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Motor oil questions on social media range anywhere from what grade type of motor oil is recommended for a car and whether a different type might be more beneficial. Especially if you bought a used car that did not come with an owner's manual, or you are looking for the most optimal motor oil brand recommendation, respectively.
Such questions are not always simple because not all motor oils are created equally. And it is not just about the quality that goes into making a particular brand, but its owner-intended application.
For example, a recent Reddit post on the r/Mechanic Advice thread asks the following question:
And more recently, a motor oil expert from The Motor Oil Geek YouTube channel received a similar question on social media with a focus on what motor oil should an owner choose that is better over the owner's manual recommendation for his 2018 Ford F-150 with a V8 engine.
Both inquiries are a good and fortuitous example of how separate questions on motor oil actually have an overlapping answer if you were to create a Vinn diagram based on motor oil questions commonly asked.
Easy Answers to Both Questions
The "missing manual" oil question can be answered from a variety of sources as noted in the Reddit comments such as checking the oil filler cap, looking inside the door jam or under the hood for a sticker, going online and finding a copy of your car's manual; and if all else fails, walking into an auto parts store and ask a clerk to look it up for you, which they will gladly do.
The "best oil besides what the manual says" question is really answered correctly (for the most part) by actually sticking with what the manual says.
A Deeper Answer to Both Questions: Application Always Dictates Chemistry
However, a deeper look into both questions going beyond what your car owner's manual may or may not say, requires an expert opinion on motor oil, which is the focus of this article based on a recent YouTube video posting by a well-known Lubrication Engineers Certified Lubrication Specialist and Oil Monitoring Analyst ―Lake Speed of The Motor Oil Geek YouTube channel.
"How do you choose your motor oil?" asks the host. "Well, it doesn't start with choosing a brand name," he answers as he begins his dive into the finer aspects of motor oil choice, which are based on the underlying questions all owners should ask of their motor oil: What is the purpose of the vehicle, how is it designed, and how will it be driven?
The Motor Oil Geek Explains Purpose, Design, and Drive Performance
Follow along with the host as he explains how the application will dictate the chemistry needed in your motor oil to fulfill your car engine's (and transmission's) true lubrication and performance needs.
In the video, you will learn about:
- How to think about your motor oil.
- One example of 3 oil choices the host needs to decide between for a high-performance race car.
- How his example is applicable to an owner of a non-race type vehicle.
- Why most car owners already know which motor oil is best via their car owner's manual.
- How does the answer change if your stock car is performance-modified?
- Why transmission type matters.
- Where to find additional resources to help you choose your motor oil.
Which Oil? How An Expert Chooses... (HINT: It's Not By Brand Name)
For some additional valuable articles related to your car's motor oil, here are a few for your consideration that can make a difference in how you view your motor oil:
- The Truth About Whether Valvoline's Restore & Protect Motor Oil Really Works
- Toyota Tundra Oil Sample Analysis After First 1,000 Miles
- The Secret Motor Oil Companies Don't Want You To Know
Timothy Boyer is an automotive reporter based in Cincinnati. Experienced with early car restorations, he regularly restores older vehicles with engine modifications for improved performance. Follow Tim on Twitter at @TimBoyerWritesfor daily news and topics related to new and used cars and trucks.
Image source: Deposit Photos
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