The Difference Between Car and Motorcycle Oil, Don't Get It Wrong!

Understanding the difference between car oil and motorcycle oil is essential for every vehicle owner. If used interchangeably, it can cause the vehicle's clutch to slip easily and damage vehicle components. Instead of keeping you curious, let's directly look at the differences as follows.

Differences Between Car Oil and Motorcycle Oil

Although both car oil and motorcycle oil serve the same function as lubricants, they have very significant differences in their usage. Here are the complete differences.

1. Oil Composition

The difference between car oil and motorcycle oil can be seen in their composition. Car oil is composed of additives that act as friction modifier lubricants with a high Total Base Number (TBN). This TBN value determines how effective the oil is in reducing friction between components when in operation.

The high TBN value in car oil can be dangerous if used in motorcycle engines. This is because most motorcycles have wet clutches. If the high TBN additive content is used in a wet clutch, it can cause slipping in the clutch, potentially leading to accidents.

2. Standardization

The second difference lies in their standardization. Car oil usually displays standardization from ILSAC (International Legal Services Advisory Council) and ACEA (Association of Consulting Engineers Australia). Additionally, there is also standardization for car engines from API (American Petroleum Institute) service. Meanwhile, motorcycle oil standardization is issued by JASO (Japanese Automotive Standards Association).

3. Packaging Label

The third difference usually lies in the label on the oil packaging. Car oil typically has a label with an image of a car accompanied by the words “gasoline car” as a sign of lubricant for cars. Meanwhile, motorcycle oil usually features an image of a motorcycle along with the words “two-wheels,” which means for two wheels (motorcycle). Additionally, motorcycle oil also bears the 4-Stroke or 4-T logo, which you will not find on car oil.

4. Additional Code

The last difference can be found in the oil packaging code. For car oil, there is usually an additional code like API service 10W-40. This code indicates the viscosity level of the oil, meaning that the car oil is thin. The code also shows that the oil can withstand temperatures from 20 to 150 degrees Celsius.

On the other hand, motorcycle oil usually has an additional code like “excellent wet clutch.” This code means that the motorcycle oil is intended for wet clutches. There are also additional codes like “anti-slip,” which means that the oil can reduce significant friction between engine components, preventing the motorcycle clutch from slipping.

Tips for Choosing the Best Car Oil

There are several tips for choosing the best oil for your car that you need to know. Here are the complete tips.

Choose oil that is certified by oil standardization bodies such as ILSAC, ACEA, and API service.
Choose oil according to the oil standards required by the car by referring to the manufacturer’s manual. For example, choose car oil with API CN code for diesel engine cars. API SH code for gasoline engine cars.
Choose oil according to the viscosity of the oil. Whether it is multigrade or monograde viscosity.
Choose oil according to the year of the car's manufacture. Choose SAE 10W-40 oil for cars made from 2015 to 2023. Because modern cars require oil with a thinner viscosity. Meanwhile, for cars manufactured before 2000, use oil with a higher viscosity (SAE 20W-50).

Thus, the differences between car oil and motorcycle oil along with tips for choosing the best car oil that you need to know. Speaking of quality car oil, there is a recommendation for the best oil, namely Daihatsu Genuine Oil 10W-40 SN. This oil can be obtained when you service at the official Daihatsu workshop.