What Engine Oil for My Car NZ

Why is Engine Oil Important?

Engine oil is essential for the smooth operation of your car’s engine. It lubricates the moving parts, reduces friction, and protects against wear and tear. Choosing the right engine oil for your car is important to ensure optimal performance and longevity.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Engine Oil

• Viscosity: Viscosity is a measure of the oil’s thickness. Thicker oils provide better protection at higher temperatures, while thinner oils flow more easily at lower temperatures. The correct viscosity for your car will depend on the manufacturer’s recommendations and the climate in which you drive.
• Oil Type: There are two main types of engine oil: mineral and synthetic. Mineral oil is derived from crude oil, while synthetic oil is made from man-made chemicals. Synthetic oil offers better protection and performance than mineral oil, but it is also more expensive.
• API Certification: The American Petroleum Institute (API) certifies engine oils based on their performance. The API certification number indicates the oil’s suitability for different types of engines. You should choose an oil with an API certification that is recommended for your car’s engine.

Recommended Engine Oils for Cars in New Zealand

The following are some recommended engine oils for cars in New Zealand:

• Castrol Magnatec 5W-30 A3/B4: A high-quality synthetic oil that is suitable for most petrol and diesel engines. It provides excellent protection against wear and tear and is designed to improve fuel economy.
• Mobil 1 0W-40: A premium synthetic oil that is ideal for high-performance engines. It offers exceptional protection against wear and tear and can help to extend engine life.
• Valvoline SynPower 5W-30: A mid-range synthetic oil that provides excellent protection at an affordable price. It is suitable for most petrol and diesel engines and is designed to improve fuel economy.
• BP Visco 7000 10W-40: A mineral oil that is suitable for older vehicles and engines with higher mileage. It provides good protection against wear and tear and is affordable.

How to Check Your Engine Oil Level

It is important to check your engine oil level regularly to ensure that it is at the correct level. Follow these steps to check your engine oil level:

1. Park your car on a level surface.
2. Turn off the engine and wait a few minutes for the oil to settle.
3. Open the bonnet and locate the oil dipstick.
4. Remove the dipstick and wipe it clean with a paper towel.
5. Reinsert the dipstick into the engine and remove it again.
6. Check the oil level on the dipstick. The oil level should be between the “full” and “add” marks.

How to Change Your Engine Oil

Changing your engine oil is a relatively simple task that you can do yourself. Follow these steps to change your engine oil:

1. Gather the necessary materials: engine oil, oil filter, oil pan, funnel, and rags.
2. Park your car on a level surface and engage the parking brake.
3. Place the oil pan under the engine oil drain plug.
4. Use a wrench to loosen the drain plug and allow the oil to drain into the pan.
5. Replace the drain plug and tighten it securely.
6. Locate the oil filter and use an oil filter wrench to remove it.
7. Apply a thin layer of new oil to the gasket of the new oil filter.
8. Screw the new oil filter onto the engine and tighten it securely.
9. Add new engine oil to the engine through the oil filler cap. The amount of oil required will depend on your car’s engine size.
10. Check the oil level on the dipstick to ensure that it is at the correct level.

Conclusion

Choosing the right engine oil for your car is important to ensure optimal performance and longevity. By following the tips in this article, you can choose the best engine oil for your car and keep it running smoothly for years to come.