Have you ever wondered what the strange alphanumeric code on your engine oil bottle means? In this blog post, Brownsville Toyota will break down everything you need to know about motor oil and make it easy for you to understand. So, whether you’re a car owner who wants to take care of your vehicle better or just someone curious about this essential automotive fluid, read on.
What Does Engine Oil Do in a Car?
First, let’s dive in deep with a quick breakdown of precisely what oil does in a car. Motor oil is a thick, slippery liquid that coats the engine’s moving parts. It forms a seal between the pistons and cylinders to prevent metal-on-metal contact from wearing down the surface of these essential components.
In addition, motor oil keeps your engine running cool by absorbing heat from the metal parts inside your engine. It also lubricates gears and bearings to prevent them from getting worn away over time.
Is Motor Oil the Same as Engine Oil?
The words engine oil and motor oil are used interchangeably these days and they are pretty much one and the same thing.
Oil Viscosity Explained
Don’t be scared by that word: viscosity. It’s just the measure of a fluid’s resistance to flow and isn’t as complicated as it sounds. The more viscous (thicker) an oil is, the less efficiently it will be pumped around your engine and the harder your engine has to work to move it. This is referred to as internal friction or viscosity friction and is generated between molecules inside the fluid.
The Importance of Changing Engine Oil
Regularly changing engine oil is essential since it’s considered the bloodline of your car. Motor oil is used to lubricate car parts that are moving. By reducing the friction between the moving parts, you’re able to keep your engine running smoothly and prevent it from overheating or wearing down too quickly.
What Happens When Your Car Runs Out of Oil?
If you run out of motor oil in your car or truck, some parts will rub against each other without lubrication. If only a few parts are moving when this happens, then there won’t be any damage right away. However, if your car is standing still and the parts can scrape each other, this could lead to serious damages.
Since there would be no oil in the engine block to protect it from high temperatures, metal could start welding itself together inside. This will lead to expensive repairs for you.
The Gist
We hope that this guide has helped demystify the world of motor oil for you. At Brownsville Toyota, serving Brownsville, TX, we want our customers to feel confident about maintaining their vehicles. Whether they’re driving a shiny new Camry or an old pickup truck. If you have any questions about motor oil or car maintenance in general, please don’t hesitate to give us a call or stop by our dealership. And remember, when it comes time for your next service, be sure to schedule it online!
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