Can Car Oil Be Used for Motorcycles? Here's the Explanation!
Can car oil be used for motorcycles? This is a question that often appears on social media, especially among automotive enthusiasts. This question often leads to various opinions from different parties, causing confusion among the general public. So, what is the correct statement? To find out, you need to pay attention to the following review.
Can Car Oil Be Used for Motorcycles?
Among automotive enthusiasts who are still inexperienced, there are many misconceptions. One of them is regarding the use of car oil in motorcycles, which is considered better, even though this understanding is incorrect. But can car oil be used as motorcycle oil?
Speaking of the issue, it is actually possible but not recommended. Because if this is done, it can cause several risks of damage, such as the clutch slipping easily or damaging components. Although car oil and motorcycle oil both function as lubricants, their usage cannot be equated, as car oil and motorcycle oil have significant differences.
Differences Between Car Oil and Motorcycle Oil
Here are some differences between car oil and motorcycle oil that you need to know. Here are the complete differences.
1. Composition
The first difference can be distinguished by its composition. Car oil is made from materials that contain additives with a sufficiently high total base number (TBN). These substances function as friction modifiers (lubricants that can dampen or reduce friction occurring between engine components). If car oil is used in motorcycles, especially those with a wet clutch system, it poses a risk of clutch slippage.
2. Standardization
The second difference can be distinguished by its standardization. The production of car oil has been standardized by automotive machine standardization bodies such as the Association of Consulting Engineers Australia (ACEA), API service, and the International Legal Service Advisory (ILSAC). Meanwhile, motorcycle oil is standardized by organizations that standardize the interests of motorcycle engines, such as the Japan Automotive Standard Organization (JASO).
Read Also: Difference Between Synthetic and Mineral Oil in Cars, Which is Better?
3. Labeling on Packaging
The third difference lies in the labeling on the oil packaging. For car oil, there is usually a label such as for gasoline cars, and API service 10-40W as an indicator that the oil is indeed for car engines. Meanwhile, for motorcycles, there are usually labels such as 4T (4-Stroke), two wheels, and excellent wet clutch for motorcycle engine needs. From this labeling, it can be concluded that car oil is indeed not recommended for motorcycle use.
As is known, cars have a dry clutch type, so car oil is made with very slippery lubricating materials. This way, the components inside the engine can work without generating excessive friction, thus preventing components from easily getting damaged. Meanwhile, motorcycles use a wet clutch type that only requires normal lubrication.
If car oil is applied to a motorcycle, the motorcycle's clutch becomes much wetter and slipperier. This condition actually increases the risk of the car clutch slipping when used. This can certainly lead to accidents that harm motorcycle riders.
Thus, this review about whether car oil can be used for motorcycle oil is something you need to know. After reading the above review, you should understand better. It is advisable to use oil according to the vehicle you are using.
If you are using a car, make sure to buy car oil at the nearest Daihatsu workshop or an official automotive workshop. Because the wrong choice of oil can shorten the lifespan of car engine components. Don't forget to change your car oil when your car's mileage reaches 10,000 kilometers or every 6-12 months of use.
