Two words that usually confuse the reader are motor oil and engine oil. Are they the same? This question can be especially confusing for new car owners or those not well-versed in car terminology. We will try to answer this common question and provide some information about the different types of oils.
Motor oil and engine oil: Are they the same thing?
Yes. Even though these are two different words, both are the same in the context of the oil change. Both these products are sold under different labels in the market, but do the same function. The functions of a motor or engine oil include:
Lubrication: The engine has many moving components that, when working for a long time, are subjected to damage. Physical damage to these parts may include wear and tear, which eventually results in more serious issues like the car breaking down. In addition, proper lubrication of the engine facilitates efficiency, which means more mileage.
Dissipation: Apart from preventing engine failure due to damage, motor or engine oil plays a vital role in cooling the engine. The engine produces lots of heat, and the oil carries this heat at high temperatures to prevent the engine from overheating. Overheating is yet another reason that can lead to the car breaking down.
Common Queries
Are engine and motor the same thing?
In the context of automobiles, the motor and engine are two different things. Both of these produce mechanical energy as output. The basic difference is that an engine needs combustion to produce this energy, while a motor requires electricity.
Is an engine oil change the same as an oil change service?
Simply put, an oil change at the majority of auto repair shops and quick oil-lube locations involves draining and replacing the oil. It is frequently a less expensive process compared to an oil change service. So basically, an oil change means removing the used motor oil from the engine that is contaminated and replacing it with fresh and clean oil.
However, the oil change service includes more than just replacing the oil with a new one. It also includes a detailed inspection of the cabin filter, tires, brake pads, oil filter, fluids, and other items. A typical oil change service will cost more because of this inspection, value, and documentation.
Are gear oil and engine oil interchangeable?
Any base oil mixed with additives to improve viscosity, anti-wear characteristics, heat dispersion, and detergency is an engine or motor oil. Engine oil passes through the oil filter and lubricates different parts of the engine as it is poured into the top of the engine until it reaches the sump.
As the name suggests, Gear oil is like engine oil for the transmission system. Used in gearboxes, gear oils help prevent wear and tear of gear systems’ components. Like motor oil, gear oil has additives to prevent corrosion and scouring in transmissions, differentials, and more.
Can motor oil be used instead of engine oil?
Since both of them are the same, you can use motor oil as engine oil. Make sure what oil your car uses first. To understand how to find the oil your car uses, read this.
What are the two types of motor oil?
Motor oil or engine oil can be divided into four basic types.
- Synthetic oil
- Synthetic blend oil
- High mileage oil
- Conventional oil/mineral oil
What are the differences between regular engine oil and synthetic oil?
Regular engine oil, commonly known as conventional oil or mineral oil, is made from petroleum. However, synthetic oil is created in laboratories. Despite both of these being later mixed with performance additives, the synthetic motor oil stands head and shoulders over the other.
Engine or motor oil is considered synthetic if Group III, IV, or V base oils are combined. Synthetic oils have molecules of the same size, which aids them in moving with less friction, unlike mineral motor oil. It can also last longer in lower and higher temperatures and can reduce engine wear in the long run. Also, there are different types of synthetic engine oil, like 100% synthetic oil and Full synthetic oil.
Silas Smith has been writing for over 7 years about the automotive and parking industry. He has done everything from covering parking for events to sharing his knowledge about the best parking in cities across the U.S. He loves long drives and sports. The guy is also secretly a gamer and streams it when he isn’t too shy.
