Engines, oil and myths: Everything runs smoothly with expertise

Even before the term “community” existed, motorcyclists and car mechanics showed that sharing a hobby is even more fun when you exchange experiences and impressions with each other. The downside of these “gas talks”: In this way, some sham facts have become entrenched, which are no longer up-to-date, especially in times of highly developed engine technology and modern lubricant research. Even worse: In practice, such “oil myths” can even be expensive. Lubricant specialist Motul therefore clears up widespread misinformation — and shows why experience, technical expertise and precise specifications are crucial for the durability and performance of car and motorcycle engines.

Engine oil is no longer a simple lubricant, but rather a liquid structural element that must reduce friction, cool, clean, protect against corrosion and transfer of power at the same time. There are still numerous assumptions circulating in workshops, Internet forums or at biker meetings that are no longer state of the art. “Many of these myths come from a time when engines were designed more simply and lubricants were significantly less powerful,” explains Alexander Hornoff, Technical Support Manager at Motul Germany. “Modern engines work with significantly tighter tolerances — here, choosing the right oil is crucial for engine protection and durability. ”

Myth: Dark oil is a sign of poor quality

The fact that fresh motor oil darkens after a short run time is often mistakenly interpreted as a loss of quality. In fact, the opposite is true: high-performance oils such as the Motul products in the 8100, Specific, 8100 Power segments or even the 300V products for passenger cars and 300V Factory Line 4T, 7100 4T, 5100 4T in the motorcycle sector contain modern detergents and dispersants that can dissolve deposits in the engine and actively bind combustion residues. The discoloration of the oil therefore shows that these additives have done a good job and keep the engine clean.

Myth: Thicker oil protects better

Many vehicle owners also still believe that oil with higher hot viscosity (for example SAE 50 instead of 40) automatically means better engine protection. Modern motors are manufactured with very tight tolerances and are precisely tailored to specific viscosity classes. Only the right oil can ensure a rapid supply of oil — especially during a cold start. An oil that is too viscous can delay oiling and thus significantly increase wear. In addition to the correct viscosity class — for example 5W-30 — the specifications and approvals required by the manufacturer are always decisive. Motul has bundled all manufacturer information and approvals in its “oil consultant” on the Motul website: https://www.motul.com/de-DE/lubricants

Myth: Synthetic oils damage older engines

Fully synthetic lubricants or motor oils with synthetic components are state of the art today and enable very good performance even with many older engine concepts. They do not attack seals and do not cause leaks. Instead, a homogeneous and compact molecular structure ensures particularly stable lubricating films, high thermal resistance and reliable wear protection. If leaks are visible in older vehicles or classic cars, these are usually already existing signs of aging, not the result of using synthetic oil itself. Very old vehicles — built in 1970 and older — may be an exception. For these old sweethearts, Motul offers special oils that have been optimised with modern technology exactly for the needs of oldies.

Myth: Mineral and synthetic oil should never be mixed

Another claim that hasn't kept up with the times is that an engine can no longer be “reset” to mineral oil after switching to synthetic oil. The fact is: All current motor oils can be easily mixed and compatible with each other. The best proof of this is the fact that many high-quality engine oils — such as Motul's 5100 product range for motorcycles — contain synthetic components and are therefore “blended” virtually from the factory. An important prerequisite for this is, of course — both when using oils as well as when mixing them — that standards, viscosity and manufacturer approvals are met. Speaking of mixing, Motul uses the innovative “NGEN Core” technology for more and more performance oils. These products use both synthetic components and high-quality re-raffinates made from reprocessed oils. The fact that these particularly sustainable products also meet the highest racing requirements is demonstrated by their use in the Kawasaki ZX4RR Brand Racing Cup, in which the engines reach speeds of up to 14,500 rpm. The assumption that re-raffinates are supposedly inferior oils is therefore only a new but no less incorrect oil myth.

Myth: Oil change intervals are rigid constructs

There is also persistence in the assumption that oil change intervals are fixed requirements that apply regardless of use and operating conditions. In practice, however, these intervals are always framework values based on average “normal” driving profiles. Factors such as frequent cold starts, intensive short-haul operation, high thermal stress, sporty driving style or extreme climatic conditions unduly stress the oil and lead to faster aging. “Modern engine oils are indeed designed for extended oil change intervals. However, your own driving style is always decisive, not just pure mileage,” explains Alexander Hornoff. Anyone who drives their vehicle under demanding conditions should not evaluate the oil condition and change intervals according to the calendar, but according to the usage profile. In general, an early oil change is always cheaper than a prematurely necessary engine repair.

Myth: Synthetic oil causes clutch slippage on motorcycles

In the motorcycle sector, this misconception persists. However, it is not the type of base oil technology that is decisive, but the appropriate interpretation of the formulation and approval. Motorcycles with an “wet” clutch running in an oil bath require engine oils with JASO MA or MA2 approval. Motorcycle engine oils are precisely tailored to the interplay between engine, transmission and wet clutch — regardless of whether they are mineral, partially or fully synthetic. Motul develops motorcycle engine oils specifically as a system solution for these special tasks. The different design requirements of cars and motorcycles are also the most important reason why motorcyclists should only use specially developed two-wheeler oils in their beloved bike and should never use car engine oil.

Myth: Expensive oil is always better/The cheapest oil does too

Two fallacies with a degree of relationship: On the one hand, the assumption that a particularly high-priced oil is automatically the best choice for every engine — and on the other hand, the inverse conclusion that the cheapest possible oil is sufficient for everyday use. Both ways of thinking fall short. First of all, the price of a lubricant says little about its actual suitability for a specific engine. The technical requirements of the engine, the approval standards of vehicle manufacturers and the individual application profile are always decisive. In other words: Anyone who commutes to work with their VW Golf is well advised to use suitable brand oil, and anyone who goes to racing training with the same vehicle over and over again should opt for a highly developed high-performance oil. Conversely, although a very cheap oil can just formally meet the minimum standard, it will barely deliver the performance that ensures a long engine life with consistent performance. Even in this case, the Motul oil consultant is a perfect source of information on which you can find the optimal lubricant for your vehicle with just a few clicks — regardless of whether it's a two-wheeler, a car or a tractor! (https://www.motul.com/de-DE/lubricants)

Conclusion: Hard facts beat garage gossip

In any case, rules of thumb handed down over generations are a good tradition, but engines and transmissions are protected the more well-founded technical specifications and modern lubricant technology are used. Companies that comply with manufacturer approvals and rely on high-quality, application-optimized oils invest in the efficiency, protection and durability of their drive. As a lubricant partner for manufacturers and motorsport teams worldwide, this is exactly where Motul comes in.