| Regardless of the type of vehicle you drive - truck, | | | | mineral oils; and semi-synthetic (premium) motor oils |
| car, van, SUV or hybrid - you cannot hope to see a | | | | are a mixture of the former two types. |
| return on your investment without taking care of the | | | | Motor oils typically contain additives such as |
| engine by using the right type of motor oil. | | | | detergents, buffers and other ingredients which keep |
| Consequently, this article has been developed as a | | | | the engine primed and ready for action. (Note: There |
| primer to explain the basics of what motor oil is and | | | | is a type of motor oil known as a "pure" synthetic; |
| how it helps in the operation of a vehicle. | | | | this is generally used in industrial machinery and is |
| What Motor Oil Does | | | | therefore beyond the scope of this article.) |
| Motor oil, like any grease, helps reduce friction | | | | Which Motor Oil to Choose |
| between two surfaces. In the case of a vehicular | | | | Motor oil comes in a variety of grades, each offering |
| engine, motor oil stops the metal moving parts from | | | | a unique trait. Some offer amazing fuel economy, |
| grinding against one another, "seizing up", or getting | | | | others boast incredible performance. Other motor oil |
| too hot as the liquid moves through the sump. | | | | "selling points" include quick engine circulation (even in |
| Lubrication isn't the only role that motor oil plays, | | | | very cold temperatures), high mileage vehicle |
| however. It also assists in keeping the engine cleaner | | | | protection, and deposit/build-up defense. The savvy |
| by picking up silicon oxide and acids that naturally | | | | motorist must pick the most needed characteristic |
| occur during an engine's lifetime. These waste | | | | for his or her vehicle. |
| materials are suspended within the motor oil; hence, | | | | No matter which grade or what type of motor oil |
| when the motor oil is flushed from the engine, the | | | | chosen, though, remember that a vehicle is an |
| waste is flushed, too. | | | | investment. As a result, motor oils should never be |
| What Motor Oil Cannot Do | | | | picked solely from a "wallet" standpoint. After all, a |
| Motor oil is absolutely essential when used as | | | | few additional dollars can go a long way toward |
| intended, yet the best motor oil in the world cannot | | | | keeping a car or truck "fit" for years and years. |
| stop the breakdown of engine parts if the vehicle | | | | How Often Should Motor Oil Be Changed? |
| operator does not take care of his or her truck, car, | | | | Over time, motor oil breaks down, becoming |
| van, SUV or hybrid. | | | | "sludge-like" and thus detrimental to the |
| Stop-and-go driving (especially in cities), long periods | | | | effectiveness of an engine. This process is |
| of storage, and cold starts take their toll on an | | | | completely natural, though it can be slowed down |
| engine, even when premium motor oils are used. | | | | with proper maintenance and regular check-ups. |
| The Make-Up of Motor Oil | | | | Most vehicle owner manuals recommend changing the |
| Twenty-first century motor oils offer different | | | | motor oil every 3,000 miles or every three months, |
| grades and brands. Though they may appear (or | | | | whichever happens first. By following the 3,000 miles |
| even feel) similar, they are not the same on the | | | | three-month rule of thumb, an owner/operator can |
| inside. Mineral-based motor oils have been refined | | | | be certain he or she is making the wisest investment |
| (though they still originate from the earth); synthetic | | | | possible. |
| motor oils are completely manmade using a base of | | | | |