Why Do European Vehicles Require Special Oil?

Why Do European Vehicles Require Special Oil?

If you’ve laid down the money for a high-end vehicle from a European manufacturer, you want to make sure you’re giving it the best possible treatment. This means regular washes to get rid of road chemicals and debris, high-octane fuel…and even special engine oil.

​Many people don’t know it, but it’s true: European vehicles require different oil than American ones, and using the wrong kind for your car oil change could lead to big problems down the road. But even more people don’t know why this is. Here are a few common reasons that any luxury car owner in Canada should keep in mind.

Less Frequent Engine Oil Changes

The general standard in North America between oil service – depending on the exact type of synthetic oil used – is somewhere between 5,000 and 8,000 km. However, European vehicles are designed to make it up to 16,000 km before they need an oil and filter change. This comes down to the price of the oil, as well as different manufacturer expectations and recommendations, and means that the motor oil used in Europe better protects against build-up and corrosion for a longer time.

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