Motor oil is a critical component of your car’s engine, responsible for lubricating and protecting the moving parts. With so many options available in the market, choosing the right motor oil can be a challenging task. But equally important is avoiding low-quality motor oils that could harm your engine in the long run. In this article, we’ll be discussing some of the motor oil brands to avoid, and also provide a list of the some best motor oil brands you may select to guarantee the long-term protection of your engine.
By understanding which motor oil brands to avoid, you can make an informed decision and keep your car’s engine running smoothly for years to come.
Let’s start now!
Why is the brand of motor oil important?
The brand of motor oil you choose is crucial in ensuring the proper performance and longevity of your engine. Motor oil is the lifeblood of your engine, as it provides crucial lubrication that helps to reduce friction and wear on moving parts.
The type of oil you choose will affect how well it performs in protecting your engine, and the right brand can help you avoid costly repairs and extend the life of your vehicle.
How Do You Identify a Bad Motor Oil?
Identifying a bad motor oil can be a bit tricky, as there are many factors to consider.
However, with a little bit of knowledge and careful observation, you can spot a subpar motor oil and make sure that your engine is protected.
- The first thing to look for is the API rating. The American Petroleum Institute (API) sets standards for motor oils, and oils that meet their requirements are given a rating, such as API SN, API SM, and API SL. Oils that do not meet API standards are not recommended for use, so be sure to check the API rating before making a purchase.
- Another factor to consider is the viscosity of the oil. Viscosity is the measure of an oil’s thickness or resistance to flow. A low viscosity oil may not provide enough protection against friction and wear, while a high viscosity oil may be too thick to circulate properly. Be sure to choose a motor oil that is the recommended viscosity for your engine.
- The next thing to look for is the type of base oil used in the motor oil. There are two main types of base oil: conventional mineral oil and synthetic oil. Conventional mineral oil is cheaper, but it breaks down more quickly and does not provide as much protection as synthetic oil. Synthetic oil is more expensive, but it provides better protection and lasts longer.
- Lastly, look for the presence of additives. Additives are ingredients that are added to the oil to improve its performance. A high-quality motor oil will contain detergents, dispersants, anti-wear additives, and anti-corrosion additives. Make sure to choose an oil that contains these essential additives.
Motor Oil Brands To Avoid
Liberty Motor Oil
In this article, we will be discussing motor oil brands to avoid due to their subpar quality and potential harm to your engine.
One such brand is Liberty Motor Oil. This oil has been found to lack the necessary additives and has a poor viscosity index, which means it may become too thin under high temperatures.
The high volatility rate of Liberty Motor Oil also leads to quick evaporation, which can cause harm to the engine. To ensure optimal performance and longevity of your engine, it is important to choose a reputable and high-quality motor oil brand.
Petrola Motor Oil
Petrola Motor Oil is not recommended for modern vehicles due to its outdated formula that is only suitable for vehicles manufactured before 1930.
Furthermore, the labeling of Petrola products does not meet the standards set by the Federal Trade Commission’s Fair Packaging and Labeling Act.
The oil also lacks sufficient additives and has a high volatility rate, making it unsuitable for protecting your engine from wear and tear. Avoid using Petrola Motor Oil in your vehicle to ensure its longevity and performance.
Bullseye Motor Oil
Bullseye motor oil is considered as one of the motor oil brands to be avoided as it lacks proper lubrication for the engine. The oil has a low viscosity, which can result in sludge accumulation and corrosion in the engine.
The oil also lacks sufficient additives, making it unable to hold up against standard oil test parameters. The combination of low viscosity and insufficient additives can cause harm to the engine and reduce its performance over time.
It is advisable to opt for motor oil brands with a higher quality and better performance, rather than using low-quality oils like Bullseye.
Questron Motor Oil
Questron Motor Oil, despite its claim of being “premium quality”, is not recommended. The viscosity ratings for Questron oil are not supported by industry standards set by the API or SAE. This results in a poor performance in terms of engine lubrication.
It is important to be cautious of such claims and opt for motor oils that have a reputable track record and are supported by industry standards.
Xpress Lube Pro Motor Oil
Xpress Lube Pro Motor Oil is not recommended for use in engines as none of its motor oils have been approved by the API. This lack of approval is a major concern as the company uses low-quality oil that contains impurities.
Furthermore, the additives used in the oil are known to cause clogging in engines, leading to further engine damage.
These factors make Xpress Lube Pro a brand to avoid if you want to keep your engine running smoothly.
Q10-40 Motor Oil
Q10-40 motor oil lacks the necessary additives and detergents to provide adequate protection for your engine. This oil has a low viscosity index which means it becomes contaminated easily when exposed to high temperatures.
Using this oil can actually have negative effects such as increased friction and engine corrosion. In conclusion, Q10-40 motor oil is not a recommended choice for keeping your engine in good condition.
Quaker State Q motor oil
The Quaker State Q motor oil is a disappointment for many drivers. Despite being marketed as a high-quality multigrade oil, the reality is that it falls short in both performance and price.
In comparison to other motor oil brands, the Quaker State Q motor oil is overpriced and does not live up to its promises. The oil is highly volatile and dissolves rapidly, putting your engine at risk of damage.
This is why it is recommended to avoid this brand and choose a better quality motor oil for your vehicle.
Xcel Motor Oil
Xcel motor oil is a brand that is best avoided when it comes to protecting your engine. This product is not up to the standards of modern cars and falls short in providing adequate protection for your engine.
It lacks essential additives that are crucial for maintaining the health of your engine, making it a poor-quality lubricant. Furthermore, its low viscosity means that it does not offer much resistance to friction, which can lead to wear and tear on your engine.
To ensure that your engine is protected and running smoothly, it’s best to opt for a motor oil brand that meets the latest requirements and offers superior protection.
What happens if You Use Poor Motor Oil?
Using poor quality motor oil can have serious consequences for your engine. Poor quality oil is less effective in reducing friction and wear, which can lead to accelerated wear and tear on your engine’s moving parts.
This can result in metal-to-metal contact, which can cause serious damage to your engine and lead to costly repairs.
In addition, poor quality oil is less effective in preventing engine deposits and sludge build-up, which can clog up your engine’s passages and cause performance issues. It may also contain contaminants that can harm your engine, leading to issues such as excessive oil consumption and reduced fuel efficiency.
Which Brand Of Motor Oil Is Best?
The best brand of motor oil depends on the specific needs of your engine and the type of driving you do. Some popular and highly-regarded brands include:
Mobil 1
Mobil 1 is a brand of synthetic motor oil that is known for its excellent protection and performance. It is designed specifically for high-performance engines, which require extra protection and performance due to the increased stress and strain they undergo.
The synthetic formula of Mobil 1 provides superior protection against wear and tear, and helps to keep the engine clean and free of deposits.
Castrol
Castrol is a well-established and trusted brand of motor oil that offers a diverse range of products to suit different driving needs. From synthetic to conventional mineral oils, Castrol has a product that can meet the specific requirements of various engines.
With a commitment to quality, Castrol motor oils are formulated to provide reliable protection and performance, helping to keep engines running smoothly and efficiently.
The brand’s reputation for quality and reliability has made it a popular choice among car owners and mechanics alike.
Pennzoil
Pennzoil is a well-known brand of motor oil that has been providing high-quality lubricants for over a century. Their range of products includes conventional, synthetic, and high-mileage motor oils that are designed to provide reliable protection and performance for a wide range of engines.
Royal Purple
Royal Purple is a brand of synthetic motor oil that provides superior protection and performance for engines. It is specifically formulated to provide excellent protection against wear and tear, especially in high-temperature environments.
Amazon Basics
Amazon Basics is Amazon’s private label brand, offering a wide range of products, including motor oil. Amazon Basics motor oil is designed to meet industry standards and provide quality and value.
It is available in both synthetic and conventional mineral oil formulations, allowing you to choose the best product for your specific needs. While Amazon Basics motor oil is designed to provide quality and value
FAQS
Q: Is It Safe To Mix Different Brands Of Motor Oil?
A: Mixing different brands of motor oil is only advisable in an emergency when both oils are of the same viscosity.
However, it is not recommended to make this a habit as different manufacturers use varying additives in their oils.
This can result in the oil losing its lubrication properties and not effectively protecting the engine from wear and tear. It is always best to use the same brand of motor oil to ensure consistent performance and protection for your engine.
Q: What Different Types of Motor Oils Are There?
A: There are the five types of motor oil.
- Conventional motor oil: It’s made from crude oil and is the most basic and economical option.
- Synthetic motor oil: This type of oil is engineered chemically to provide better performance and protection compared to conventional oil.
- Synthetic blend motor oil: As the name suggests, it’s a combination of conventional and synthetic oils, offering a balance of performance and affordability.
- Mineral-based motor oil: It’s a traditional type of motor oil that’s made from petroleum-based mineral oil.
- High-mileage motor oil: This type of oil is specifically designed for engines with over 75,000 miles, to help reduce oil consumption and leaks.
Conclusion
This article discusses motor oil brands to avoid, as well as a list of the best brands. It’s important to choose a high-quality motor oil to ensure proper engine performance and protection. Avoid low-quality or cheaper brands and opt for well-known, trusted brands for the best results.
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