Motor oil is a critical part of your car’s engine and should be regularly checked and changed to ensure your vehicle runs properly. However, there are a number of myths about motor oil and its use. Some of the myths might have been true in the distant past but no longer apply with modern cars and oils.
To help clear up any confusion, here are some common motor oil myths that you can finally put to rest.
- Oil should be changed every three months or 3,000 miles. The truth is motor oil should be changed according to the manufacturer’s recommended schedule. For most late-model cars, the oil change interval is much longer. Changing the oil more often than necessary simply adds expense and wastes oil.
- Oil should be changed when it turns black. It’s completely normal for engine oil to turn black after a couple thousand miles. The color does not mean it’s lost its ability to lubricate and protect the engine. Some cars have sensors that monitor engine oil quality; if your car is not equipped with such dashboard indicators, you can always have the oil checked by a trusted mechanic to see if it needs to be changed.
- City driving counts as “severe” driving. According to this myth, most cars should have their oil changed on the manufacturer’s recommended schedule for severe driving conditions. But those more frequent schedules are designed for truly severe driving, such as police cars or trucks pulling heavy cargo.
- You should never change the type of oil used in your car. At one time, it was thought you shouldn’t even change oil brands; today, many people think you shouldn’t put synthetic oil in an engine that’s used to conventional oil or vice versa. However, there’s really no problem changing types of oil as long as it’s the correct viscosity.
Keeping your engine maintained, without unnecessarily changing the motor oil too often, can help you save money overall.
