When it comes to lawn care, you want to make sure you’re following the proper steps to keep your lawn in great shape. One of those steps is changing the oil in your lawn mower, but can you really use car oil in the lawn mower? It might be tempting to save a few bucks by using the same oil you use for your car, but there are a few things you need to consider before taking this shortcut.
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Advantages of Using Car Oil in Lawn Mower
Using car oil in your lawn mower can have some advantages. For one, it’s a more budget-friendly option. Car oil is typically cheaper than specialized lawn mower oil, so you can save yourself a few dollars by going this route. On top of that, car oil is readily available and easy to find, while some specialty lawn mower oil may not be as easy to come by.
Another pro of using car oil in your lawn mower is it is generally easier to handle. Lawn mower oil is sometimes more viscous and takes more property to get it into the transmission, while car oil is typically thinner and easier to get where it needs to go.
Disadvantages of Using Car Oil in Lawn Mower
Even though there may be some benefits to using car oil, there’s also a potential downside. One potential issue is that car oil may not have the same protective qualities that specialized lawn mower oil does. Lawn mower oil is designed with specific additives that help protect the internal components of your mower from wear and tear, where car oil may not have these same features.
Additionally, using the wrong type of oil in your lawn mower could void certain warranties. If something goes wrong with your mower, you want to be sure that you’re covered, but using the wrong type of oil could invalidate your warranty.
To ensure you’re up to date on what type of oil to use, check your owner’s manual, which should tell you the type and weight of oil you should be using. In most cases, you should be looking for an oil that meets the API classifications SG, SH.
Choosing the Right Oil for Your Lawn Mower
If your owner’s manual calls for a specialized lawn mower oil, then that’s the type you should stick with. Lawn mower oil is specifically designed to give your mower the specified level of protection, while car oil may not have the same protective additives.
Additionally, it’s important to pay attention to the viscosity. Viscosity is a measure of how easily an oil will flow. If it’s too thick, it won’t flow properly, making it difficult to get it into the transmission. Too thin, and there could be power loss due to oil leakage. Make sure you’re using an oil with the proper viscosity that’s listed in your owner’s manual.
Synthetic vs Conventional Oil
When it comes to choosing the right oil for your lawn mower, you’ll also want to consider whether you should use synthetic or conventional oil. Synthetic oils are made up of multiple synthetic base stocks and additives, whereas conventional oils are made up of petroleum or vegetable-based base stocks.
Synthetic oils generally provide better protection from wear and tear, as well as helping to minimize oil consumption. On the other hand, conventional oils are typically cheaper and readily available. In the end, it really comes down to personal preference, so you’ll want to weigh the pros and cons of both types of oil before deciding.
Bottom Line
When it comes to using car oil in your lawn mower, there are a few things to consider. You might be able to save a few dollars by using car oil, but there’s also a chance that it might not have the same level of protection as specialized lawn mower oil. Additionally, some warranties may be voided if you use the wrong type of oil in your mower.
When in doubt, always check your owner’s manual and make sure you’re using the right type of oil. With the right oil, you can help keep your lawn mower running in top shape.