01 Oct Debunking 3 Myths About Engine Oil

It’s no secret that motor oil plays an important role in vehicle maintenance. Your vehicle’s engine relies heavily on lubrication from quality motor oil to avoid long-term and costly damage. Unfortunately, there are a lot of myths and misunderstandings floating around when it comes to motor oil; by debunking these myths and getting to the truth behind them, we hope to help customers make better informed decisions for their own vehicles.

Myth 1. You Need an Oil Change Every 3,000 Miles

Perhaps the most widely circulated myth about engine oil is that it needs to be changed every 3,000 miles. A lot of people are led to believe this because the stickers they receive from their mechanics indicate that their oil will need to be changed this frequently.

While it may have been true that vehicles needed oil changes every 3,000 miles many decades ago, the reality is that modern vehicles can often go closer to 10,000 between oil changes. Likewise, many newer cars are equipped with engine oil life monitors that will actually alert drivers when service is needed.

Myth 2. Synthetic Oil Leads to Oil Leaks

Another widely spread myth about engine oil is that synthetic oil can cause leaks to form over time. While this may have been true in the past, when older and poorly maintained engines were more prone to leaking, the reality is that it’s not the oil that is causing these leaks. Instead, poor engine maintenance leads to cracked and worn seals that are more prone to leaks as a result.

In fact, synthetic oil is no more likely to cause a leak than conventional oil. Many synthetic motor oils these days are formulated to protect seals and make them less prone to leaking. For many vehicles, then, synthetic oil remains the best choice.

Myth 3. Oil Filter Changes Are Unnecessary

A lot of car owners mistakenly believe that they don’t need to change their oil filters with every oil change. Unfortunately, if you’re not changing your filters as regularly as you’re changing your oil, you could be doing more harm than good. An oil filter plays an important role in removing a lot of sludge and grime that could otherwise end up in your engine. Over time, oil filters become clogged and need to be replaced. Otherwise, they lose their effectiveness.

Check your owner’s manual to find out how often oil filter changes are recommended for your vehicle. As a general rule, though, it’s best to change the oil filter and motor oil simultaneously.

Stay Informed and Take Care of Your Car

These are just a few of the most common myths and misconceptions about motor oil and engine maintenance. By understanding the truth behind these myths, you’ll be empowered to take better care of your own vehicle with regular oil changes. Meanwhile, you can always rely on our team at AMSOIL to deliver the quality motor oil your car needs to power your everyday driving adventures.