The development of the motor car has moved forward at an astounding rate. But it is not only the engine that has become more powerful and efficient. The liquid that makes it possible to run an engine (aside from gasoline of course) is motor oil and this too has progressed greatly as the demands made upon it by the engine have increased. Engines run faster, harder and more powerful and as such the motor oil needs to be able to deal with an increasingly harsh environment inside the engine.

These days we take it for granted that the car will start in the morning whether it is cold, or hot for that matter. One of the many reasons for this is the improved quality of the motor oil. When the motor oil gets cold it becomes thicker. At this point it is said to have high viscosity. Viscosity measures be ability of a liquid to flow. Milk has a low viscosity. It pours and spills easily. Washing up liquid is slightly ‘thicker’ it flows but it takes more effort. The best example of a highly viscous liquid is processed honey. It takes a great effort to make it flow anywhere. You autometer oil pressure gauge measure the rate of the flow of oil.

When the car starts oil have to get the where it needs to be fast. But when it is in a more viscous state it takes longer for it to flow. In some cases it can even stop and engine from starting and even if it does start it can become damaged because it is not lubricated adequately. Motor oil approved by the American Institute of Petroleum contains additives to keep the oil thinner when it is cold.  This is why, although it can be tempting, a cheap oil change is not a good thing to do if you are trying to make your engine last as long as possible.