You probably didn’t know this, but motor oil can be saved, cleaned, and re-shelved after its original use. This isn’t typically something you can do in the garage, but you can take your car’s drained oil to a local mechanic shop, oil collection center or dealership to have them take care of it for you. But why not just cruise down to the local auto parts store and buy motor oil in a fresh quart?
Since oil is limited and requires a large amount of energy and money to produce, recycling it actually saves a valuable resource. It requires 42 gallons of crude oil to create only 2.5 quarts of new motor oil, while a recycled gallon can yield the same amount. In other words, you’re doing your part to help the planet while still helping your car run smoothly and efficiently when you recycle and don’t buy motor oil new.
So what does motor oil do, anyway? Without it, your engine would have some serious overheating problems on a regular basis. Different motor oil types are better for different engines, but all motor oil helps the machines stay lubricated while they’re running. This ensures a smooth ride free of any smoky disaster under the hood.
The old rule of thumb is to schedule an oil change for your car every three months or 3,000 miles, whichever comes first. You can perform this task at home, though finding the right engine oil change locations in your area might be better for your car and, again, for the planet. The American Petroleum Institute has created set standards that motor oil must meet in order to ensure the best possible life for your car. The folks down at your local garage know these standards and would be happy to help you choose the right motor oil for your ride.
Quality motor oil performs up to API standards and meets rigorous EPA quality standards. For example, it only takes about 2 gallons of used oil — as long as it’s been recycled correctly — to run the electricity in an average home for a full day. That means more efficiency and less waste where it matters.
The next time you need to buy motor oil for your car, ask the experts which type can yield the best performance (and longevity) for your car. After all, if the body is a temple, the car is the one that takes you places. Recycled motor oil is an investment into a better future for you, your car and the entire earth.