Answering Common Questions About a Car’s Oil

Most car owners know their vehicles need regular oil changes but don’t fully understand what makes them so important. Some don’t even realize there is a wrong type of car oil they can use in their vehicles. It’s such a small part of car maintenance, but it can seriously affect the car’s working condition.

At A Plus Auto, we deal with replacements and used car parts daily, so we know the damage an incorrect oil use can do to your engine. So, let’s answer some of your burning questions regarding car oil, its purpose, and the consequences of not using it correctly.

The Purpose of Engine Oil and Why Cars Need It

Maintaining the oil levels in your vehicle is one of the simplest yet most important car upkeep tasks you can do. Skipping this step or using the wrong oil type can lower the engine’s performance, eventually overheating and breaking down completely. Car oil serves four major purposes:

Lubrication: It’s the substance that keeps engines running smoothly. It lubricates the various moving parts and lowers the internal friction. The less friction there is, the longer the internal car parts stay in tip-top shape.
Cooling: Motor oil supports the car’s primary cooling system by transferring the built-up heat away from the engine’s internal components.
Sealing: A layer of car oil coating the engine’s internal components, like pistons and cylinders, creates an air-tight seal around them, preventing leaks and maintaining proper engine pressure.
Cleaning: It traps combustion residue and other impurities that can cause serious engine clogs and lower performance.

Can You Use Any Type of Engine Oil

Sometimes, inexperienced car owners reach for the cheapest car oil on the shelf without considering the engine type and age. While the brand isn’t as important, pay close attention to the engine oil viscosity. Older engines need a thicker oil type to run smoothly. On the other hand, newer models need a less viscous motor oil that won’t clog them up.

Weather can also affect the type of oil you need to use in your vehicle. Viscosity changes with the changes in the temperature, so you might need to use a different car oil in winter than the one you use during the summer.

Always check your vehicle’s manufacturer instructions for more information on the proper oil you need. Ask your mechanic for advice if your car has a pre-use engine, like the many models in the A Plus Auto inventory.

What Oil Is Best for the Vehicle

Once again, this decision depends on the engine’s age and condition, as well as your driving habits and daily traffic conditions. Before putting any oil in your car, consult the manufacturer’s specifications, and always look for oils with an API certification. For the most part, you have a choice between three car oil types:

Conventional oil: The cheapest option and the one that needs the most frequent changes. It has a low heat resistance point and oxidizes quickly.
Synthetic oil: A more expensive option that will protect your engine for longer periods and improve its performance. It performs better in cold weather and allows more time between oil changes.
Synthetic blend oil: This is a combination of conventional engine oil with the addition of a synthetic base stock. It provides better engine protection but is still affordable.

When Is It Time To Change the Car’s Oil

The usual recommendation is to do an oil change every 3000 miles or approximately every three months. Thanks to today’s synthetic oils, the time between oil changes can be up to six months, or after you use your vehicle for around 6000 miles. Most modern vehicles have a system that automatically monitors oil levels and alerts you when it’s time for servicing.

Car owners should stay on top of this task and give their vehicles regular oil changes, especially if they drive in heavy traffic or during extremely hot or cold days. Don’t forget to check the oil levels at least once a month and top it up when it runs low.

Signs of Using the Wrong Kind of Engine Oil

It’s easy to recognize if you’re using the wrong type of engine oil because your vehicle will quickly show signs of displeasure. You won’t get very far before notice one or more of the following symptoms:

Leaks or clogs: An oil that’s too thin for your car model won’t coat the engine and other components and will start leaking out. An oil that’s too thick might thicken up even more and clog up passages, restricting the flow.
Overheating engine: Without proper protection and lubrication, the friction between the components will increase the internal temperatures and easily overheat the engine.
Increased fuel use: Because your car’s engine won’t perform at its peak, it will also need more fuel to compensate for the reduced efficiency.
Poor vehicle performance: A noticeable drop in acceleration or responsiveness could indicate that the oil isn’t compatible with your engine’s requirements.

But if you don’t notice the warning signs on time and your vehicle experiences some damage, don’t worry. You don’t have to buy a new car. Just replace the damaged components with new ones. At A Plus Auto, we offer used car parts for many different car makes and models that are as good as new.

From a transmission replacement to a full car engine, we will pack and ship your new part to your Kentucky address within 24 hours. Once you get and install them, don’t make the same mistake twice, and be picky about the oil you give your car.

What To Do if You Use the Wrong Engine Oil

So, you’ve filled your car with the wrong motor oil. Now what? Don’t panic; there is a way to fix this and reverse the potential damage.

What you need to do is:

Check the oil levels: Use the oil stick to see if the oil that’s already in the car appears too thick or too dark in color.
Do a complete oil change: Ask your mechanic to drain the oil completely and replace it with the correct type. They will know which one suits your vehicle the best.
Replace the oil filter: Put in a new filter in case the old one is contaminated and clogged.

Trust A Plus Auto

Understanding the importance of choosing the right engine oil and recognizing the signs of using the wrong type are crucial for the health and performance of your vehicle. At A Plus Auto, we recognize the significant impact that proper maintenance can have on your car’s longevity and efficiency. Whether you need advice on the best oil for your car or require high-quality replacement parts after a mishap, we’re here to help. Our inventory includes premium used parts for various makes and models, ensuring you receive reliable components that are as good as new.

Speedy Shipping to Get You Back on the Road

When your car is in the workshop, the last thing you need is a long wait for parts. With A Plus Auto, your parts will be shipped within 24 hours! Our team is a master at organizing the warehouse, and every part is ready to ship immediately. Apart from shipping quickly, we also use the highest quality packaging that cushions each item from damage during transit. You, therefore, can be certain that the car part will arrive fully protected and ready to install immediately.

This velocity and dependability in delivery have allowed us to meet our customers’ expectations and get them back on the road without delay. With A Plus Auto, speed never compromises quality!

Packed to Perfection

You can be sure that the car part you order from A Plus Auto will arrive scratch-free. We have an efficient packaging process, and we ensure you that all the parts are protected from shipping damage. Unique materials are packed with every part to cushion it in transport, so the arrival is safe. This way, you can install the part immediately.

Reviews That Talk About Us

They say actions speak louder than words, and our reviews certainly do not disappoint. A Plus Auto has numerous 5-star reviews from satisfied customers and offers high-quality used car parts at an agreeable price. After all, our ability to go beyond customer expectations is evident by the fact that we’ve sold more than 140,000 used car parts with an average delivery of 24 hours from when you place the order.

When you need a used part, you know where to turn. Our company is thorough and transparent; each part is photographed in high resolution, packed with special protective materials and shipped quickly and safely. But don’t take our word for it. Our satisfied customers will always speak louder than we ever could!

Choose Quality, Save Money, and Support Sustainability with A Plus Auto

In summary, when you choose used car parts from A Plus Auto, you’re making a decision that benefits your wallet, your vehicle, and the planet. Our carefully selected and thoroughly tested parts are not just about cost savings; they’re about reliable performance and environmental responsibility. By opting for used parts, you help reduce the need for new resources, minimizing your environmental footprint while ensuring your vehicle gets the quality components it deserves. Choose A Plus Auto and join countless satisfied customers who value quality, savings, and sustainability!