STUDY: 96% of drivers careless about oil
A whopping 96% of drivers do not care which engine oil is used in their car, a Mobil 1 study has shown.
Research has found just 4% of motorists decide which oil goes into their cars, while two-thirds are unaware of which brand (69%) or grade (65%) is manufacturer recommended.
Dan McGoldrick, Field Marketing UK at Nordic and Benelux for ExxonMobil Fuels and Lubricants, said: “You don’t need any expert automotive knowledge to get involved with deciding what engine oil should be used.
“Do a little research, talk to your mechanic and express a preference.
“It’s your car and your money, and using the right engine oil will make both go further.”
Mobil 1 claim that choosing the right engine oil is vital in terms of the level of protection on offer.
Conventional oil is simply refined crude oil, while synthetic oil is not only refined, but it is also distilled and purified.
This helps to provide better protection against wear, high heat, cold weather and sludge build-up, helping engines run better for longer.
However, 36.2% of drivers have no knowledge of the difference between mineral and synthetic engine oils.
Tim Shallcross, Head of Technical Policy at the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM), added: “Engine oil works in the harshest of conditions.
“It must keep lubricating, cooling and cleaning your engine while being constantly hammered by huge pressures and exposed to temperatures ranging from the sub-zero of a midwinter cold start to the searing heat of the combustion chamber.
“Manufacturers know the demands placed on the oil and that is why they are so specific in the grade and quality they recommend.
“Responsible owners must take an active role in their vehicle’s health and wellbeing by using the right components to keep the vehicle running safely, cleanly and smoothly, and oil is one of the most important components to get right.
“The wrong grade or specification can increase engine wear dramatically, risking expensive breakdowns as well as affecting the car’s value.”
