How to Pick the Right Motor Oil for Your Car

While there’s no problem simply choosing the engine oil recommended for your engine by the manufacturer, it’s a good idea to understand what you’re putting in your vehicle. Here at Bar’s leaks, we have spent nearly a century studying engine lubrication, performance and leaks. We’ve been formulating products to take care of leak-related problems for over 70 years. Get to know what engine oil is all about to ensure you’re making an informed choice when it comes time to change your oil.

What You Need to Know About Engine Oil

OS-1 Box PNGIf no one has ever explained engine oil to you, here are a few of the most important points:

  • Understand the labels: Labels on bottles of engine oil include a starburst logo that indicates if the oil is certified by the American Petroleum Institute (API) — your guarantee that the oil meets their high standards for automotive engine lubrication.
  • Viscosity: Viscosity is a measure of the thickness of oil, or how it flows. A low number, such as 10, represents a thinner oil that flows better at low temperature. A high number, like 40, represents a thicker oil that is ideal for high temperatures. Most automotive oils are blended to offer a low winter (W) rating and a higher rating for summer (10W40, for example). Most oils today are multiblend, so you don’t need to worry about a summer vs. winter oil if you live in temperate climates.
  • Oil additives: Oil refiners include various additives including detergents, cleaners and corrosion inhibitors to provide additional protection to your oil. You can also choose aftermarket additives for engine oil from our list of Bar’s Leaks products that help clean, reduce smoking, restore power and seal leaks so that you get more out of your oil between changes. If you have even the slightest hint of a leak or excessive oil consumption, a pro-grade product like Bar’s Leaks Oil Seal can nip that leak in the bud AND stop oil consumption and burning, all from a single application. It’s literally that easy, and takes no more than 5 minutes.

Knowing these three points can help you make the right choice for your vehicle. Make sure you follow all manufacturers’ guidelines for oil grade and change intervals to avoid problems and keep your warranty intact.

If you would like more information on automotive oils or want to learn more about our Bar’s Leak additives and sealants, fill out our online contact form. You can also use our handy online locator to find a retailer near you.

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