Finding the right motor oil and oil filter is one of the most confusing things about changing your oil. If you use the wrong oil or filter, you can destroy your engine, create more work for yourself, and put yourself in harm’s way. But I’m going to show you the best oil and filter to use.
Now, is there such a thing as a truly universal motor oil and oil filter? Not really. But there are some great options that will work on 90% of the vehicles out there. There are a few things to consider for compatibility: quality, certification, and what your vehicle needs.
Let’s explore this topic in depth, so you can make the right choice and keep your engine running smoothly.
Is There a Universal Motor Oil?
Motor oil isn’t a one-size-fits-all proposition. Yes, there are multi-grade oils like 5W-30 or 10W-40 that work in a variety of engines. But each engine has its own needs. You have to consider things like viscosity, synthetic vs. conventional oil, what the manufacturer recommends, and the type of engine you have. For example, a high-mileage engine needs certain additives to protect it. Always consult your owner’s manual or talk to someone you trust before making a decision.
Are Engine Oil Filters Universal?
Just like motor oil, you can’t use just any oil filter. Oil filters are not universal. They come in different sizes, with different threads, and have different filtering capacities. While some filters can fit multiple vehicles, every car has a filter the manufacturer recommends. If you use the wrong oil filter, you can cause oil leaks or reduce the performance of your engine. Make sure you use a filter that’s designed for your engine’s pressure and flow needs.
Can You Use Any Oil Filter with Any Oil?
No, you can’t just use any oil filter with any motor oil. While many oil filters can handle different types of motor oil, you still need to match them up correctly. High-mileage motor oils, for instance, require filters that can handle all the extra additives. Synthetic motor oils, which flow better, also need specific filters to work properly. If you use the wrong oil filter, you can end up with clogs, leaks, and damage your engine.
Is Engine Oil Universal?
Motor oil is one of those things you’d think would be easy to pick, but it’s not. While some motor oils can work on a variety of vehicles, there is no such thing as a truly universal motor oil. Motor oils are formulated differently for different types of engines, like diesel vs. gasoline engines, for example. Viscosity and certifications also play a role in choosing the right oil to make sure it can handle the conditions under which the engine operates.
Summary
Motor oils and filters aren’t universal, but if you understand compatibility, you can pick the right ones that will work safely and give you great performance in your engine.
