Want to get more life out of your generator? Want to make that engine crank over and run like it was new? That is exactly what the right oil can do for you!
If you currently own a generator then you simply do not need anyone to tell you that these are devices that come along with a lot of work. Sure, they are essential for some individuals, but this doesn’t mean that the process of owning one won’t come without tons of work. Not only will you have to properly clean and maintain this generator, but you are going to have to monitor and change the oil as well. In fact, oil alone could be one of the most important components of the entire generator. The oil will not only ensure that your generator runs at peak conditions, but it will ensure that your generator starts.
That being said, when choosing oil for generator engine there are tons of things that one must consider. Not only do you have to consider the brand of the brand, but you have to consider the mixture of the oil. One wrong component or an imbalanced mixture could lead to all kinds of problems. This is why it is essential to know where and how to find the best oil for portable generator. This is something that you will discover below and much more.
1. Castrol 03057 GTX
You put in a little bit of research and you are going to quickly discover that Castrol is a household name when it comes to engine oil. This is because it is not only a name that is tried and tested, but it is a name that is known for innovation. Over the years, the company has not only set the bar for engine oil, but they have surpassed it many times. Just look at their 5W-30 oil, and you will have no option but to agree.
Reduces Engine Wear
The engine is without a doubt the biggest and most important component of any generator or vehicle. Without that engine, your generator wouldn’t run, let alone produce electricity. This is just one of the many things that make this oil so great. The manufacturer created a unique blend here that actually extends the life of the motor. That’s right, just by using this oil you are going to increase the life of your motor.
Pros
- Reduces wear and tear on the engine
- Increases the lifespan of the engine
- Available in variety packs and other offerings
- Adds extra protection during the start-up
Cons
- This brand is only available in 5W-30
- Recommends Bosch filters
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2. Briggs And Stratton 30W Engine Oil
Briggs and Stratton is probably another name that you are more than familiar with. And, this is because they are too a common name in the industry. Once again, this is because over the years consumers have grown to trust this brand. And, it is pretty evident as to why they are doing so. Just take a look at their 30W engine oil. This oil is not only perfectly formulated and blended to increase the life of your motor, but it will reduce wear and tear on crucial parts and components.
Designed For 4-Cycle Engines
There are tons of 4-cycle engines out there. And, this is because they are just more economical. In fact, there is a good chance that your generator is 4-cycle. If this is the case then you are in luck because this Briggs and Stratton were specifically designed for 4-cycle engines.
Pros
- Comes from a trusted name
- Manufactured right in the United States
- Can be used in warmer temperatures
Cons
- Not designed for use below 40 degrees F
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3. Shell Rotella T6 Full Synthetic Oil
It doesn’t matter if you are going for a regular routine engine oil change or you are simply adding lost oil to your vehicle, you cannot go wrong with Shell Rotella. This might not be a name that you are all too familiar with, but it without a doubt hold properties and qualities that make it stand out amongst the competition. Just look at the improved fuel rating. Just by simply using this oil alone, you can increase the fuel efficiency of your vehicle by nearly 1.5 percent. This would be cents on the dollars, which is pretty impressive.
Fights Soot And Dirt
Soot and dirt are like viruses for your engine. This is probably something that you already know. Well, what you might not know is that soot and dirt build up over time. It doesn’t matter how often you change your oil or the types of oil that you use, there is always going to be potential exposure to soot and dirt. This is one area where Shell excels because they have designed and formulated the oil to fight these specific conditions.
Pros
- Prevent soot and dirt build-up
- Increases fuel economy
- Combines synthetic base oils with advanced additives
Cons
- Only suitable for tractor-trailers and bigger vehicles
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4. Valvoline High Mileage
All vehicles need oil. Actually, all vehicles need good oil, especially older ones. The older your vehicle gets, the more vulnerable it is to foreign elements. Luckily, this is something that you won’t have to worry about as much when you invest in Valvoline High Mileage. This oil was specifically designed and formulated to handle older vehicles. It offers that extra-added protection that can protect your engine against future wear and tear.
Excellent Technical Support
When most people think about oil they don’t think about technical support. Well, people have questions about oil and sometimes things just happen. This is why more and more people are trusting the Valvoline name. They are there for their customers and want to deliver the utmost in quality. In fact, they have excellent customer support staff that is always standing by ready to assist. The number is listed right on the side of the bottle and they support team can be reached around the clock.
Pros
- Excellent customers support
- Prevents clogging and deposit formation
- Specifically designed for older vehicles
- Extra detergents help keep engines cleaner
Cons
- Might not be suitable for all vehicles
- You will pay more for the brand name
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5. Pennzoil Ultra Platinum Oil
When it comes to innovation is really is hard to match what Pennzoil has to offer. They are always pushing the mark and outdoing their best as well as outdoing the competition. This is exactly why they use PurePlus gas-to-liquid technology when designed and manufacturing their oils. This is a type of technology that will not only ensure the utmost in performance, but it will ensure the utmost in reliability. This is just one of the many reasons that most professional trust and live by the Pennzoil name.
Under Extreme Conditions
The best thing about Pennzoil is that it was engineered to handle and work under extreme conditions. Sure, it can perform in normal or average conditions, but in the extreme heat or cold is where this oil is going to excel. This is something that is worth considering because a lot of other manufacturers are unable to create oils that hold up in these types of conditions.
Pros
- Works great in dire conditions
- Deliver low-temperature oil flow and protection
- Uses sludge protection in combination with PurePlus gas-to-liquid technology
Cons
- Cannot be mixed with other oils
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Buying Guide
If you have been in the oil aisle as of late you probably don’t need anyone to tell you that there is a lot list of manufacturers to choose from. Not only is there a long list, but all of them promise different things and come attached with different price tags. It goes without saying that this is going to make your quest for the perfect oil harder than you could imagine. Luckily, this guide was specifically designed to help you in this very situation.
Choosing The Right Mixture
When you are out there searching for oil, you are probably going to notice right away that there is a variety of different mixture. There might be something called a 5W-20, while there is also something called a 10W-30. What you need to know is that these are classifications for different ratings of oil. They are on there for a reason and the type that you choose does matter. Just look at your diesel generator engine oil type and you will probably see that it requires a different mixture than your vehicle. This might not always be the case, but it will most of the time. The most important thing is to make sure that you are matching up the right oils.
Consider High Mileage
Any time you are shopping for oil, you have to consider the current mileage of the motor that you are shopping for. As motors grow older and older they become more vulnerable to breakdowns and other components. That being said, you will also notice that there are some manufacturers out there that specialize in this. They create brands and mixtures that were specifically made for older vehicles. These brands and mixtures use technology and other components that allow them to increase the performance as well as the gas mileage of older vehicles. If your odometer is about to bust then you probably want to look into investing in one of these high mileage oils.
Consider Driving And Weather Conditions
There are unfortunately other things that need to be considered when shopping for motor oil as well. If you are shopping for a generator then the driving conditions won’t matter, but the weather can still play a factor. That being said, when you are perusing the market for oil, you have to consider where and how you are driving the vehicle as well as the weather conditions. Do you live in an area where the weather is cold all year round? Maybe you live where it is extremely hot. Whatever the situation is, this is something that you have to take into account. If you do live where the weather gets below zero then you will want to invest in an oil that can handle these conditions because not all of them can.
Not only this, but you need to consider the driving conditions as well. Do you do a lot of speeding? Maybe you spend most of your time on bumpy back roads. If these are the cases then you are without a doubt going to want to invest in oil that offers supreme performance and protection. This will ensure that you not only get the most out of the oil, but you get the most from your current vehicle.
Conclusion
Choosing oil alone is a big enough job. Trying to add it or change will only make the situation that much more complex. While it is entirely possible to change your own oil, you might be best to opt for a professional. With professionals, you not only get peace of mind but most of the time you get a guarantee. That being said, if you want to undertake the task, you certainly can. Just make sure that you are matching the right oils with the right products.
FAQs
Does motor oil expire?
If you look on the back of most motor oils, you will discover that they don’t have an expatriation date. This is because they simply don’t go bad. However, this does not mean that it is recommended to use oils after a certain date. In fact, there are optimal conditions in which oils should be stored in. If it is not stored in the proper manner in the proper place then the old could potentially go bad. As long as the oil meets or exceeds the American Petroleum Institute’s recommendations, you can use the oil without fear of danger.
Does motor oil really break down?
When most people talk about oil changes they are simply referring to the fact that the oil gets dirty. They are not changing the oil because it breaks down. However, it should be noted that oil does break down over time. It just doesn’t happen with most oils on the market because they have additives and other ingredients that prevent this from occurring. Regular oil will, however, just break down though over time.