Today’s new cars are sophisticated pieces of machinery, uniting thousands of disparate parts to form the modern automobile. One of the key components is the engine, designed to optimize performance, enhance efficiency, reduce emissions, and last for many years. The key to an engine’s health is motor oil, thus following the manufacturer’s recommended oil is important to protecting your car.
Setting the Standard
For more than 65 years, the American Petroleum Institute and the International Lubricant Standardization and Approval Committee (ILSAC) have set standards for motor oil. The two work together in creating the latest gasoline oil specification with ILSAC adding a fuel economy component to that standard.
These standards change roughly
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A trip to your NAPA Auto Parts store and you’d pick up your five or six quarts and an oil filter, and be done with it.
Today, you can still obtain what you need from the stores, but you must be aware of any special requirements the manufacturer places on the oil you choose. In the case of GM — manufacturer of Cadillac, Buick, GMC, and Chevrolet vehicles — all model year 2011 and later vehicles must use either Dexos1 or Dexos2 motor oil, a type of motor oil specifically developed for GM vehicles.
Dexos1 is for gas-powered engines; Dexos2 is for diesel-powered engines. Both oils help GM meet government-mandated emissions and fuel economy standards. If you have your oil changed at the dealer, they’ll probably recommend an AC Delco oil, a GM-owned brand. But there are synthetic and synthetic blend oils which also meet standards, including Valvoline SynPower Full Synthetic.
Other manufacturers requiring certain types of oils include the German automakers. Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Volkswagen each has specific requirements in keeping with European regulations. Those same requirements are applied to vehicles sold in North