It is very important to maintain your motorcycle; therefore, you must use the right oil filter. The engine oil lubricates all the moving parts for everything to work smoothly, and the oil filter ensures that the oil used is clean.
However, what if the oil filter you use for your engine oil is of a different brand from the engine oil you used? Will it cause any problems? This article will discuss the workings of engine oil and oil filters and some more frequently asked questions, such as whether it is safe to mix different engine oil brands.
What is Motorcycle Engine Oil?
Motorcycle engine oil is one of the most critical commodities you require for your motorbike. Some of these lights inform you that your motorcycle won’t run as it should.
Many things are done by the engine oil, including lubricating other parts, such as maintaining the movement of the hoes, reducing friction, cooling the heat generated by sealing contraction, removing dirt and other substances, preventing rust formation, and minimizing noise within an engine.
However, choosing the right oil to suit your vehicle is difficult. It depends on how you ride and how hard your engine works.
Why Do You Need the Right Engine Oil for Your Bike?
The engine is arguably the heart of your motorcycle. It comprises many sub-components working harmoniously to convert fuel to energy to cause bike movement. It was also found that when these parts move, they come into contact with one another and cause friction.
Engine oil is vital since it helps to prevent this friction from affecting the engine negatively. Its main function is ensuring that motion parts do not deteriorate fast.
The right engine oil also plays a role in cooling the engine, reducing fuel consumption by the bike and ensuring the engine is clean.
That’s why it is recommended to fluctuate the engine oil constantly. New oil lasts your bike longer and even helps you achieve better mileage.
Understanding the Types of Engine Oil
There are three main types of engine oil: mineral oil, semi-synthetic oil, and fully synthetic oil. Each type is used for different kinds of bikes.
- Mineral Oil: It is the most common type and is used in smaller bikes, like those with 80cc to 125cc engines. Mineral oil doesn’t last very long, so you must change it often. It’s good for bikes that don’t need a lot of power. But if you ride hard, it can wear out your engine faster.
- Semi-Synthetic Oil: This type combines natural and synthetic (lab-made) oil. Semi-synthetic oil is more flexible and works for many bikes, especially those around 150cc to 180cc engines. It can handle some sporty or fast riding, too.
- Fully Synthetic Oil: This oil is made entirely in labs and is best for big bikes with engines over 180cc. It’s great at protecting the engine and handling high temperatures, which makes it perfect for extreme conditions. Fully synthetic oil costs more, but it lasts longer and gives the best protection for your engine.
How an Oil Filter Works
In the beginning, engines were not equipped with oil filters. This meant they purchased inferior oil grades, and their bikes were required to be oiled most frequently. But now, we are in a position to have what we may call oil filters, which assist in removing the sift before it reaches the engine parts.
Here’s how an oil filter works: The oil enters the filter through the small round opening on its periphery. Inside, it purifies the oil and returns it to the engine through a larger aperture.
Currently, almost all oil filters are equipped with something referred to as an anti-drain-back valve. Sometimes, it is a rubber surrounding the small holes near it. They open when the engine runs to allow oil from the crucible into the holding tank.
As soon as the engine is off, the valve automatically shuts to prevent the loss of the oil in the filter. This way, the engine will always have oil on the start-up to prevent unnecessary damage due to the lack of such oil.
Some engines contain an additional bypass or a second filter for specific cases. For instance, if it’s very cold and the oil is thick, or if the main filter is clogged, this bypass filter lets oil flow around the main filter. Thus, the engine gets, although not attended to by the cleaner, its gold circulates.
Are there Different Types of Oil Filters?
Yes, there are different oil filters for different types of engines. The four main types are standard, synthetic, high-performance, and racing filters.
- Standard Oil Filter: This is the most common type of oil filter. It works well for regular cars and bikes and is usually the least expensive.
- Synthetic Filter: These filters use special materials to trap smaller dirt particles. They last longer than standard filters and don’t need to be changed as often.
- High-Performance Filter: These filters are stronger and built to last longer. They can handle tough conditions without breaking.
- Racing Filter: Racing filters are made for bikes that use thinner oils. They help protect the engine during high-speed driving.
Can You Mix Oil Brands?
Yes, you can mix oil brands if you need to, like if you’re just adding oil to your engine. But it’s important to ensure the oils are the same type (like synthetic with synthetic) and are right for your engine.
Mixing oils occasionally won’t damage your engine, but it’s not a good idea to do it all the time.
Why Mixing Oil Brands is Not Recommended
Even though it might be okay to mix oil brands sometimes, it’s not something you should do regularly.
Motor oils are made with special ingredients that help keep your engine running well and protect it. Mixing different oils could make those ingredients not work as well. This could make the oil less effective at protecting your engine.
Different oil brands use different ingredients, and mixing them can change how they work together. For example, one oil might clean your engine better, while another might protect it from damage. Mixing them could make both of these things not work as well.
The thickness of the oil (called viscosity) is also really important. If you mix oils, it could make the oil too thick or too thin for your engine. It might not flow well in cold weather if it’s too thick. If it’s too thin, it might not protect your engine in hot weather. This could make your engine wear out faster.
So, while it’s okay to mix oil brands sometimes, it’s best to stick to one brand and type to protect your engine.
Oil Change Services at Fubex Lubricants
Mixing different oil brands might not damage your engine right away, but it’s not a good idea for the long term.
It’s important to use the same type of oil each time to keep your engine working well.
Mixing different oils can mess up the special ingredients that help protect your engine, which could cause problems over time.
At Fubex Lubricants, we know how important it is to use the right oil for your vehicle. Our oil change services use high-quality oils and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations. We ensure your car gets the best care so it runs smoothly for a long time.
Contact us today to schedule your oil change or ask for advice. Our friendly team is here to help you with all your vehicle care needs.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, using a different brand of oil filter with your motorcycle’s engine oil is okay for a short time, but it’s not the best for the long term. It’s important to use the right oil and filter to keep your motorcycle running well. At Fubex Lubricants, we can help you choose the best oil and filter for your bike. If you need advice or an oil change, please contact us!
FAQs
Q1: Is it safe to use a different brand of oil filter with my motorcycle’s engine oil?
Ans: You can use a different oil filter, but check the manufacturer’s instructions to avoid warranty issues. A better filter cleans the oil more effectively.
Q2: Will using a different brand of oil filter affect my motorcycle’s warranty?
Ans: Using a different brand of oil filter might affect your warranty, so it’s a good idea to check the owner’s manual or ask the manufacturer first.
Q3: How often should I change my motorcycle’s oil filter if I use a different brand than the oil?
Ans: You should change your oil filter every time you change the oil, even if you’re using a different brand. Just follow the recommendations in your motorcycle’s manual.
