Engine oil is more than just a lubricant—it’s the lifeblood of your car’s engine. It ensures smooth operation, prevents wear, regulates temperature, and protects internal components. But using the wrong engine oil—whether in terms of viscosity, formulation, or additive composition—can lead to serious damage.
Imagine you’re about to head out on a long road trip, and you decide to top up your oil with whatever is available at the nearest gas station. You pour in an oil that isn’t recommended for your vehicle. At first, everything seems fine, but a few hours into your drive, the engine starts overheating. You notice sluggish acceleration, and the fuel gauge is dropping faster than expected. By the time you reach your destination, the check engine light is on, and the repair bill is going to cost far more than what you saved by using the wrong oil.
So, what really happens inside your engine when you use the wrong oil? And how does Palco’s range of engine oils ensure your vehicle stays protected? Let’s break it down.
Why Does Engine Oil Matter?
Engine oil does four critical things:
- Lubrication – Reduces friction between moving parts to minimize wear and tear.
- Cooling – Carries heat away from engine components to prevent overheating.
- Cleaning – Prevents sludge formation by trapping dirt and contaminants.
- Sealing & Protection – Forms a protective barrier to prevent metal-on-metal contact.
When the wrong oil is used, these essential functions break down, leading to severe engine problems.
What Happens If You Use the Wrong Engine Oil?
1. Increased Wear and Tear
Engine oil viscosity determines how well it flows at different temperatures. If you use oil that is too thin, like Palco Garnet 5W30 in a high-mileage SUV that actually requires Palco Energy 20W-50, it won’t form a strong enough lubricating film, causing internal parts to grind against each other. Over time, this friction wears out piston rings, bearings, and camshafts, leading to expensive repairs.
On the other hand, if the oil is too thick, it struggles to flow freely, especially in tight clearances of modern compact engines. If you pour Palco Energy 20W50 into a small hatchback designed for Palco Leopard 5W30, the oil won’t circulate efficiently, leading to poor fuel efficiency, sluggish performance, and engine overheating.
It’s like rubbing dry hands together versus using lotion—the difference is clear. Without the right oil viscosity, your engine parts rub against each other, causing long-term damage.
2. Poor Cold-Start Protection
The low-temperature properties of engine oil directly affect cold start performance, as oil thickens in colder conditions, delaying circulation and increasing engine wear. During startup, especially in winter, the oil must flow quickly to lubricate critical components like the crankshaft and valve lifters. If the oil has a higher viscosity than recommended, it moves sluggishly, leaving parts unprotected for longer.
For example, if your car is designed for Palco Garnet 5W-30, which maintains fluidity in low temperatures, but you use Palco Energy 20W-50, the thicker oil won’t circulate fast enough. This leads to delayed lubrication, increased friction, and excessive wear. In extreme cold, the engine may struggle to start, and even if it does, fuel consumption will rise as it works harder to reach optimal temperature. Choosing the right oil viscosity ensures better cold-start protection, reducing stress on the engine and improving efficiency.
3. Overheating and Increased Fuel Consumption
Selecting the wrong viscosity is just one factor that affects engine performance—oil formulation, including its resistance to oxidation and volatility, plays a crucial role. If your car requires Palco Leopard 5W30 but you mistakenly use Palco Energy 20W50, the thicker oil creates more drag inside the engine. This is like trying to run in knee-deep water—it takes more effort, uses more fuel, and generates more heat.
However, beyond viscosity, poor oil formulation can accelerate oxidation and increase volatility, meaning the oil breaks down faster under high temperatures. Oxidized oil thickens, loses its lubricating properties, and forms harmful deposits inside the engine. Additionally, high volatility leads to excessive oil consumption, requiring frequent top-ups. Over time, these combined factors contribute to overheating, increased wear, and potential damage to engine seals—causing oil leaks and expensive repairs.
Using the right engine oil isn’t just about viscosity; it’s about ensuring the oil is formulated to withstand temperature extremes, resist oxidation, and maintain stability over time.
4. Sludge and Deposit Formation
Not all engine oils have the same additives. Some are designed for older, high-mileage engines, while others cater to modern, fuel-efficient cars. If you use an oil that lacks proper detergents, it can’t clean the engine effectively, leading to sludge buildup.
Think of it like using cheap, low-quality detergent in your washing machine. Your clothes won’t get clean, and over time, residue builds up, clogging the system. Similarly, the wrong oil leads to carbon deposits, clogged oil passages, and reduced engine performance.
Like if you use Palco Energy 20W40 in a turbocharged engine that requires Palco Garnet 5W30, the excessive deposits can block vital components like turbo bearings, leading to permanent damage.
5. Risk of Voiding Your Warranty
Car manufacturers recommend specific oil types for a reason. Using the wrong oil can void your vehicle’s warranty, meaning you’ll have to pay for repairs out of pocket.
Palco’s engine oils are formulated to meet API SN, ILSAC GF-5, and major OEM certifications, ensuring compliance with manufacturer recommendations. Whether you drive a sedan, SUV, or commercial vehicle, Paras Lubricants has the right oil to keep your warranty intact and your engine running smoothly.
How Palco Ensures Maximum Engine Protection
Palco offers a wide range of engine oils, ensuring the perfect match for every vehicle.
Key Features of Palco Engine Oils:
- Engine-Specific Formulations – Designed for modern cars, older engines, and high-performance vehicles.
- Certified to Global Standards – Meets API SN, ILSAC GF-5, and major OEM approvals.
- Advanced Additive Technology – Prevents wear, reduces sludge, and improves fuel efficiency.
- Optimized for Temperature Variations – Whether you need Palco Garnet 5W30 for cold climates or Palco PHG 20W50 for hot weather, Palco has the right oil for your needs.
Choosing the Right Palco Engine Oil for Your Car:
- For Modern Cars and Fuel Efficiency: Palco Garnet 5W30, Leopard 5W30
- For Older Engines and High Temperatures: Palco PPG4 20W 40, Energy 20W40
- For Commercial and Heavy-Duty Vehicles: Palco Energy 20W50, PPG4, Hitech / Hitech Plus
In conclusion, using the wrong engine oil might seem like a small mistake, but it can have major consequences—from increased wear and poor performance to overheating and costly repairs. Choosing the right oil ensures your engine runs smoothly, efficiently, and lasts longer.
Palco’s engine oils are formulated for maximum protection, helping you avoid breakdowns, improve fuel efficiency, and extend your engine’s life. For expert advice and high-quality products, don’t hesitate to visit Palco’s Official Website (www.palco.co.in) or contact directly at the Email: enquiry@palco.co.in & Phone: +91 93117 94519.
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