Motor Oil Ratings

• The American Petroleum Institute and the Society of American Engineers both provide classification information for lubricating motor oils. The API rating provides a service rating on the oil itself currently designated as “SL,” while the SAE rating classifies the motor oil by its viscosity – the fluid’s flow resistance at high and low temperatures. The first number in the series determines the oil flow or viscosity rated at 0 degrees, designated with a “W,” meaning “Winter” and not “Weight,” next to the first number, with the other number in the series referring to the oil thickness at higher temperatures. Comparing 10w-30 to 10w-40 tells you that the “40” retains its thickness longer at higher temperatures than the 10w-30 oil does.
  
  

Synthetic Oils

• You’ll find full synthetic oils used in high-end high-tech engines and vehicles. Tests for these oils are strict and mean these oils provide superior performance for vehicles such as classic Corvettes or well-kept Jaguars. Designed with higher viscosities, full synthetic oils are not for every car – and some synthetic oils may not have the features your vehicle needs. Always follow manufacturer recommendations when in doubt.
  
  

Higher-Mileage Oils

• Because vehicles often last longer than early predecessors, many cars claim more than 100,000 operating miles. The “How to Pick The Right Motor Oil For Your Car” article appearing in “Popular Mechanics” indicates that more than two-thirds of the vehicles on the road today register more than 75,000 operating miles. To accommodate these older cars, select a high-mileage oil formulated specially for these vehicles.
  
  

Synthetic Blends

• Synthetic-blended oils provide the best of both worlds – oils that combine organic oils with synthetics to provide oil that lubricates at higher temperatures – as well as better handling issues for vehicles under heavier loads. Many owners of trucks and sports utility vehicles opt for this choice of oil because it provides added features without the expensive costs associated with full synthetic oils.
  
  

Oil Additives

• Many car enthusiasts turn to oil additives that supplement the oil in the vehicle’s engine. Such additives often provided added protection against wear, dirt and friction. With the addition of dispersants, these oil additives work to prevent sludge and dirt in the engine by attaching to debris and moving it to the oil filter out of the way of your engine’s moving parts. Other additives may include rust inhibitors, detergents, antioxidants and friction modifiers.
  
  

Transmission and Gear Oils

• Transmissions and transaxles also need lubrication to reduce friction that causes heat and promote the life of these elements found in the car. Each transmission will have a recommended fluid for use for lubrication, while some may call for gear oil instead of a transmission fluid. All moving parts on a vehicle require lubrication. Refer to your owner’s manual for the types of oil and lubrication cycles needed for your car and where it needs this lubrication.