By Fausto Lupone, Automotive Sector Expert at PETRONAS Lubricants International
As technology and cars evolve, we need to be able to rely on the vehicles that play such a big and vital part in our everyday lives. This means that we must have products and solutions that not only keep our machines in good health but also provide benefits in the long run. Motorists are also searching for solutions that are more sustainable as we work together to help build a healthier planet.
As drivers become more conscious of spending, they are looking to take matters into their own hands to find more ways to live cost-effectively, and this includes all things related to driving and vehicle maintenance.
Looking after your car, truck, or motorbike should be approached in the same way as looking after your body – feeding it with the correct products will yield greater benefits over time and reduce maintenance and repair frequency. Therefore, drivers need to ensure that their machinery is taken care of with the proper lubrication and engine oils – so that over time the wear and tear of the critical parts don’t fail. By investing in the right products, drivers can ensure greater fuel economy, stronger heat protection, and a longer lifespan for their engine’s critical parts.
You get what you give…
Neglecting to fuel your body with the vital nutrients its needs doesn’t get you very far over time – the same is true for your vehicles. Drivers need to ensure they are taking care of their machinery with the right kinds of oils that allow the engine to work at maximum capacity with ease. In the long run, this will save car owners money on unnecessary maintenance costs that come from overuse and general wear and tear. Carefully select the right lubricant as engine care is vital for the healthy running of machines that run our everyday lives. The knowledge about the correct kinds of products should be something that consumers should be aware of.
High-quality lubricants have the best formulation and don’t allow the build-up of sticky ‘sludge’ caused by oil degradation that ruins the engine – meaning mechanical parts can move smoothly, reduce friction, and keep the engine running cool. This is the best way to keep those dashboard signals at bay. By opting for high-quality motor oil, drivers will not only ensure a consistent high performance of their vehicle over time, but it will also save on fuel consumption. Results can be immediate when it comes to saving those pennies!
The price is right
Don’t immediately look to save money in selecting the cheapest engine oil on the market. Often, the lower-priced options produce harmful deposits in the engine and will cause more harm than good. Imagine eating fast food for a year rather than delicious fresh vegetables and high-quality protein. The latter is so much better for your physical and gut health and the same goes for your car. Modern engines are now operating at higher temperatures than ever before. The constant start-stop of short journeys and traffic means that the engine is constantly put under stress. This excessive heat doesn’t show up on your dashboard gauge – it’s a silent problem, deep in the engine. Lubricants play a critical part in transferring that heat away, and it’s under constant attack, causing loss of performance and damaging critical components through devastating metal-on-metal wear.
Consider the kind of engine you have
There are so many engine oils on the market, it seems like a daunting task for many to know which is the right one to choose – especially when you might not know much about engine care. Many manufacturers will have a recommendation tool on their website to point you in the right direction and find the best product for your specific vehicle. This will take into consideration if you have a car, truck, motorbike, or even agricultural equipment. Now, with modern-day cars, there are so many different kinds, from old to new engines, to hybrid, electric, and automatic transmissions. Each of these has its own specific needs in which their specially formulated lubricants will work hard to protect their unique mechanics.
Take electric engines for example; for these vehicles engine oils need to deliver efficient electrical energy, whilst also targeting friction management of the driveline system. The same goes for automatic transmission systems, which have a far higher pressure on the vital parts of the engine that are not automotive.
For larger heavy-duty vehicles such as trucks and commercial vehicles; high engine temperatures, oxidation, and deposits are common issues, so a lubricant that specifically targets these focus areas is of the utmost importance as they often carry heavy loads and face harsh road conditions. These kinds of lubricants should extend drain intervals, minimise wear, reduce unplanned downtime, and ultimately ensures complete operational flexibility.
Older cars can still reach maximum performance through the development of modern lubricants, which draw on the original oil specifications from the manufacturer. By using the most appropriate additives and the most advanced technologies to ensure the protection of older engines against wear and tear, modern lubricants can enable top-class, efficient performances from older cars. This ultimately prolongs their lifespan and delays highly pollutive disposal processes.
So, there you have it, small but simple steps to save money in the long run! Drivers need to be smarter about their vehicle care to be more cost-efficient. There are so many tools are your disposal to make choosing the right lubricant a less daunting task. Small adjustments, like taking the time to ensure proper maintenance, will result in long-term benefits.
