How much do you know about engine oil? Would you know if the engine oil change places that you go to are using the recommended motor oil in your vehicle? There are varying types of motor oil, and different vehicles require a specific type. There is also a set of American petroleum institute standards that can be followed in order to ensure that the oil with the API certification is of the utmost quality. You can learn all about the API standards for motor oil online at the American Petroleum Institute website.
Another resource of information for motor oil online will give you the run down on motor oil viscosities. Were you aware that there are actually ten different viscosities that can be used, and each vehicle requires only one specific kind? They start at 0, and then progress up: 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 40, 50 and 60. If you go to a properly trained shop, they will know just which kind of oil to use, and be aware of the problems that can occur should you not have the right type or amount. For example, if you have too little oil, it could lead to excessively high oil temperatures, because the heat is dissipated throughout a well oiled engine, and too little oil will concentrate it.
A well trained garage will have the correct means of disposing of all of the motor oil that they collect from their customers. In the United States alone, drivers produce an average of 1.3 billion gallons of used motor oil annually. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, if properly recycled, two gallons of used motor oil will be able to run the electricity of an average American home for 24 hours. However, if the used motor oil is improperly disposed of, it can form a layer of scum across the top of a body of water. This scum can actually block sunlight and oxygen from entering the water, killing off plant life and vegetation, frogs, fish, and virtually any other form of life that would normally thrive in there.
If you do not have the time to learn about your motor oil online, at least learn about which garage near you is the best one to use. You want to look for a shop that follows API standards and has the proper certifications. When they become officially licensed and represent the Motor Oil Matters standards, you can be assured that you are getting the best and safest practices out there. Learn more.