Oil change is a recurring topic in the life of any driver. Just stopping to refuel and soon comes the question through the car window: “how’s the oil?” It seems simple, but a large portion of people have no idea of “how’s the oil” or what that means. At that moment, the person who opens the car hood becomes an authority on the subject and will say what should be done, and it’s also at that moment when many misconceptions occur.
Dark oil is old oil – “Viscosity indicates dirt”
Does mixing types of oil damage the car engine? Is it really necessary to change the oil filter with every change? Edson Reis, driver of Copa HB20 and CEO of TecLub Maxon Oil, one of the top 10 best-selling automotive lubricant brands in the country, answered each of these questions and revealed myths and truths commonly heard at gas stations and other automotive service points.
Is it possible to evaluate lubricating oil by its color?
MYTH: The color of each type and brand of oil is related to the technology used. Synthetic oil is always lighter, with a transparent base like water, and it’s the additives that change its color. On the other hand, mineral oil shows significant variations in color, as this characteristic can change based on the petroleum from which it is extracted. Additionally, there are regional beliefs associated with this myth: in the southern regions of the country, there’s a tendency to believe that lighter oil is better, while in the northern regions, there’s a belief that darker oil has more additives and is therefore better. Edson emphasizes that the only true fact is that, regardless of its color, oil has the function of cleaning the engine, and after it starts being used, it will naturally darken within the engine, which is completely normal and expected.
Is thick oil a sign of old oil?
MYTH: Just like color, the visual or tactile thickness of oil is not an indicator of quality. Moreover, it’s technically impossible to measure the viscosity of the product by rubbing it between your fingers, especially at room temperature. This can only be done in a laboratory with a device called a viscometer, and by simulating the conditions inside the engine, since the product is designed to reach the appropriate viscosity at the temperature of the operating vehicle. Different types of oil vary in this property, and the correct specification is the one indicated in the vehicle’s manual. The CEO of Maxon Oil warns that it’s common for drivers to use oil that is more viscous than recommended to try to minimize vehicle issues such as leaks or burns, but instead of helping, this action can worsen mechanical problems.
Is it always necessary to change the oil filter?
TRUE: The oil filter is an essential component for the engine cleaning process. The oil cleans, and the filter retains that dirt. It’s worth noting that when used correctly, the lubricant will never damage a vehicle’s engine. However, its absence will. Not changing the filter or choosing low-quality filters can result in improper oil circulation and cause serious damage. Moreover, it’s a relatively inexpensive product that won’t significantly increase the service cost during the engine check, so there are no reasons not to change it whenever the oil is renewed.
Is it always necessary to change the oil filter?
TRUE: The oil filter is an essential element for the engine cleaning process. The oil cleans, and the filter retains that dirt. It’s worth noting that, if used correctly, the lubricant will never harm a vehicle’s engine. However, the lack of it can. Not changing the filter or choosing low-quality filters can prevent the oil from circulating as it should and cause serious damage. Additionally, it’s a relatively inexpensive product that won’t significantly increase the cost of the service during the engine check, so there’s no reason not to change it whenever the oil is renewed.
Mixing synthetic and mineral oil damages the engine?
MYTH: If the driver has used one type of oil by mistake, for example, and needs to switch to the other, whether from mineral to synthetic or vice versa, this won’t cause any problems for the car’s engine.