Shopping for motor oil can be a confusing process, but it may be even worse when looking for oil for your racing engine. This post can help you understand what to look for when shopping for racing oil.

What's the Difference Between Racing Oil and Standard Street Oil?

If your experience with racing engines is limited or you're just getting into the sport, you may have a minimal understanding of the differences between street car engines and those of race cars. In reality, unless you take part in car races, you don't have to understand all of the chemistry and specifics that create a need for a different oil. Even so, those of us who stick to driving at the speed limit on commuter-heavy roads can still benefit from understanding the differences between racing oils and standard street oils.

Why Is There a Difference?

If you didn't know that racing engines use a different type of oil than your daily driver, you're not alone. However, there are some very important reasons why these oils exist in different categories. Although some racing engines may be very similar to the one in your normal car, the conditions they operate under are quite different. These differences in conditions and use are the main reasons you should be sure you're using the correct oil for your vehicle's situation. Failing to do proper research before purchasing oil for your engine can lead to premature wear, damage, and a shorter engine life.

The Most Common Differences

Your daily driver is most likely used daily to get you to work and back home with some other stops in between. Typically, most drivers will complete relatively short distance trips at low and manageable speeds. Under these conditions, your engine will heat up and your motor may experience some friction, adding to the heat. Even so, your engine won't necessarily experience too much strain or an overabundance of heat. Your normal engine oil will be in charge of keeping friction down, temperatures manageable, and your engine clean among many other tasks. On the other hand, your racing engine likely gets more limited use and is reserved for days on the track. Whether you race in long distances around a circular track or in shorter drag races, your engine is put under more intense conditions that require that your oil performs certain tasks that aren't seen on a normal commuter road. While racing, your engine is more likely to be put under more extreme conditions, and it's probably forced to perform at it's maximum. Unfortunately, your normal street engine oil won't be able to give it the protection it needs. Luckily, that is what racing engine oil is made for. Whether you're looking for racing oil or standard engine oil, contact Synthetic Oil Direct at (215) 834-8720 to find the perfect synthetic oil for your engine. Visit their online shop to browse their full stock of quality AMSOIL products where you can find great racing oils, like  AMSOIL's DOMINATOR® 5W-20 Racing Oil.

What Is Racing Oil Made Of?

If you're not sure what is in your racing oil or how its components affect its performance, this basic information can help you be better informed.

Your Oil's Base

Just like normal street engine oil, your racing oil will come from a base oil. These are put into different groups based on their viscosity index, oxidation stability, volatility, and their refinement process, among many other factors. Generally speaking, higher grade oils tend to be a bit more pricey, but they also offer superior performance. Typically, synthetic racing oils will fall into a higher grade category. Just like synthetic oils offer better engine protection on the street, they also tend to mean better protection for your racing engine. Synthetic oils stay cleaner for longer, resist oxidation better, and offer superior protection when compared to a conventional oil.

Additives in Your Oil

All oils come with additive packages that promise to protect your engine better from a variety of factors. While some of the additives in racing oil may be very similar to those in your street engine oil, there is one that will definitely be different. Racing oils contain ZDDP (zinc dialkyl dithiophosphate), commonly referred to as just zinc, at higher levels. This additive is used to create a protective barrier that helps keep metal to metal contact at a minimum. Regular oils don't contain as much of this additive because there is less of a need for it. Because this additive can actually contaminate your normal vehicle's catalytic converter and oxygen sensor, you should stick to using racing oil in just your racing engine. When choosing an oil, do your research on the additives and stick to an oil that provides what your engine needs. Keep in mind that it's best to stick to the additives your engine oil already includes rather than mixing in additional additives that can upset the balance of your oil.

Get a Synthetic Oil Change in Warminster

Before purchasing a racing oil, be sure you're giving your engine the best protection with a synthetic racing oil in Warminster. Contact Synthetic Oil Direct at (215) 834-8720 for help finding the perfect oil for any situation. For a full range of products, including break-in oil and industry recognized racing oils, stop by their online shop.