Myths about Engine Oil {continued} (Source: Fleet Street Journal)

Myth #4

Oil analysis is only for big fleets:

Not only can oil analysis tell you if your oil is wearing out prematurely, it can also detect problems in your engine at an early stage. Used oil analysis can be important for detecting collant leaks, faulty fuel injectors and contaminations. Oil analysis can also allow you to determaine if a particular brand of engine oil is working for you.

Myth #5

Oil consumption is always a bad thing:

While excessive oil comsumption is something to be concerned about, minor chages in oil consumption are normal. Sometimes, because of different chemistries or formulations when you change brands of oil, you might notice a slight increase in oil comsumptions in the first few oil drains. The engine is usually making some minor adjustments and it usually corrects itself. You may also experience increased oil consumption if you switch to lighter viscosity oil in the winter. When you switch back in the summer, however, your oil consumptions should return to its previous level.

Myth #6

Oil never wears out, it just gets dirty:

Filtering an oil is not going to alter the changes taking place in the chemistry of the product. The molecular structure of the oil changes. Also, additives in the oil get dirty. Anti-wear additives get torn apart just for doing their job and anti-oxidant additives are depleted. In addition, there are contaminats in the oil that cannot be filtered out.

Myth #7

Oil performance can be improved with aftermarket additives:

Oil companies and engines manufacturers warn against using aftermarket additives in your oil. Engine oils are specially formulated with the additives kept in careful balance. Adding more of one kind of additive can disrupt the balance, Aftermarket additives may also result in reduced performance. If you want to improve your lubricant's performance, try a better oil instead of additives.