What Engine Oil Should I Use for my Car?

When buying engine oil for your vehicle, there is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ solution. Depending on your fuel type, engine size, vehicle age, and more, it is essential for your vehicle’s health that you choose the correct oil. 

This short guide will assist you in finding the best oil grade for your car, whilst introducing you to a few JLM additives that help to ensure optimum engine performance.

Why does my car need engine oil?

Engine oil assists in the maintenance of a number of vehicular elements, but its main purpose is lubrication. Metal components of the engine must be able to glide past each other easily, or they are at risk of grinding against each other—this could result in costly repairs. The slick, thick consistency of oil makes it the perfect lubricant to prevent this.

As well as acting as an efficient lubricant, oil is also a great means to clean your vehicle’s engine. As oil filters through the system, it can pick up and clear away any dirt or debris that has been building up, avoiding expensive engine cleaning.

Oil also has the ability to help maintain a reasonable temperature in engine components, saving them from damage caused by overheating.

What oil does my car need?

Oils of a certain viscosity (thickness) will be suitable for different cars, driven in different circumstances, in order to best protect their engine. If you choose an oil grade that is too thin for your vehicle, it will not provide the protection needed.

Different oil grades

Oils with a lower viscosity will flow through your engine a lot easier. In cold conditions these can be identified by a lower number before the ‘W’ on the oil grade—for example, 5W-30 is a lower viscosity than 10W-30. When your engine reaches normal operating temperature, viscosity is measured by the number that follows the hyphen—for example, 10W-30 is a higher viscosity than 10W-20.

Due to these separate grades, it is important when choosing your oil to take into consideration the climate around you. If you live somewhere that is colder, you will need a lower ‘Winter’ viscosity to ensure the oil can flow on engine start-up. In this case, you would choose a 5W-30 over a 10W-30 grade oil.

Checking your vehicle manual

The best way to ensure you are putting the correct oil in your car is to check your vehicle manual. Whether you live in a hot or cold climate, your manual should tell you which oil is most suitable, and how this should be adjusted in different situations.

Engine oil additives

As with any fluid you put into your vehicle, engine oil can become dirty over time causing it to become less efficient. With JLM engine oil additives, you can flush out your oil and rid it of this build-up, prolonging the life of your oil, and in turn your engine. Engine Oil Stop Leak can also be used to prevent any messy spillages from worn-out engine oil seals—a great way to save your oil and your money.