The lubrication and protection needs of a boat and a car are not the same, which is why you shouldn’t be using the same oil for both vehicles. In this article, we will explore the oil requirements of marine engines.

Some Things You Should Know When Choosing the Oil for Your Boat in San Pedro

How often do you use your boat? You probably only use it as a hobby, unlike your car which you use on a daily basis. Now, do you think your marine engine and your automotive engine go through the same strain? They clearly don’t!  Marine engines go through a much heavier load even when they’re just drifting which means they need even more lubricating power. Those extended periods when they’re not in use require a mix of special additives to maintain the engine healthy. Boats need their marine oil. San Pedro Synthetics prepared this post to talk to you about the importance of using the correct lubrication for each vehicle.

Automotive Oil Shouldn’t Replace Marine Oil

There’s no one stopping you from using automotive oil in your marine engine. If you’re looking to save money, that’s one way to do it. However, that money you save on oil won’t be anything compared to the bills you’ll need to pay if your engine gets damaged. Car oil isn’t meant to withstand water and wear at the same time, unlike marine oil. Your owner’s manual should say so, and you should trust it when it comes to choosing your oil. Auto oil does have some additives necessary to prevent corrosion, but not in the same quantity as marine oil does. The conditions in which you use your car and your boat are not the same. Marine engines work even harder and run at speeds that regular never do. They also remain unused for long periods, and they need the appropriate protection that only marine oil can provide.

Four- Stroke Marine Oil or Two-Stroke Marine Oil?

You have two main categories when it comes to marine engines: two-stroke and four-stroke. You need to choose your oil according to your engine type. Most modern boat models come with four-stroke engines, but you will find the occasional two-stroke engine as well. Since both engines work differently, their lubrication needs are not the same. For two-stroke engines, you need a mix of oil and fuel. Oil and fuel burn off together and get released through the exhaust system. A good option for your two-stroke engine is AMSOIL’s Outboard 100:1 Pre-Mix Synthetic 2-Stroke Oil. As for four-stroke engines, they only need oil for lubrication. Marine four-strokes function pretty much the same way car engines work. The oil is repeatedly pumped and then sent back to an oil pan or sump. For a great four-stroke oil option, go for AMSOIL’s 10W-30 Synthetic Marine Engine Oil. You can find everything you need to keep your boat lubricated in AMSOIL’s marine line… they even have semi-synthetics, if you don’t want to use a full synthetic.  Check out their online store or contact San Pedro Synthetics at (707) 567-7509 to get oil recommendations and place your order.

Look for NMMA Certified Oil

Whether you choose to go for a regular oil or a synthetic oil, it’s essential to find an option approved by the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA). Marine oil needs to be tested to make sure it can perform in the demanding marine environment. It must have the right additives to protect your engine from corrosion, carbon deposits, extended periods of inactivity, and high operating speeds. You'll find that two-stroke says TC-W3  printed on the label and four-stroke oil, FC-W3. FYI, AMSOIL Synthetic Oil is a 100% certified option.

Respect Your Oil Change Interval

Your boat is like your car in the aspect that if you expect to prolong its life expectancy, you need to respect your oil change intervals. The great thing about boats is that many marine engines come with electronic reminders to let you know when it’s time to change your oil, just in case you’re not good at keeping track. You should change your marine oil according to the hours it’s been in use, usually around every 100 hours. Consult your owner’s manual for any questions you have about your engine’s needs. Another thing you should about respecting your oil change schedule is how much oil you use. It is possible to affect your engine by using too much oil. Overfilling can cause an excessive amount of crankcase pressure, which may blow the main seal. Underfilling, on the other hand, doesn’t provide the necessary lubrication. Just in case, you should always carry some extra oil on board when you’re out boating. When you choose your oil, it would be hugely beneficial to your boat to go for a synthetic oil change. Whichever type of oil you choose, you should remember not to mix oil brands and grades. Bear in mind that you need to replace your oil filter along with your new oil every time.

For a Marine Synthetic Oil Change in San Pedro

Everything you need for a synthetic oil change, whether it be marine or automotive, can be found with AMSOIL Synthetic Oil.  You can purchase your supplies online, or call San Pedro Synthetics at (707) 567-7509 if you need some help choosing.