty oil can form sludge and other deposits inside the engine. This sludge can block oil passages and reduce the efficiency of the engine.
• Clogged Filters: A clogged oil filter, caused by a buildup of contaminants, can prevent the oil from flowing properly, which can lead to engine damage.

3. Engine Wear and Damage

• Increased Friction: Without proper lubrication, moving parts in the engine will rub against each other, causing increased friction and accelerated wear.
• Overheating: Old oil loses its ability to dissipate heat effectively. This can lead to engine overheating, which can cause severe damage to engine components.

4. Reduced Performance and Efficiency

• Decreased Fuel Efficiency: An engine with old oil may operate less efficiently, leading to reduced fuel economy.
• Poor Performance: The engine may suffer from decreased power, responsiveness, and overall performance due to the buildup of contaminants and reduced lubrication.

5. Engine Damage and Failure

• Seizure: In extreme cases, the engine may seize up due to excessive friction and overheating, leading to a complete engine failure.
• Expensive Repairs: Neglecting oil changes can lead to costly repairs or even require a complete engine replacement if significant damage occurs.

6. Warranty Issues

• Voiding Warranty: If your vehicle is under warranty, failing to follow the manufacturer’s recommended oil change schedule can void the warranty. Manufacturers often require proof of regular maintenance to honour warranty claims.

7. Environmental Impact

• Increased Emissions: An engine that isn’t properly maintained can produce higher emissions, which can be harmful to the environment.

How Often Should I Change the Motor Oil?

The frequency of motor oil changes depends on several factors, including the type of oil used, your driving habits, and your vehicle’s manufacturer recommendations. Here’s a general guide to help you determine how often to change your motor oil:

1. Manufacturer’s Recommendations

• Check the Owner’s Manual: Your vehicle’s owner’s manual provides the most accurate information regarding oil change intervals. Manufacturers usually specify a mileage range or time period (e.g., every 5,000 kilometres or 6 months) for oil changes based on the type of oil and engine design.

2. Type of Oil

• Conventional Oil: If you use conventional (mineral) oil, you may need to change it more frequently, typically every 5,000 to 7,500 kilometres.
• Synthetic Oil: Synthetic oils are more advanced and can last longer. They often require changes every 8,000 to 12,000 kilometres, depending on the manufacturer’s recommendations.
• Synthetic Blend Oil: This type of oil generally has a change interval between conventional and synthetic oils, often around 6,000 to 8,000 kilometres.

3. Driving Conditions and Habits

• Frequent Short Trips: If you frequently drive short distances, especially in stop-and-go traffic, the oil may degrade faster. In this case, you might need to change the oil more often.
• Extreme Conditions: If you drive in extreme temperatures, tow heavy loads, or frequently drive on rough or dusty roads, your engine may put more stress on the oil, requiring more frequent changes.
• Heavy Loads: Regularly towing or carrying heavy loads can increase engine stress and oil consumption, potentially shortening the oil change interval.

4. Oil Life Monitoring Systems

• Modern Vehicles: Many newer vehicles are equipped with oil life monitoring systems that track driving conditions and alert you when an oil change is due. Follow the recommendations from these systems if your vehicle has one.

5. General Guidelines

• Every 5,000 to 7,500 Kilometers: For conventional oil.
• Every 8,000 to 12,000 Kilometers: For synthetic oil.
• Every 6,000 to 8,000 Kilometers: For synthetic blend oil.

To ensure optimal engine performance and longevity, follow the oil change intervals specified in your vehicle’s owner’s manual and consider your driving conditions and habits. Regular oil changes are crucial for maintaining engine health and preventing costly repairs. If you’re unsure, consult with a professional mechanic or your vehicle’s manufacturer for specific recommendations tailored to your vehicle and driving style.

Conclusion

Making sure your car’s engine stays in great shape means staying on top of regular maintenance, and changing the motor oil is a big part of that. If you understand how important motor oil is, what can happen if you don’t change it, and how often you should change it based on the type of oil you use, you can make good choices to keep your engine safe. By following what the manufacturer recommends and thinking about how and where you drive, you can avoid pricey repairs and keep your car running well. Don’t forget, a little care ahead of time can really help your engine stay healthy and perform at its best.