Mythbusters! 5 essential facts about motor oil

In digital times, finding information can be easy. However, finding the right information can be somewhat difficult. Champion gathered 5 essential facts you need to know about engine oil, so that you’ll have the right information from now onwards!

1 - Oil change

True or False: You have to change your oil every 10 000 KM?

FALSE: For years, the rule of thumb was to have your engine oil changed every 10 000 kilometers, but with synthetic oil you can go much further. Gradually, car manufacturers have been extending oil change intervals to 15 000 kilometers, then to 20 000 and now even to 30 000 kilometers.

2 - Labels

True or False: The W in 5W-40 refers to ‘Weight’?

FALSE: The W refers to ‘Winter’. The viscosity of motor oil is subject to temperature change. A single viscosity rate only represents the flow of oil when heated, but what if you need to start your car on a cold winter morning? That’s when the multi-grading rating comes in the picture. The oil will flow more slowly, which is different to when it’s heated, so this viscosity rating is important too. The number before ‘W’ represents the viscosity at engine startup, while the number following the ‘W’ represents the viscosity during engine operation.

3 – Color of oil

True or False: When engine oil turns dark, it's dirty and should be changed?

FALSE: On the contrary! Detergent oil disperses tiny particles, which can result in engine sludge, and it holds them in suspension. This way these particles can’t build up and that’s why the oil will appear darker. Of course, oil is limited to how many of these suspended particles it can contain. It eventually needs to be changed when it becomes saturated. Change your oil as recommended by your car’s manufacturer as its color on the dipstick is by no means the right indicator for an oil change interval.

4 - Additives

True or False: Engine oil additives boost your engine’s performance?

FALSE: Oil additives give the lubricant its detergent properties that keep your engine free of sludge. They also include rust retardants to prevent corrosion and contain additives to protect metallic surfaces. They also improve the engine oil’s viscosity index being the range of temperatures under which it flows properly through the engine. Using the right engine oil for your vehicle does not only boost its performance, it will also prevent a necessary engine flush. Use our product recommendation tool when looking for oil!

5 – Synthetic oil older cars

True or False: Synthetic oils will cause leaks in older cars?

True: The seals in engines of older cars (20 years or older) with high mileage may not be able to handle the detergent capacities of the additives in synthetic lubricants, which could cause leakages. For these vehicles it is recommended to follow the instructions and recommendations you find in the manual of your car. The oils to use in older cars are of the mineral type with additives which are adapted to adequately protect these engines in particular.