When deciding on motor oil, it is important to choose the right one for your specific application. There are many different kinds of motor oil available. Each type has its own unique set of benefits.

Premium lubricants have unique engine oil additives specifically designed to protect key components of your engine. These include heat stabilizers, anti-foam additives, detergents, dispersants and anti-corrosion additives.

In addition, these oils contain anti-wear additives like Zinc Dialkyldithiophosphate (ZDDP). ZDDP is a high-pressure lubricant that coats moving engine parts and prevents metal-to-metal contact.

The amount of ZDDP an engine oil needs depends on several factors, including the age of the vehicle and its specific engine parts. Older vehicles, engines with flat tappet camshafts and racing engines benefit from a higher level of ZDDP in their oil.

Today, most mainstream “parts store” motor oils no longer have the proper level of zinc dialkyldithiophosphate required to protect older cars and engines with hydraulic flat tappet camshafts.

While most modern day performance engines, as well as older engines with flat tappet camshafts, don’t require the same amount of ZDDP, there are still a few high-performance oils in the market that have been purposefully formulated with a high concentration of ZDDP for use in these applications.

Unfortunately, due to the negative effects of ZDDP on catalytic converters and oxygen sensors, there are now no motor oils that are approved for on-road use that contain the necessary levels of zinc and phosphorus. This has left enthusiasts with limited options when it comes to choosing a motor oil that can effectively provide the protection they need.