Can You Put Car Engine Oil in a Lawn Mower?

The Short Answer

The short answer is: no.

Car engine oil is not designed for use in lawn mowers. It is too thick and will not flow properly through the engine. This can cause the engine to overheat and seize up.

The Long Answer

Car engine oil is designed to lubricate the moving parts in a car engine. It is made up of a base oil and a variety of additives. The base oil is responsible for providing lubrication, while the additives help to protect the engine from wear and tear.

Lawn mower engines are much smaller than car engines, and they do not require the same level of lubrication. Lawn mower oil is designed to be thinner than car engine oil, so that it can flow more easily through the engine. It also contains fewer additives, because the engine does not need as much protection from wear and tear.

If you put car engine oil in a lawn mower, it can cause a number of problems. The oil will be too thick and will not flow properly through the engine. This can cause the engine to overheat and seize up.

The oil can also damage the seals and gaskets in the engine. This can lead to leaks and other problems.

What Should You Use Instead?

The best thing to use in a lawn mower is lawn mower oil. Lawn mower oil is designed specifically for use in lawn mower engines. It is the right thickness and contains the right additives to protect the engine.

You can find lawn mower oil at most hardware stores and home centers.