It is true to say that most of the 4 stroke vehicles use oil in the same manner, whether car oil or motorcycle oil. The basic concept is that there are various oil functions in the vehicles. The most important is the lubrication that it does in between the moving parts of the vehicle and prevents the metal to metal interaction. Here is the guide about 4 stroke oil vs car oil.
In addition, oil also cools the engine’s temperature, as it does other things. Also, it prevents internal corrosion and is made to keep contaminants in the oil suspension until the next oil change.
This article will guide you about the difference between 4 stroke oil and car oil, so keep on reading.
Difference between 4 stroke oil and car oil
Number 1
When it comes to car oil, cars use the extra mileage, and the oils used in cars contain additives that reduce friction. That is good to use in cars, but it isn’t easy to use in motorbikes with the wet clutch, as it is a component of the vehicle running in the engine for the supply of an average amount of oil.
Number 2
The 4 stroke oils come with low ash or zero ash additive package, as these oils do not have the API starburst or GF-5 certification.
Number 3
Car engine oils contain friction modifiers and provide good quality friction ad transmission to reduce friction in the moving parts. If used in 4 stroke vehicles, it causes the formation of deposits on the valve train and piston crowns.
Number 4
The car oils come with detergent additives and contain ash content with relatively high potency. If used in 4 stroke vehicles will result in the creation of deposits on the various parts because detergents are the main reason for the pressure build-up and lead to burning on the components and cause perforation.
Number 5
The 4 stroke vehicles, on the other hand, use the same oil for the gearbox and engine because these oils come with a unique formula to protect components, gears, and engine parts.
Number 6
Compared to car oils, the 4 stroke oils need balanced friction properties because lubrication is needed in the motor cycles’ wet clutch. As a result, this turn transfers the engine power to the drive train.
Number 7
With 4 stroke oil, the friction level will be too low. The vehicle’s clutch will not involve engagement and cause spillage.
Number 8
Good car oils have a high viscosity index, as it is fluid-resistant to flow. The car engine oils need certain essential properties to indicate durability and efficiency, but this property is not present in the 4 stroke oils.
Number 9
Thermal stability is one of the best qualities of car oils, as the car oils work in the various components of the car engine where the temperature is highest. Good car oil should start the car engine even at low temperatures and keep the vehicle stable at high temperatures.
Number 10
The car contains high content of oxidation stability too. By oxidation, the chemical reaction takes place between oxygen and lubricating oil. If there is a high oxidation rate, the life of the car oil or lubricating oil decreases, as this is not the property of four-stroke oils.
Number 11
Four-stroke engine oils instead of car oils are not burnt with the fuel to make the engine lubricated, instead of being burnt recycled against the engine. You can use the four-stroke oils in oil injection systems and premix them in the fuel, as these are low ash oils depending upon the use. The function of the four-stroke oils is to disperse the heat, clean, and hold impurities.
4 Stroke Oil VS Car Oil
| Car oil | 4 stroke oil |
| Good fuel economy and efficiency | Bad fuel economy and efficiency |
| Contains detergent additives | Do not contain detergent additives |
| Cannot handle transmission and friction | Handles transmission and friction |
Frequently asked questions
Is 4 stroke oil is similar to car oil?
Yes, it is fair to say that car oils and 4 stroke oils come with some similarities and differences, and most four-stroke engines of vehicles similarly use oil, whether it is a car, truck, or motorcycle. Oils, whether the 4 strokes or any other, prevent the engine parts from rusting, keep the parts of the vehicle lubricated, and keep contaminants in suspension until the next oil change.
Can I use car oil in my 4 stroke lawn mower?
Yes, you can use the car oil to fuel your lawn lower, but it should be high quality. For instance, the SAE -30 is one of the most commonly used types of oil as the high-quality motor oils available in the market and is the best option for lawn mowers and cars.
How is lawn mower oil being different from car oil?
Yes, the lawnmowers use the same oil as automobiles. Still, the owners should check the vehicle’s manuals because these small engines are sensitive to additives and alternatives. Normally these engines use straight SAE 30 Weight oil or multi-viscosity 10W -30 oil, both common auto engine oil.
What type of oil does 4 stroke mower use?
10W30 is a common motor oil grade ideal for many models of lawnmowers. As your manual comes with the oil package can guide you with the exact grade required, but this brand is more suitable for four-stroke vehicles in most vehicles. Therefore, any brand of oil that is ideal for cars or trucks will work best for lawnmowers.
Conclusion
So based on the above differences in the car oil and4 stroke oils, it is clear that the 4 stroke oils come with the formula to handle the transmission in a better way, good for clutches of the motorcycle because it should be slippery enough to lubricate the components and engine of the vehicle.
This means that the oils keep a good balance between the vehicle’s parts, engine, and transmission protection. This is the main fact that is not in car oil manufacturing.
Therefore, not all oils have the same characteristics, so using car oil for cars and 4 stroke oils for 4 stroke vehicles is good.
I am an Automotive specialist. I graduated from Michigan with Bachelor in Automotive Engineering and Management. Also, I hold degrees in Electrical and Automation Engineering (BEng), Automatic and Industrial Electronic Engineering, and Automotive Technology. I have worked at General Motors Company for over five years as the Marketing Operations Production Coordinator. Now, I own my garage in Miami, Florida. I love cars and love to share everything about them with my readers. I am the founder of the Automotiveex blog, where I share everything about automotive, like car news, car mechanical issues, and anything else that comes up in my blog posts.
