The correct racing oil can improve your racing engine’s performance, but it won’t do the same for your everyday car. Learn about the reasons why racing and street oil are not interchangeable.

All Engines Have Different Lubrication Needs

We all look for ways to extend our vehicle’s longevity. All cars need maintenance to function better and last longer. Part of that maintenance should include getting a synthetic oil change. Just like all means of transport are different, their lubrication needs differ as well. We’ve previously talked about the reasons why motorcycle oil and car oil are not interchangeable. They’re entirely different vehicles. But what about racing cars and regular cars? They are both cars that have four wheels and an engine, shouldn’t they be using the same type of motor oil? Well, if you want your vehicle to live longer, you shouldn’t use a racing oil in your regular car, nor the other way around. Oil formulas are designed for each specific engine’s needs. Here’s what you need to know about regular and racing oil.

It’s All in the Composition

They’re both meant to protect, lubricate, and regulate the engine’s temperature, but the main difference between racing and street oil is the composition. The oils share the same beginning, but they’re later mixed with different base oils and additive packages. When it comes to oil, the additive package makes all the difference. Additives are mixed in to reduce friction, prevent corrosion, and decrease oil-wear. All oils have additives. It’s the type and amount that changes. Street oils must follow the API’s oil guidelines and restrictions to make sure that the formula is safe for regular engines. The API advises that all street oils use the minimum amount of additives to maintain a consistent performance standard throughout the oil industry and reduce carbon emissions. The modified performance engines in racing vehicles need higher protection than regular engines, which is why racing oils don’t follow the API’s guidelines. There are high levels of phosphorus, zinc, and sulfur in racing oil mixes. Under extreme temperatures and pressure, these elements are the ones that protect the engine against damage and wear. You can find these ingredients in street oil as well, but only in small quantities, as they can be harmful to catalytic converters.

Racing Oil Vs. Street Oil

There are more reasons other than oil chemistry why racing and street oil aren’t interchangeable. Street car oils are made to protect under non-extreme conditions for over long periods of time. Sure, your engine gets hot, but not to the extent that racing engines do. These oils need to be changed about four times a year, or less if you get synthetic oil changes. Racing engines, on the other hand, endure extreme temperatures due to the high speeds they operate in.  Street oil is not meant to withstand these harsh conditions. Racing oils are created to handle high rpm and extreme temperatures for short periods, which is why racing oils need to be frequently changed. In a pinch, you could use your regular oil in your racing engine, but it wouldn’t do a great job at preventing wear and providing lubrication. You can also, unknowingly, be affecting the camshaft and valve spring by not using racing oil in your racing engine. Stick to the oil that’s meant for the job. Contact San Pedro Synthetics at (707) 567-7509 if you need some advice on which regular or racing oil to get and to place your order. You can also browse through AMSOIL’s online store to learn all about their synthetic lubricants.

Should I Get a Synthetic Oil Change?

Now that you know a bit about the difference between racing and regular oil let’s move on to the regular or synthetic oil options. If you’re looking to improve your engine’s performance, keep a cleaner motor, and make your fuel last longer, you need to get a synthetic oil change. Synthetic and conventional oil both lubricate the engine. But since synthetics are modified in a lab, their molecular structure is more uniform, and it’s lubricating, and friction-reducing power is way superior to regular oil. Synthetic oil also helps keep the engine cleaner for a longer time because it doesn’t break down and promote sludge as conventional oil does. It might be pricier at first to switch to synthetic oil, but eventually, you’ll notice you’re saving money. So yes, you should get a synthetic oil change. Don't forget that you can find everything you need for a synthetic oil change for both your racing and your street car at AMSOIL’s online store.

Racing or Street, Get Everything You Need for an AMSOIL Synthetic Oil Change in San Pedro

Whether you drive a racing car and need a DOMINATOR® 5W-20 Racing Oil or a regular street vehicle that uses AMSOIL’s Signature Series 5W-20 Synthetic Motor Oil, you can find everything you need for a synthetic oil change at their online store. You can also call San Pedro Synthetics at (707) 567-7509 to get some recommendations and place your order.