Engine Oil FAQs: Expert Answers & Maintenance Tips

Part of your responsibility as a car owner is maintaining your vehicle through recommended services, such as tire rotations and brake inspections. One of the most critical routine services is an oil change. Motor oil is the lifeblood of your car's engine, so without it, your engine performance and life span can take a severe dip. 

Our Mercedes-Benz of Temecula team is here to help relieve the stress of car ownership by providing quality service from trained professionals. Discover everything you need to know about engine oil, including when it's time for your next oil change, in this automotive oil guide.

Engine Oil Essentials

Engine oil is a lubricant created from synthetic or mineral oils. The main function of motor oil is to lubricate the engine's moving parts in order to maintain its performance and promote a long engine life. 

Motor oil removes dirt and debris that can build up in your engine, keeping your engine clean and preventing damage. Motor oil also reduces friction and regulates your engine's temperature, preventing it from overheating.

Importance of Regular Oil Changes

Engine oil breaks down over time, losing its effectiveness and quality, which prevents it from protecting your car's engine. The engine oil filter also loses its ability to collect and remove particles from entering your engine. As a result, the oil degrades through oxidation or thickening, eventually compromising your engine's performance and longevity.

Fortunately, routine oil changes can prevent engine damage. By getting an oil change at recommended service intervals, you can ensure the removal of old engine oil before contamination levels cause any harm. Your vehicle's oil service schedule varies by model year and manufacturer.

Special Considerations for Engine Oil Selection and Use

Engine oil is not a "one size fits all" solution for maintaining your vehicle's motor. Here's a closer look at the various motor oils available to help you understand which one best suits your vehicle's needs.

What Are the Different Types of Engine Oil?

The four main types of engine oil are high-mileage, conventional, synthetic, and synthetic blend, each formulated for specific engine needs. A specialty oil is ideal if you own a classic Mercedes-Benz with an older engine or with high mileage. By slowing down the effects of wear, high-mileage engine oil helps to protect older engines with 75,000 miles or more on the clock.

Conventional motor oil is the cheapest because it's made of crude oil. As it fails to maintain quality and prevent buildup, this oil is prone to quicker degradation. 

Synthetic engine oil is one of the best motor oil options. It's chemically engineered to be free of contaminants that cause harmful engine buildup. This oil type helps your engine to run efficiently, promoting better fuel economy and extending the life of your vehicle. Synthetic blend engine oil is a mixture of synthetic and conventional motor oils, with added resistance to oxidation and reliable performance in cold temperatures.

Which Type of Motor Oil Does My Car Need?

As with other important fluids in your car, you should check your vehicle owner's manual for the manufacturer's engine oil recommendation. Choosing the wrong engine oil can affect both how well your engine runs and how long it lasts. For example, selecting a cheap conventional oil can be costly due to more frequent oil changes and degradation of your engine's components, which can require expensive repair. 

What's Engine Oil Viscosity, and Does It Matter Which One I Use?

Another important component of engine oil is the viscosity, or thickness, of the oil. Imagine the difference in engine oil thickness by comparing thin water to thick maple syrup. A low-viscosity engine oil is light, providing less resistance within your vehicle's engine. Using a low-viscosity oil results in high fuel economy and efficient horsepower generation.

A heavy, high-viscosity engine oil maintains its thickness regardless of temperature changes. It can also resist leakage from the contact area between metal surfaces. This viscosity level is ideal for older or high-mileage cars.

Troubleshooting Common Engine Oil Questions

To help you better understand the truth about motor oil, our Mercedes-Benz of Temecula automotive oil guide includes the following frequently asked questions.

Does Motor Oil Have an Expiration Date?

While there's no official engine oil expiration date marked on the bottle, the oil inside does lose its quality over time. Typically, an opened bottle of engine oil has a shelf life of two to five years. Synthetic motor oil can last up to seven years.

What Happens During an Oil Change?

During an oil change, an auto service technician removes the old engine oil and replaces it with new oil. To ensure proper engine lubrication and optimal performance, the technician makes sure your car's oil level is at the recommended level. The technician also replaces the engine oil filter, which helps prevent contaminants from building up inside your engine.

How Do I Know When My Engine Oil Is Low?

The most apparent indication of low engine oil is when the check engine symbol lights up on the dashboard of your Mercedes Benz. Other signs include a burning oil smell or strange noises from your engine when driving. If you notice a dip in engine performance, low engine oil levels can be the cause. By scheduling an oil service at a reputable auto service center, you can avoid premature engine wear or damage.

How Often Should I Replace My Car's Engine Oil?

You should get an oil change for your Mercedes-Benz once every 10,000 miles or at least once per year. If you drive an older Mercedes-Benz, an oil change every 5,000 to 7,500 miles is recommended. However, certain factors can affect this frequency, requiring you to replace your engine oil sooner. 

Your driving style, how often you drive, and weather conditions can cause motor oil to wear down quicker than expected. Additionally, the type and quality of the engine oil may affect how long it lasts. For optimal performance and to extend your engine's lifespan, consult your vehicle owner's manual for manufacturer-recommended service intervals.

Schedule a Professional Oil Service in Temecula

Is it time for an oil change? Schedule a service appointment at Mercedes-Benz of Temecula for quality, professional servicing. Depending on the needs of your Mercedes-Benz, our expert technicians will suggest either Service A or Service B. With warranties, manufacturer-approved products, and unbeatable expertise, we provide exceptional customer service while your car is in our care.

Image by Ivan Radic is licensed with CC BY 2.0