Industrial oils have been irresponsibly utilized in recent years. Accidental spillage or inappropriate disposals of lubricants are serious dangers to the environment. The good news is many companies deal with this issue by making various eco-friendly lubricants. Continue reading to learn more about these.

How Lubricants Affect the Environment

One of the top pollutants is lubricants. Non-environmentally friendly lubricants, such as those from crude oil, hurt the environment. That’s because they contaminate the air, groundwater, and soil. They enter plant tissues which put marine and terrestrial living things in danger.

Also, they can cause illnesses in humans, such as diseases to the nervous and respiratory systems, cancer, and allergies.

Different Eco-Friendly Lubricants

You likely understand how important it is to use eco-friendly lubricants. But you need to remember that not all base oils, such as petroleum, are good for the environment. Here are some of the environmentally friendly base oils you can consider using:

Synthetic Esters

These are the most common options for the base of biodegradable oils. These are collected from organic or inorganic acid that causes a reaction with alcohol. Synthetic esters are eco-friendly since they are highly biodegradable and non-toxic.

These are great for different oil thicknesses because they have a low pour point, high thermal stability, low volatility, and high viscosity index. They are perfect for applications with high and low temperatures. They are considered good for oil changes and as a lube for your car.

Polyalkylene Glycols

Polyalkylene glycols come from the reaction when ethylene and propylene oxides come in contact with water or alcohol. Aside from being very clean, they have good shear stability, a low pour point, and high viscosity index.

Products derived from this lubricant are called compressor lubes. These are used in different industries such as hydraulic machinery and metalworking. For metal-to-metal applicants, they provide amazing lubrication and are perfect for temperatures that range from -40°C to 200°C.

However, these are expensive and incompatible with other lubricants which are the reason why it’s not commonly used.

Vegetable Lubricants

One of the most effective alternatives to mineral-based lubricants is vegetable oils. They’re from raw plants such as soybeans, canola, sunflower seeds, and turnip rape among many others.

These oils have excellent lubrication and properties such as anti-rust, high viscosity index, anti-wear, high flash points, and anti-oxidation. Since vegetable lubricants are purely natural, they offer a lot of benefits to the environment such as being non-toxic and biodegradable.

Bio-Based Lubricants

These are also known as bio-lubricants. From the name itself, this is an oil type that comes from bio-based raw materials such as vegetable oils, animal fats, and other environmentally friendly hydrocarbons.

Not only are these lubricants sustainable and renewable, but they also have great lubricating properties compared to mineral lubricants. For instance, they have excellent lubrication, good shear resistance, and a high viscosity index.

These can also be utilized in open and closed systems. Total-loss lubricants are the oils that are utilized in open systems since it leaves the system when in operation. These are often two-stroke oils utilized in metalworking and chainsaws among many others.

Sadly, because of the limitation in production, bio-based lubricants are rarely used.

Green Lubricants

In the past couple of years, green lubricants have been gaining fame. Its name may seem appealing, but it can be very misleading. That’s because not all marketed green products are not helpful for the environment. These products don’t normally have heavy metals and other harmful ingredients. But these don’t mean that they are biodegradable and from bio raw oils.

When choosing an eco-friendly lubricant, you have to make sure that they’re biodegradable and derived from bio-raw oils. This means that the lubricant you’re getting is good for the environment, degrades fast, and doesn’t leave poisonous substances,

Conclusion

Finally, you know some of the lubricants that are good for the environment. Lubrication of machines, equipment, and vehicles is very important in all industries. If these industries don’t use an environmentally friendly oil change for their equipment, it can be a serious threat to the earth. Inappropriate storage and spillage can contaminate land, water, soil, and living things including humans.

This is why it’s essential to choose eco-friendly lubricants. Not only are they biodegradable and bio-based, but they are also made to address pollution without affecting the performance of machines, equipment, and vehicles.

The important lubricant in your vehicle is motor oil. Choosing quality lubricant for your vehicle engine is critical because it has various functions which include:

– Lubricating parts of the vehicle engine

– Reduces friction

– Reduces damage and weathering

– Has other properties such as detergent and cooling

You will encounter many choices when picking the ideal oil for your vehicle’s engine. If you need to learn how to get the correct engine oil, continue reading through the article.

When choosing your vehicle’s engine oil, consider the following factors.

1. Types of engine oil

You can choose between synthetic oil, semi-synthetic oil, or mineral oil. Each set of engine oils has its advantages and disadvantages. 

– Synthetic oils. These are purer compared to mineral oils. They are excellent at resisting heat and are highly flowable. They also last longer but have a higher price. 

– Synthetic blend oils. This oil is a blend of mineral oil with synthetics. They don’t provide superior protection to the engine as full synthetic oil. 

– Mineral oils. They have excellent lubrication and are a product of refined crude oil. However, it may have impurities that cause sludge build-up. This type of engine oil is suitable for old model vehicles.

2. Oil standards

There is a variety of engine oil standards set up by several institutions. The engine oil label has letters and abbreviations showing its standards. 

These letters show you if the product meets or exceeds the requirement set up by relevant authorities. These specifications are essential as they indicate the quality and performance of the engine oil. Some engine oil standards include;

– JASO oil standard. They are oil standards by the Japanese Automotive Standard Organization. Their oils are classified based on the type of engine.

– API oil standard. It was established by the petroleum institute of America. They use the letter S and C in classifying oils. Petrol engine oils are indicated with the letter S while commercial diesel engine oil is shown with the letter C.

– ILSAC. They are set up by the Committee which represents international lubricant approval and standardization. Some vehicles in Asia and America use these oil standards.

3. OEM Specifications.

The original equipment manufacturers have set their gauges for the motor oil to be used in some of the vehicles. After manufacturers set the standards, these specifications are named such as Porsche C30.

However, some of these OEMs can be tested in other brands of vehicles. The specifications are accessible to manufacturers who can design products that meet the basis.

Therefore, when getting an oil change l, carefully check your vehicle’s OEM specifications.

4. Viscosity Grade

When you are comparing engine oils, on their packaging you find codes with letters and numbers. These designations represent the viscosity grade of the lubricant. 

Engine oil with low viscosity flows faster since they are more liquid, while those with higher viscosity are thicker. Thick motor oils flow slowly and offer a protective layer to the components of the vehicle’s engine. It reduces wear and friction.

Also, consider your driving conditions because temperatures also affect engine oils. In low temperatures, choose engine oils that have low viscosity as they flow faster when starting a cold engine. When at higher temperatures, choose thick motor oils because they will spread slowly. Thick motor oils are more stable and protect your engine against wear and friction.

Grades of Engine Oils

There are two categories for oil change:

– Monograde oils. They are designed for older vehicles. Monograde oils used during summer are identified with SAE X letters while those of winter driving conditions are shown with SAE XW letters. Those used in winter have a low viscosity grade

– Multigrade oils. They are used in current vehicles. They are suitable for various driving conditions and most seasons due to their high-temperature range.

Conclusion

When choosing motor oil for your vehicle, there are plenty of things you put into consideration. They help you make the right choice.

First, check on the motor oil types. Engine oils like minerals are affordable while synthetic oils provide protection, fuel efficiency, and better performance. Also, pay attention to oil viscosity, oils standards, and OEM specifications. 

Depending on the type of car you are looking for, ensure you choose the right engine oil. You can contact Valvoline Express Care if you have other questions relating to engine oils.

If your car is leaking oil, then it may be the perfect time to use high mileage oil. 

A critical factor to keeping your high-mileage vehicle healthy and in good condition for longer periods of time is by making sure to use high-mileage oil. This type of oil differs from regular oils in that it has special additives that allow it to minimise any engine oil leaks, both internal and external, as well as seal enhancers. 

Oil leaks and burning often happen in older engines. Using high mileage oil is a recommended way of preventing this. 

High mileage oils are designed to aid engines that have more than 75,000 miles under their belt. Although the decision to switch to using high mileage oil is ultimately up to the owner, experts still advise car owners to do so. 

However, there are some cases that won’t be fixed by switching to high mileage oil, such as vehicles that have combustion gases leaking between the cylinder wall and a piston into a car’s crankcase or those that have undergone more severe damage like cylinder snap, power loss, etc. In cases like those, they are most likely caused by mechanical failure and can only be fixed by a professional. 

To the same effect, maintaining your high mileage engines allows them to benefit from high mileage oils.

What ‘High Mileage’ Means

It’s not uncommon to hear people ask how many miles a car can last or what high mileage means. 

The thing is that there is no one right answer to this question. Although 75,000 miles or 120,000 kilometers is typically the mark of a high mileage vehicle and is applicable to most cars, there are no clear rules as to what determines a high mileage car.

There are experts who claim that cars with more than 45,000 miles in them should count as high mileage vehicles, saying that a car’s life expectancy can reach up to 200,000 miles with the right maintenance. On the other hand, regular cars that take advantage of the technology today can go up to 400,000 miles. 

City Miles vs Highway Miles

Driving around a city is not the same as driving on a highway. 

Other than the difference in fuel consumption, the toll on the engine also differs. Research studies have reported that, in terms of engine wear and tear, city miles are more demanding than highway miles. 

In other words, driving across highways involves having fewer starts and stops with the engine running at a steady temperature and at peak efficiency. On the other hand, there are numerous and frequent alterations in the performance of an engine on city miles. What this means is that engines that have 75,000 city miles under their belt are potentially just as worn out as engines that have 150,000 highway miles. 

Of course, several other factors are at play, such as:

• The type and quality of fuel and oil being used
• How the car is driven
• Whether the car undergoes regular maintenance, etc. 

Depending on the factors mentioned above, you need to decide whether you should use high mileage oil for the specific condition of your engine. 

When To Change High Mileage Oil

It’s not that easy to answer this question as there are conflicting opinions found online or at local car repair shops, along with multiple factors that can affect your choice. Instead, experts suggest gathering as much best-practice data as you can and then applying it to your situation. 

There are two conflicting opinions found online:

• There are people who think that it’s a better idea to change your oil a lot more frequently as the mileage of the car increases. This is because of engine loose tolerances that can result in soot aggression and blow by. 
• There are others who claim the opposite, saying that oil changes should happen less frequently as the mileage of the engine goes up. They believe that it is inevitable for a car to undergo wear and tear and that owners shouldn’t worry about having their warranty voided. 

It’s trickier when you realise that neither opinion is completely right or wrong. 

Should High Mileage Oil Be Used In My New Car

Not only is it not recommended but there is no need to use high mileage oil for your new car. 

Although it won’t harm your vehicle, it’s always best to stick to the instructions indicated in the car’s owner manual. 

For more information on the best oil change options and to get oil change coupons, contact Valvoline Express Care.

Oil changes are a regular and critical part of vehicle maintenance. Oil plays an incredibly important role in your car’s performance. The oil keeps your engine running smoothly and efficiently, by lubricating the engine to avoid friction from metal scraping on metal.

All oil has a shelf life, and must be changed on a consistent basis to continue to be effective.

How do you know when it is time for an oil change?

There are several tell-tale signs that your vehicle is in need of an oil change. Here are a few examples:

• Colour and texture of oil
• Engine sound
• Check engine light
• Low level
• Time since your last oil change

Colour and Texture
When oil is new and useful, it will be a light honey brown colour. The oil will become black and viscous when it begins to deteriorate. Once there is debris and other contaminants floating in the oil, it is time for an oil change, and possibly a filter change as well.

Engine Sound
If your oil is working efficiently, your car’s engine should be purring and fairly quiet. Once the oil gets old and dirty, the engine will become louder and may produce grinding and clunking noises.

Check Engine Light
Most cars will have an oil gauge on the dashboard that will let you know when it is time for a checkup. If the engine light is coming on, may also indicate an issue with the oil. If any of these lights are illuminated on your dashboard, it is a good idea to take your vehicle in for servicing.

Low Level
You can use the dipstick to check the oil level yourself to ensure there is an appropriate level in the tank. If levels are low, it is a good indication that the oil is too old and is getting burned up more quickly because it is no longer effective.

Last Oil Change
One of the most reliable methods for knowing when to change your oil is by figuring out the last time it was changed. It is recommended to change your oil every 5,000 to 8,000 kilometres. Check your owner’s manual for maintenance schedules.

Frequency Factors
How often you get your oil-change can be determined by 3 basic factors:

• Maintenance Schedule in Owner’s Manual
• Driving conditions
• Environmental conditions

Maintenance Schedule
The most important factor is following recommendations laid out in the owner’s manual. You don’t want to stray too far from the suggested schedule, as there may be conditions set in the manual that will void the warranty if not followed correctly.

Driving Conditions
The conditions you drive in on a daily basis will also be a factor. If your drive in severe conditions, you should be getting your oil changed more frequently. Severe conditions include:

• Stop-and-go traffic in high temperatures
• Short drives in freezing temperatures
• Driving at slow speeds for long distances
• Driving on dirt, sand, or gravel roads
• Dusty, muddy, or salty conditions
• Towing something behind your car or strapping something heavy to the roof
• Frequent stops and starts

Environmental Conditions
The climate you live in will also play a role in determining how often your oil should be changed. Extreme cold, especially if only driving for short distances, can cause moisture to build up in the engine and lead to quicker contamination of the oil. Hot temperatures can also be detrimental, even more so in stop-and-go traffic.

For more information on oil change, contact our Auto Technicians.