Top five oil myths

Being in the automotive service industry,  I  keep hearing wildly contradictory information about engine oil – what type to use and how often to change it. I surely could have refuted all of them but  I thought it would be a better idea to seek the help of a specialist to shed some light regarding oil issues.  So I came up with a  list of some  widely spread  oil myths and asked the expert, Engineer Edwin Cayco of Edmel Engine Specialists and proud owner of the quickest Honda dragcar in the Philippines.  After a brief interview,  I came up with some interesting answers.  Here’s a list of five oil myths and realities to guide you through this oily subject.

1. Change your oil every 3,000 kilometers or three months — whichever comes first. This is a myth for the vast majority of modern cars. The 3,000-kilometer oil change is the standard of the quick-oil change industry and dealership service departments, designed to regularly get you into the service bay. 

Oil experts and car manufacturers say that oil chemistry and engine technology have evolved tremendously in recent years, extending oil change intervals. Cayco agrees that the oil in today’s cars should be changed at the designated intervals in the owner’s manual or according to the severity of the use. (The average interval for modern cars is around 5,000 kilometers.) “But if customers always stay with the 3,000 kilometer recommendation without checking, they will just be throwing away good oil. Also don’t put cheap oil as it lacks ingredients to optimally lubricate, protect, clean and cool the engine,” Cayco added.

2. Synthetic Oil Myth – Once you use synthetic oil, you always have to use it. “Changing oils from Mineral oil to Synthetic is okay as long as the oil meets the service ratings and viscosity requirements set out in your owner’s manual.  “You can switch back and forth as much as you want,” Cayco says. “But do not mix Mineral Oil and Synthetic as it will coagulate or transform to a semi solid state and loose it’s lubricating properties,” he added. With regards  to the myth that Synthetic oil is better for your car’s engine and it improves your fuel economy, Cayco says that Synthetic oil is generally a superior lubricant, but adds, no it does not save you gas.”

3. Check the oil on the dipstick. If it’s dark, change the oil.  Cayco says  this is a myth, as is the related indication that you can identify worn oil by smell. Cayco explains that motor oil has detergents that clean your engine. “Oil is meant to get dark — it means it’s doing its job.” Cayco suggests  to check oil regularly.  If it turns black before the scheduled oil change, it is an indication that something is wrong with the engine. “Oil should be at most, brown to dark brown in color.  If its black, it has lost its ability to lubricate the engine effectively.”  he added.

4. When you buy a new car, change your oil at 1,000 kilometers to remove metal particles from the engine break-in process.  “There is some scientific truth to this, says Cayco. Generally engine metal parts grind each other to fit during the break-in process, “Cayco says. But he added, “To me, it doesn’t make that much difference because if the filings are big enough to cause engine damage, they won’t be able to pass  the oil filter.” However, he advises owners to follow the break-in procedure instructed by the dealer.

5. Change your oil before a long road trip.   It’s definitely a good idea to check fluids before long drives.  However, if the oil change interval is not scheduled to occur during the trip, it is not necessary to change it beforehand.  However, if the oil change interval would arrive during the trip, then it’s a good idea to change it before you leave.   Cayco suggests that you thoroughly inspect the engine for oil leaks instead as vibration during long trips will worsen the leaks.