Can engine oils for cars be used for motorbikes too?

[Liqui Moly]

Can engine oils for cars be used for motorbikes too? The honest answer is no, it is not advisable to do so.

Car engine oils contain friction modifiers, with the aim to reduce friction between moving parts in order to provide good fuel economy. They also contain detergent additives, in which the ash content is relatively high. When car engine oils are used for motorbikes, formation of deposits on the piston crowns and valve train could occur. This is due to the detergent additives which cause pressure build-up, resulting in perforation and burning on the components. Last but not least, the clutch in motorbike engines can be found in the same housing and sharing the same engine oil, thus using oil with friction modifiers will cause the clutch to slip.

All in all, it is important to use an engine oil specifically designed for motorbikes. Besides this, consider other factors such as if you need synthetic or mineral oil, as well as the viscosity level that is best suited for your motorbike.

Feel free to ask us questions you may have regarding engine oils!  

Edited September 8, 2021 by Liqui Moly