Oil is kind of a drama queen. It can only withstand so much before it starts to become a hot mess. But we can't all live where the weather is always perfect or where we can avoid the normal wear and tear of the road and the everyday run around for work and family. Consider these common conditions that can make your oil breakdown faster:
Do you often drive around in high temperatures? Extreme heat causes oil to breakdown resulting in sludge and deposits in the engine. High temperatures also cause oil to become thinner; this will result in metal grinding. Ouch. This problem typically can become even worse if you tow heavy loads or if you leave your car running idle for long periods of time.
Do you frequently drive short distances? Repeated …show more content…
That’s because hot temperatures can cause your motor oil to breakdown and thin out. If you don’t have a thick enough oil running in your system, your oil can become too thin and leave parts exposed to metal-on-metal contact.
And remember: always check your owner’s manual. Or even feel free to call us and speak with an experienced, professional technician for the best oil to use in your region.
How does motor oil breakdown?
Oil is temperamental. One minute it is slick, but then, before you know it, slick turns into ‘ick.’ Let’s take a look at what’s happening in your engine while you’re out cruising around.
Motor oil becomes less effective over time. Constant exposure to heat, moisture and air results in oil degradation. Oil thickens, sludge forms, deposits appear, and corrosive wear destroys parts.
Oil additives depleted, the oil life finished. When oil additives are exhausted, oil can no longer handle anymore dirt and metals that are freely floating around, causing oxidation that leads to sludge. Most importantly, old oil can fails to protect your engine against corrosion and wear when it breaks down. Picture your engine oil trying to work its way through hard and sticky sludge, clogging up oil