The right engine oil for a racing car typically comes down to engine requirements, but other factors often affect your purchase. The smart thing any race car driver or engineer could do is select the best racing oil for both performance and longevity. Here are ten tips for choosing the best racing oil for your engine.
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Every engine is unique. Start by understanding your engine’s needs, including what the manufacturer would recommend and the racing you will partake in. High-performance motors have different demands than street engines, so always tailor your oil choice to these requirements.
Ensure the oil matches the recommended viscosity grade, which affects how the oil flows at different temperatures.
Look for additives that enhance wear protection, anti-foaming, and oxidation stability. These chemicals assist in protecting the motor from breaking down long-term.
Determine what the detergent levels should be for your engine. A high-detergency oil keeps the engine clean but doesn’t always suit high-performance applications.
High-performance engines often require elevated levels of these elements (ZDDP) to protect against high-pressure wear.
Some oil formulas only provide maximum protection during races for a short time, so ensure you understand the expected oil change intervals to avoid breaking down on the race track.
Ensure that the oil is compatible with your engine's fuel, as some oils may not be compatible with your fuel type, such as ethanol blends or lead racing fuels.
Viscosity is a vital characteristic of any oil, influencing its flow and protection capabilities. Racing oils come in various viscosities, such as 0W-20, 5W-30, and 10W-40. Choose a viscosity that aligns with your engine's operating temperature and the racing style. Higher viscosities provide better protection at higher temperatures, while lower viscosities can reduce friction and improve fuel efficiency.
Standard motor oils are unsuitable for high-performance engines due to their limited protective properties under extreme conditions. Instead, opt for oils that are specifically for racing. These specialized oils contain higher levels of anti-wear additives, such as zinc, phosphorus, and sulfur, which are essential for protecting engine components during high-stress situations. A thorough evaluation of your engine's needs will help you find the right oil for optimal performance and longevity.
Here are the elements of racing oil your engine will benefit from and the additives that could harm it.
When selecting racing oil, focus on the following essentials:
Certain additives, while beneficial for street engines, can be detrimental in racing conditions.
Racing engines operate at high speeds, which can cause oil to foam. Foaming reduces the oil’s ability to lubricate effectively. Select oils with anti-foaming properties to ensure the engine remains lubricated and protected during intense moments on the race track.
When selecting a racing oil, ensure it possesses the following anti-foaming properties.
Additives enhance oil performance by providing extra protection and improving various properties. They grant the extra oomph your vehicle needs when tailing down others on the race track. Your chosen racing oil should include detergents and dispersants in its additive package. These additives help keep your engine clean and prevent wear and tear.
Wear protection is critical for maintaining engine integrity. Look for oils emphasizing wear protection, particularly for high-stress areas, such as camshafts and valve trains. Higher levels of zinc and phosphorus are essential because these elements form a protective film on metal surfaces, reducing friction and preventing wear.
When picking out an engine oil, ensure the chosen one matches your engine components. Certain oils may not be suitable for specific materials in engine parts. It's crucial to consult the oil manufacturer or your engine builder to confirm compatibility. For instance, some synthetic oils might not perform well with older engine seals, potentially leading to leaks. So you may need to look into and rely on other oils that nurture your engine instead of breaking it down.
Additionally, high-zinc oils could be necessary for flat-tappet camshafts but might harm catalytic converters. Checking compatibility ensures that the oil will provide optimal performance without causing damage.
Thermal stability refers to the oil’s capability to maintain its properties under extreme heat. Racing engines generate immense heat and oils with high thermal stability, which assist in preventing breakdowns and offering continued protection.
Prioritizing oil change intervals ensures the engine continues to perform above expectations longer. Establishing and adhering to a strict oil change schedule ensures that the oil safeguards the engine. Consult the oil manufacturer’s guidelines and your engine builder’s recommendations to determine the ideal change intervals for your specific racing conditions.
Our last point is to look for trusted brands with proven records in racing. Oils with proven records continue to meet the rigorous demands of racing, ensuring each engine keeps roaring as it speeds down the track.
Choosing the best racing oil for your engine involves several factors. Each element of engine oil keeps it performing at its best, from viscosity to additive packages. Any professional racer can agree that the correct oil makes the difference between finishing first and just completing the race.
When considering your next purchase of race engine oil, choose Driven Racing Oil. Our commitment to offering top-tier oil products fuels our mission to be the industry's leading race car oil manufacturer.
Ready to secure first place in your next race? Start with Driven Racing Oil today, and discover the difference that premium engine oil can make.
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We know how it feels when you get a new car. If you could, you’d bubble wrap everything to keep it in pristine condition. Well, there is one way to keep your car performing like new without going to such extremes – engine oil!
But why would a new car need engine oil?
Well, even high performance race cars like Porsches and Corvettes use it from day one – and more specifically, Mobil 1TM. Beyond improving fuel consumption, engine oil optimises engine performance and keeps it running for longer.
Now before we delve into the nitty-gritty of engine oil, go ahead and pull out your car owner’s manual. In it, you’ll find clear guidance on viscosity, certifications and specifications that the manufacturer recommends for your engine.
If all this is new to you, don’t worry. We’ll start you off with the basics of engine oil.
1. Viscosity
Think about honey and water. When you pour them from a cup, both liquids flow at different speeds. That’s viscosity! For engine oils, viscosity determines the speed it flows to protect the engine. A greater number represents a higher viscosity, which means the oil is more viscous and more resistant to flow.
If you use a viscosity that is too high, you’ll experience unresponsiveness in your engine. This means that more energy (i.e. fuel) is needed for your engine to overcome the oil’s resistance to flow, in order to reach critical engine parts. Newer engines typically require ‘light’ engine oil. So this makes a lower viscosity oil like Mobil 1 0W-40 the perfect choice for engine and fuel efficiency.
2. Types of engine oil
Yes there is more than one! Again, look to your car manual for guidance on what your engine needs. At the same time, it’s worth understanding the key differences between full synthetic, semi-synthetic and mineral oils.
In general…
Mineral oil has a relatively low resistance to heat and oxidation. They last 5,000km, on average. This means you need to change your engine oil more frequently– costing you dollars and precious time.
But if your engine is older and has always used mineral oil, continuing with the oil will still provide beneficial protection for your engine.
Full synthetic oil has high resistance to heat and oxidation. It can last more than 10,000km between oil changes. With a longer oil change interval, you don’t need to visit your mechanic quite so often..
Being more “slippery”, full synthetic oil has better anti-friction properties than mineral oil. With better engine responsiveness and fuel economy, it also helps extend your engine life. This is especially useful if you drive in stop-and-go city traffic.
If your car is new and pre-filled with a synthetic oil from day one, using Mobil 1 synthetic oil can keep your car performing like new for a long time.
Semi-synthetic oils are a blend of mineral and synthetic oils, offering you the benefits of both.
Now you know that your Mobil engine oil is exceeding industry certifications, what’s next?
3. OEM specifications
Recognise that even if the viscosity is the same, not all engine oil brands have the same level of certification. Reputable brands like Mobil 1 also adhere to OEM specifications by top car manufacturers such as Mercedes AMG and McLaren. So opting for Mobil means your oil has proven performance and quality that is fully endorsed by renowned OEMs!
4. Certifications
Yes, even engine oils need certification. Mobil 1 oils are formulated to meet industry certifications, and beyond. Our range of Mobil engine oils are formulated to surpass even the most stringent criteria set by high-performance automaker groups, such as:
So when you see the above acronyms on your Mobil engine oil bottle, rest assured that it has been certified by experts.
Before you judge an engine oil by its label…
Remember that our reputable Mobil-branded engine oil family offers a full spectrum of products that you can choose from. Go on, ask your mechanic to use Mobil oil in your next car servicing appointment and enjoy how it keeps your engine performing like new, for a long, long time.
For more High Performance Engine Oilinformation, please contact us. We will provide professional answers.