If you own a car, chances are that you have replaced your engine’s oil at least once. While most of us know that this is an important part of automobile maintenance, few of us really understand anything more about motor oil, such as what it is and why it is important.
Motor oil is produced from petroleum based and synthetic non petroleum based chemical compounds. In an automobile, it serves to lubricate the engine’s parts. This is necessary because during internal combustion there are multiple parts in the engine that rub against each other producing both heat and friction. Without oil, or too little oil, engines will wear faster and can overheat. Benefits of a properly oiled engine include decreased fuel consumption and increased power output. Regular oil changes may also increase the life of the vehicle and reduce the need for engine maintenance.
Many people will take their cars to specialized oil change shops. These shops will both provide the motor oil and perform the oil change. However, changing the motor oil in your car can be done by yourself at home. It is important to note that not all motor oil is the same, so be sure to find out what the best motor oil for your car is before proceeding. Information and instructions can be found in the owner’s manual of the vehicle or online. Motor oil can be purchased from a number of different places including auto shops and motor oil wholesalers. A motor oil wholesaler will likely be able to provide you the best price, especially if you are buying motor oil in bulk.
Finally, it is important to dispose of used motor oil properly. In 2009, some 3.7 billion gallons of used motor oil were produced. Unfortunately, hundreds of millions of gallons of this used motor oil are dumped illegally causing huge damage to the environment. The used motor oil from just a single oil change can ruin millions of gallons of freshwater.