Oil is quite essential for the smooth functioning of engines in both motorcycles and automobiles. However, there are different types of oils which have different types of viscosities and it should be chosen accordingly. In the past, engine oils used in cars and motorcycles varied hugely due to various factors. Nowadays, both cars and motorcycles are manufactured with revving engines that can use automotive oil without any bad effects.
Motorcycle oil Vs Automotive Oil
Although both these can be used in bikes, the engines of both cars and cycles function differently and require oils which are specifically formulated for these engines. Compared to the car engine and bike oils are expensive. Most of the motorcycles include some important factors which enable better performance and durability of the motorcycles. Car oil is quite inexpensive compared to bike. Some of the major differences between these two types is elaborated below.
Viscosity: Compared to the automotive and bike is thinner even though both these oils are classified under the same viscosity. This is made thinner so that it provides better and easier lubrication for small internal parts in the motorbikes.
Price: It is quite expensive compared to car oil as it is highly refined. Bike oil is thoroughly refined so that it provides better lubrication and passes easily through small internal components in the vehicle. As it requires an extended refining process, it is quite expensive than the standard types of engine oil. However, it is important to purchase motorcycle oil for vehicles as it guarantees better performance and higher durability of the engines.
Reduction of heat: In comparison to the automotive oil, this oil is designed to reduce the amount of heat generated in the internal parts of the engine. Moreover, heat is generated in focal points in these engines compared to car engines.
Specifically formulated oil: As compared to cars, bikes require specifically formulated one as oil breaks down faster in bikes due to the continuous meshing of gears. So all the motorcycle oils are designed and formulated specifically for bikes.
Different additives: Automotive do not contain additives which are present in motorcycle oils. Various types of additives such as PTFE or Teflon are included in these to reduce excessive heat and friction. This is coated onto the gears of the vehicle.
Friction: The engine oils used in bikes helps to reduce friction and thereby prevents clutch slippage. It can therefore be used effectively in vehicles with oil-wet clutches. But car engine seldom can be used to reduce slippage or friction.
However, when exposed to extreme pressure and heat, both these types of engine oil breaks down which further causes thinning of the oil. It then fails to lubricate the engines effectively.
Today with technological developments in various fields, different types of engine oils are made available quite easily in most of the online stores. Synthetic oil is another type of automotive oil used in most of the vehicles today.