top of page

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

You Asked, We Answer!

CAN I USE DIESEL ENGINE OIL IN A GASOLINE ENGINE AND VICE VERSA?

Gasoline and diesel engines have different lubrication requirements. During development, lubricants undergo a number of tests, some common to diesel and petrol engines and others specific to one or the other type, that categorize their performances. At the end of this process, they are awarded an API or ACEA/CCMC compliance standard. These specifications characterize the acceptable functioning of the lubricant in each type of gasoline or diesel engine. Lubricants for four-stroke engines usually comply with both petrol and diesel specifications. For example, an API SJ/CF lubricant meets petrol specification SJ and diesel specification CF. But this does not necessarily mean that it will perform in the same way in both gasoline and diesel engines.

CAN I USE CAR ENGINE OIL IN MY MOTORCYCLE?

No, because motorcycle four-stroke engines do not operate under the same conditions as those of cars (higher engine rpm and temperature) 

​

  • The engine lubricant can also be used to lubricate the gearbox and the clutch, which requires a formula with EXTREME-PRESSURE ADDITIVES. 

  • On the other hand, passenger vehicle lubricants contain DETERGENT ADDITIVES with a high ash content.

  • In motorcycle engines, these cause deposits to form on the valve train and the piston crowns, which can result in valve burning or piston perforation.

WHAT CAUSES OIL PRESSURE TO DROP?

This is your FAQ Answer. Make sure your writing is clear and concise. It’s a good idea to review what you’ve written and ask yourself the following - if this was my first time visiting the site, would I fully understand this answer? Then revise or expand as necessary. Consider adding a photo or video as a visual tool or for extra impact.

DOES THE OIL HAVE TO BE TOPPED UP?

The engine oil level should be checked regularly to prevent incidents. A small amount of the oil that circulates in the engine is always burnt (an engine in good condition consumes between 0.2 and 0.5 liters of oil every 1,000 kilometers), but successive top-ups are no substitute for an oil change.

​

Accordingly, it is natural that an engine consumes a small amount of oil, which can be offset by top-ups between oil changes; however, excessive need for top-ups can be an indication of mechanical problems (leaks, etc) 

DOES THE OIL HAVE TO BE TOPPED UP?

A good quality oil provides motorists with a number of benefits:

​

  • Easier cold start and reduced wear (20 to 30% of engine wear occurs between startup and the time the engine reaches optimal temperature).

  • Longer engine life.

  • Fuel savings as a result of reduced friction of moving parts and better engine performance.

WHY IS THE CHOICE OF ENGINE OIL SO IMPORTANT?

Oil is the lifeblood of your car. If the wrong kind is used, the engine is at risk of increased wear and corrosion. Formation of blockages can also lead to engine seizure.

WHY IS THERE A RANGE OF ENGINE OILS AND HOW DO I KNOW WHICH ONE TO CHOOSE?

Car-owner handbooks will give you a minimum oil specification. However, you may wish to trade up to a better specification engine oil. Choosing the correct engine oil for a vehicle depends on: 

​

  • The car’s type – a high-performance car needs higher performance oil. 

  • The car’s age – a lot is expected from new technology engines: high performance coupled with fuel efficiency. Advanced oils have been developed to help keep pace with increased engineering demands. For example, modern cars have blow-by-gas re-circulation that can cause extreme oxidation in old-technology oils and sensitive exhaust gas after-treatment devices that can be poisoned by inappropriate oils. 

  • The driving environment – modern motorway driving and heavy stop-start traffic requires higher quality oils to prevent increased engine wear and tear. 

WHY NOT JUST KEEP TOPPING UP THE ENGINE OIL?

If you simply keep on topping up your oil, you put more stress on the older oil that remains in the engine. And this stress issue has become worse in recent years as lighter, modern engines now run with about 25% less oil in their sump.

HOW CAN I GET RID OF SLUDGE IN MY ENGINE?

Regularly changing your oil, usually more often than the manufacturer recommends, can prevent sludge from forming, if a quality oil is used. Remember, we usually go by the rule of thumb that an oil should be changed out when you get to 50% of the starting TBN, verified by used oil analysis.

HOW DO DRIVING CONDITIONS AFFECT THE DISTANCE MOTORISTS CAN GO BETWEEN OIL CHANGES?

Automaker oil change recommendations differ depending upon driving conditions, as well as car make, model and year. According to car manufacturers, drivers considered “severe” should change their oil more frequently or at shorter mileage intervals than drivers considered “normal.” Severe drivers are those that drive in one of the following conditions in a typical week:

 

  • Extensive idling or in stop-and-go traffic. 

  • Cold weather, less than 10 degrees. 

  • Extreme heat, more than 90 degrees. 

  • Extreme humidity. 

  • Repeated short-distance trips of less than five miles. 

  • Towing a trailer or hauling heavy materials. 

bottom of page