Yes, “motor oil” and “engine oil” are the same. Both terms are often used interchangeably to refer to the same thing.
Both terms refer to the lubricating fluid which is used to reduce friction and wear in internal combustion engines.
Furthermore, the lubricating oil helps dissipate heat.
Whether referred to as “motor oil” or “engine oil,” it all serves the same purpose in keeping the engine running smoothly.
Read through and let’s break it down in simple terms and get to the bottom of this lubricant confusion.
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What’s the difference between motor oil and engine oil?
Many people wonder if there is any difference between motor oil and engine oil.
The short answer is: no, there aren’t any. They are the same thing.
Both terms refer to the lubricating fluid which is used to reduce friction and wear in internal combustion engines.
However, there are some variations and nuances that you should be aware of when choosing the right oil for your vehicle.
What is Motor Oil and Engine Oil Made of?
Motor oil also known as engine oil is composed of two main components: base oils and additives.
The basic lubrication properties come from the base oils that crude oil or synthetic sources produce.
However, additives are chemicals that enhance or modify the characteristics of the base oils, such as cleaning, cooling, protecting, or improving viscosity.
The composition and ratio of base oils and additives vary depending on the type and purpose of the oil.
For instance, diesel engine oil has a higher percentage of additives than gasoline engine oil.
This is because diesel engines operate under higher temperatures and pressures and require more protection and cleaning.
How to Choose the Right Oil for Your Engine?
Several factors are to consider when selecting the right oil for your engine.
1. Viscosity
One of the most important factors to consider is the viscosity.
Viscosity is a measure of how thick or thin the oil is and how well it flows at different temperatures.
The higher the viscosity, the thicker the oil; the lower the viscosity, the thinner the oil.
It’s important to note that the viscosity of the oil affects the performance and efficiency of the engine.
Typically, if the oil is too thick, it will create more drag and resistance, thus reducing the fuel economy and power output.
If the oil is too thin, it will not provide enough lubrication and protection, increasing the wear and tear and risk of engine damage.
To help you choose the right viscosity for your engine, you can refer to the owner’s manual of your vehicle or the oil label on the bottle.
The oil label usually shows two numbers separated by a letter W, such as 5W-30 or 10W-40.
The first number indicates the viscosity of the oil at low temperatures (winter), and the second number indicates the viscosity of the oil at high temperatures (summer).
The lower the first number, the better the oil performs in cold weather; the higher the second number, the better the oil performs in hot weather.
2. Type and quality
Another factor to consider when choosing the right oil for your engine is the type and quality of the oil.
There are three main types of oil:
- conventional,
- synthetic, and
- synthetic blend
Conventional oil is the cheapest and most common type of oil, but it has lower performance and durability than synthetic oil.
Synthetic oil is the most expensive and advanced type of oil, but it has higher performance and durability than conventional oil.
Synthetic blend oil is a mixture of conventional and synthetic oil, offering a balance of cost and quality.
Additionally, the type and quality of the oil are indicated by the API (American Petroleum Institute) service rating on the oil label.
The API service rating consists of two letters, such as SN or SL.
The first letter indicates the type of engine the oil is suitable for; S for gasoline engines and C for diesel engines.
The second letter indicates the quality level of the oil: the higher the letter, the higher the quality.
For example, SN is the highest quality level for gasoline engines, while CJ-4 is the highest quality level for diesel engines.
Conclusion
Motor oil and engine oil are the same thing, however, they have different variations and specifications depending on the type and condition of the engine.
To ensure the optimal performance and longevity of your engine, you should always use the recommended type, viscosity, and quality of oil for your vehicle.
You should also check the oil level and condition regularly and change the oil and filter according to the manufacturer’s guidelines.
By doing so, you will keep your engine running smoothly and efficiently for years to come.