How Much Do You Know About Motor Oil?

AUTO

By: Annette

5 Min Quiz

Image: Shutterstock

About This Quiz

Motor oil keeps everything running smoothly in your vehicle, but do you really know all the different kinds and which one is best for your situation? When it comes to your sweet ride, not just any motor oil will do. Let's explore.

Is motor oil just engine oil?

This is the biggest mistake. Motor oil is not simply engine oil. Other components, such as the transmission and brakes, use their own kind of oil, as well.

Advertisement

Does engine oil increase performance?

Here's another misconception. Engine oil is not going to increase the efficiency or performance of your vehicle. It simply protects the engine from extreme conditions​.

Advertisement

Do motor oils have different ratings and components?

This is so important to remember. Motor oils have different ratings and components that make them suitable for different uses in your car. Be careful when changing any oil yourself, because you don't want to get it wrong.

Advertisement

How many types of motor oil are there?

There are three types of motor oils. These include mineral oil, semi-synthetic and synthetic. Check manufacturer instructions for choosing the right oil.

Advertisement

Which puts more stress on your vehicle?

High speed definitely stresses your vehicle more than low speed. That's why it's important to always check the oil if you're running frequently at high speed.

Advertisement

Does dark oil mean it's time for a change?

The Dark Oil Myth is, indeed, a myth. It doesn't mean that it's time to change the oil, but still make sure that you're changing it at the right intervals.

Advertisement

You should gauge when it's time to change your oil by which of these?

Either of these are sufficient for knowing when it's time to change your oil. Set a specific number of miles or number of months to get it done.

Advertisement

Service intervals can be determined by which of these?

Service intervals can either be determined by your owner's manual or your mechanic. Both can be trusted.

Advertisement

When changing oil, it's a smart time to pay attention to what else?

Not only is the oil important, but also the filters are important. Be sure to replace the filters as needed, along with the oil.

Advertisement

The more frequently you change your oil, the better.

Changing your oil more frequently isn't going to make a huge difference. Only change the oil if it benefits your vehicle.

Advertisement

Non-synthetic oils should be changed about every ____ miles.

Non-synthetic oils should be changed just about every 3,000 miles. But keep in mind, this only applies to non-synthetic.

Advertisement

Changing oil at home is _____.

Changing oil at home is no easy task. Today's cars make it more difficult than ever, especially when it comes to changing the filter.

Advertisement

Is topping-off fluids in your vehicle easy to do at home?

Although changing oil is quite hard, topping off fluids and checking levels is easy. Be sure to watch for when levels drop down.

Advertisement

As vehicle engines have changed, motor oil has ______.

With the modern, fuel-efficient engines, oil formulations have evolved to suit their needs. Today's motor oil is ideal for higher heat and RPMs.

Advertisement

Do modern oils contain additives?

You bet that modern oils have additives. These are designed to reduce wear, maintain viscosity and suspend contaminants.

Advertisement

Changing intervals for modern oil are _______ in the past.

Modern oil has different changing intervals from the past. Although the 3,000-mile rule is a good thing to keep in mind, still, not all oil needs to be changed that frequently.

Advertisement

What is the bane of your motor oil's existence?

Sludge is the number-one reason to change your oil. Sludge formation can ruin the oil in your car.

Advertisement

Modern detergent oils _____ contaminant particles.

Basically, modern detergent oils simply wash contaminant particles, and then they suspend them in the oil. The particles are not removed until the oil is changed.

Advertisement

Sludge is a sign that _____.

When the oil becomes oversaturated with particles, some of these particles begin to settle on the engine parts. This is sludge formation.

Advertisement

Most contaminants in your engine come from the _____ stage.

The combustion stage is when most of the contaminants are formed in your engine. This is when air and gasoline are mixed, then ignited.

Advertisement

Do synthetic oils prevent contaminants?

No, synthetic oils do not prevent contaminants. They're a bit better at suspending particles, but they don't prolong oil changes all that much​.

Advertisement

If you have sludge, should you dislodge it at home?

If you have a lot of sludge buildup, you definitely don't want to dislodge it at home. It's not good for your engine to remove it all at once.

Advertisement

One precise way of gauging the need for an oil change is _____.

Oil analysis is probably the most precise way of gauging when it's time to get an oil change. This should always be done by a professional.

Advertisement

The automotive industry tells us to change oil ______ than is necessary.

You can consult a mechanic about this. But generally, the automotive industry is telling you to change your oil a bit sooner than is necessary​. That being said, there's nothing wrong with erring on the side of caution.

Advertisement

People who enjoy changing oil are called what?

Those who change their oil more frequently than necessary because they like to are known as recreational oil changers. It's understandable why a lot of guys find this process appealing.

Advertisement

Modern oils naturally do what?

Modern detergent oils naturally get dark in color, because they're sucking up those particles. Non-detergent oils stay lighter than detergent oils.

Advertisement

How do you keep gunk from depositing​ in your oil pan?

Dispersant is what you need to keep gunk from depositing in your oil pan. Other than that, when your oil gets dirty, it's a good sign.

Advertisement

In other countries, the recommended change interval is ______ than in the U.S.

In general, foreign countries have a longer changing interval. American manufacturers recommend that we change the oil in U.S. cars quite frequently.

Advertisement

Do cars in dustier areas have dirtier oil?

Cars in dusty, hot conditions are definitely going to have dirtier oil. That's why not every car falls into the same service category.

Advertisement

A car in a stressful environment falls into the ________ category.

A car that is constantly operating in difficult conditions is going to be in the severe service category. That means that their service interval is different​ from other cars.

Advertisement

U.S. and Canadian fuel have higher levels of what?

U.S. and Canadian fuels have higher levels of sulphur. This can cause more oil contamination.

Advertisement

Synthetic oils withstand _____ temperatures.

Synthetic oils withstand higher temperatures. They also have more base stock and less viscosity modifiers.

Advertisement

The filter should be changed how often?

Today, it's smart to change your oil filter at every oil change. There is no point to changing the filter without changing the oil.

Advertisement

Professional oil changes take less than ______.

A good professional oil change should take less than 30 minutes. Professional oil changes give you legal proof of when you got it done.

Advertisement

Always insist on the type of oil that is ______.

It's important to always insist on the oil that is recommended in your owner's manual. If the oil change station doesn't have it, go elsewhere.

Advertisement

Explore More Quizzes

About Autoversed

Welcome to Autoversed: your online auto destination. If you consider a vehicle more than just means of transportation; if you treat your ride with love and care; if, even after years of driving, the feeling of accelerating hard on the open road still gets you revved up – you’ve come to the right place.

Whether you’re a daily commuter looking for a reliable ride, a car enthusiast thinking about your next hot rod, or a parent who needs to get the kids from A to Z, Autoversed has something for you. We’ve got the lowdown on hot exotic rides, pricy luxury vehicles, eco-friendly green machines, rugged off-roaders, and more. Come take a look!