The right tool for the job is essential. That’s true when it comes to oil, too. High-performance oils have been specially formulated with special additives that help provide superior protection and performance in higher-stress situations. Using racing oil in your daily driving is a bit like bringing a cannon to a knife fight — it’s overkill.
While it’s true that higher-performance oils can provide better protection and performance in high-stress driving conditions such as racing and off-roading, the same cannot be said for general driving. For everyday driving, conventional motor oil is more than adequate and provides all the protection and performance you need. In fact, using a higher-performance oil in normal driving conditions can shorten your engine’s life.
Moreover, higher-performance oils are much more expensive than conventional motor oil. So, unless you’re a serious racer or off-roader, using high-performance oil probably isn’t worth the extra cost.
Risks of using High-Performance Oil
While high-performance oils can provide superior protection and performance in certain situations, using them in the wrong circumstance can do more harm than good. Some of the risks of using high-performance oil include the following:
• Reduced fuel economy
High-performance oils tend to be thicker, which can cause extra drag on engine parts and reduce fuel efficiency. While this may not be noticeable in short drives, it can add up over time.
• Increased wear and tear
High-performance oils can cause extra wear and tear on engine components due to their thickness. This can lead to premature failure of engine parts, which can be costly to repair or replace.
• Reduced engine life
You might be surprised to know that using high-performance oil can reduce the life of your engine. The extra wear and tear caused by thick oils can lead to premature engine failure, which can be expensive to fix.
• Increased emissions: Emissions can increase when your engine isn’t running as efficiently as it should. The oil puts strain on the catalytic converter, resulting in higher emissions.
• Void warranty: Many automakers void the warranty on their vehicles if high-performance oil is used. So, stick to conventional motor oil unless you’re willing to risk it.
All things considered, high-performance oils can provide some benefits in situations where extra protection and performance are needed. However, conventional motor oil is more than adequate for the average driver and will provide all the protection and performance needed. Plus, it’s less expensive and much more environmentally friendly. For the best in high-performance racing oils, check out drivenracingoil.com for a full range of products to suit your needs.