What Kind of Oil Do Vehicles

More people are riding Vehicles. With added bikes on the road comes more questions from owners about upkeep. This includes questions about choosing the right type of motor oil. As bikes have become more sophisticated, so have your choices on what type and brand to choose. With a few suggestions, the process can be simple.

Under The Hood:

• What Kind of Oil Do Toyota RAV4s Use?
• What Kind of Oil Does a 2008 Mazda Tribute Need?
• What Kind of Oil Do Motorcycles Use?
• What Kind of Oil Does a 2000 Ford Focus Take?

 What Kind of Oil Do Toyota RAV4s Use?

Oil Recommendation

Toyota recommends using 0W-20 engine oil in the Toyota RAV4, but you may use 5W-20 as a substitute if 0W-20 is unavailable. Including the oil filter capacity, the RAV4 requires 4.6 quarts of oil to fill it. Toyota does not specify synthetic oil, but you may use it if you wish.

 What Kind of Oil Does a 2008 Mazda Tribute Need?

Oil Type and Capacity

Mazda recommended using 5W-20 engine oil with the API starburst in the 2008 Tribute. The 2.3-liter, four-cylinder engine required 4.5 quarts of oil to refill it, while the V-6 needed 6 quarts.

 What Kind of Oil Do Motorcycles Use?

A Quick Note About Older Bikes

If you have an older bike that has never had anything used in it besides traditional fossil-based oils, do not change unless directed by your mechanic. Otherwise, decide on using a synthetic oil or a fossil-based oil.

Detergent or Non-Detergent

In the past, detergents were added to oils to help clean engine parts. Most oils now are marked "non-detergent" on the label.

Synthetic or Fossil-Based

Many manufacturers provide guidelines on what types of oil to use. Most will offer a fossil-based choice as well as a synthetic one. Synthetic oils are branded as perfect for today's higher-tech engines. These oils are designed to withstand modern engines from sport bikes to cruisers.

Auto or Motorcycle Oil and Matching Your Bike's RPM

Use oil that is designed for motorcycles unless it's for a vintage bike with specific needs. Different motorcycle oils are designed for different types of bikes. A cruiser circulates oil at a slower rate than a high-tech sport bike. Thus, two different types of oil means different weights, among other differences. All bottles should be clearly marked.

Private Label & Other Brands

Many people prefer the high-end brands sold at upscale cycle shops which have a higher price. Many larger oil companies now offer motorcycle oils that are bike-type specific. Often the difference is the price and the private label logo.

Avoid Low-Cost Bargain Oils

Always avoid low-cost bargain motorcycle oils. Bargain, no-name or generic brand oils can have more impurities and may not match the needs of your engine.

 What Kind of Oil Does a 2000 Ford Focus Take?

Oil Recommendation

Ford recommends that you change the oil on a 2000 Ford Focus every three to six months or 3,000 miles, using oil that is American Petroleum Institute Certified; particularly SAE 5W-30. Additional oil treatments or additives are not suggested.

Checking the Oil

You should periodically check your engine oil to ensure proper levels. To do so, check that your vehicle is on level ground, make sure your car is in the parked position and has been off for several minutes, and remove the dipstick. After wiping it clean, reinsert the dipstick, and remove it once more. If the oil level is between the ADD and FULL or MIN and MAX marks, your Focus has the proper amount of oil.

Changing the Oil

When it is time for scheduled maintenance on your Focus, you can have your oil changed by a mechanic, or you can do it yourself. The entire process should take less than 30 minutes, and cost anywhere between $15 and $30 if done by a professional.