Motor oil is confusing and using the wrong type can result in costly engine damage. Here we’ll explain the types so you can make the right choice.
Unless oil soluble dyes are added to change its color for identification purposes, all lubricating oils can look and feel the same. This can be a problem.
When I first started working at a car repair shop (in 1969!), we stored motor oil in 55-gallon drums. We hand-pumped it into oil dispensing funnels, then added it to an engine after an oil change. This was fine until a drum filled with hydraulic oil was mislabeled as 10W-30 motor oil. Thankfully, we quickly caught the error and replaced the oil and filter in every car. Except one.
We contacted the unlucky owner immediately and towed the car back the next day. The engine was already experiencing a slight knock, but fortunately a new oil pump and the right oil resolved the issue. Had it been driven any longer, the engine damage would have been inevitable and expensive. Today a new six-cylinder engine costs around $5,500, plus $2,000 for labor.
Long story short, selecting the right oil today shouldn’t be mystifying. We can help you make the best choice for your vehicle or power equipment.