Using the Right Oil

These days are more oils to choose for your vehicle than ever before, and with a lot of oils it is easy to simply say that you get what you pay for. And as true as that usually is, what else do you need to know? Well first of all let’s talk about viscosity, as no matter what oil you choose, the viscosity is key.

So on the oil label you will see two numbers, the first number is always your winter or cold viscosity. The second number is your hot viscosity, so once your oil heats up. Therefore a 5W40 has a cold viscosity of 5 and a hot viscosity of 40. So what does this mean. It means that when you start your car, the oil is very thin (the lower the number, the thinner it is) and travels through your engine easily, protecting the engine. But when the oil heats up it thickens up (like honey) and coats your engines components better for protection. This is the ideal that you are looking for, however it is important to note that your vehicle will have a sweet spot that is recommended by your manufacturer and you should stay within these limits.

Each car is build differently, with different rpm’s and different compression, so they will all vary. Also, where you live and the climate is important. If you live in colder climates, you want to consider a 5W or even a 0W oil if your manufacturer supports it. Always check your owners manual to get the range that your vehicle supports, or ask us.

Now that we got the numbers out of the way, let’s talk about the quality of the oil. There are recycled oils, standard oils and synthetic oils. Which oil is right for you? Well that depends on what you expect out of your car, and what your maintenance budget is. A lot of times, investing a little more into your cars maintenance can go a long way, and actually save you money in the long run. At Top Gear we tend to recommend synthetic oils because they provide the best protection. We offer different brands, and you can even bring your own oil. If you were to ask us which brand you should use, our answer will likely be Eneos for Japanese models, LubroMoly (LiquiMoly) in European models and Mobil1 in American models. The reason for this logic is that these manufacturers typically use local options when they build the cars, and these three brands are top choices.

So there you have it, everything you need to know in choosing the right oil. If you are still confused and you live in London, stop by or give us a call at Top Gear Import Parts and Service and we will help you out. Don’t forget to change your oil regularly and as always, drive safe!