We’ve all been there . . . you’re standing at the grocery store comparing two brands of chips, batteries, dish soap, etc. and wondering, “Is one really better than the other?” Sometimes you stick with what you know. Sometimes you take a chance. Sometimes it works out. Sometimes it doesn’t.
Unfortunately, there isn’t always an obvious physical difference between products. This makes it difficult to tell if what you’re paying for is merely a brand name or if the product is actually superior in quality. Bargain shoppers will be the first to tell you that buying generic products can be a great way to save money. Many lesser-known brands offer products at a fraction of the cost of name brands with little to no impact on the quality of the product. However, when it comes to buying critical products that you depend on every day, it’s usually best not to cut corners.
High-quality light bulbs, for example, can save you energy, provide better light for your home and significantly outlast the bargain brand. Sure you might save a few dollars upfront with the bargain brand, but purchasing high-quality light bulbs is a better long-term investment due to their superior quality and longevity. Light bulbs are something that you use daily and it is also an example of a product with an actual quality difference between brands.
So where does motor oil fall? Is there actually a physical difference between generic and name brand motor oils? The answer is YES!
The Effects of Low Quality Motor Oil
When it comes to purchasing the oil that keeps your engine running every day, it’s important to invest in quality. Every 7,500 miles, you get to choose between a quick fix and a long-term investment in your engine. Whether you choose to change your car’s oil with a bargain brand or a brand you trust, both choices will have immediate and long-term effects on your vehicle.
Engine oil is one of those products - like light bulbs - where lower-cost truly does mean lower quality. Less expensive motor oil is less expensive due to the lower quality of its chemical makeup. Off-brand oils are full of harmful fillers that will end up doing more harm than good in the long run. That’s why it’s important to choose a high-quality motor oil for top engine performance.
While a lower-priced oil may be tempting, it’s important to consider the long-term quality of oil that you are choosing for a vehicle that you will be owning and operating for years to come. The filler chemicals in lower-quality motor oils can have both immediate and lasting effects on your vehicle, including:
- Clogged engine pipes
- Increased oil leaks
- Melted engines
- Decreased fuel economy,
- and more!
Choosing top-quality motor oil is a small investment when it comes to the maintenance and longevity of your vehicle’s engine. Contact your local General Petroleum distributor for more information on how to invest in your engine for the long haul!