The Difference Between Car Oil and Lawn Mower Oil

It’s the first weekend of the year when the weather’s right to mow your lawn. You check the oil level, and it’s low. You recently changed the oil in your car and have an extra bottle. Before you crack the seal on it, it’s important to know the difference between car oil and lawn mower oil.

All Engines Are Not the Same

Though there are similarities, all engines are not the same. Gas-powered lawn mowers come with either two-stroke or four-stroke engines. If you’ve inherited a mower, bought one used, or lost the manual, the easiest way to tell a two-stroke apart from a four-stroke is by the number of fill ports.

• A two-stroke motor has a single port for oil and fuel. The two must be mixed for the engine to function properly.
• A four-stroke engine has separate fill ports for fuel and oil.

Two-stroke engines are also lighter and less expensive than four-stroke motors, making them a good option for landscaping equipment such as mowers, weed whackers, and chain saws.

Why Oil Type Matters

Two-stroke engines run much hotter than automobiles and four-stroke engines and thus require different oil blends.

Modern car oil includes several additives that function as friction modifiers and detergents, plus they improve viscosity and inhibit corrosion. All of these additives help the oil lubricate better and extend engine life.

Four-stroke engine oil includes fewer additives compared to car oil. These additives help clear away deposits and maintain viscosity for all-weather use.

Two-stroke engine oil functions at temperatures up to 300F (cars operate between 180-200F); therefore, it’s lighter and has fewer additives than four-stroke and car oil. Two-stroke oil uses higher zinc levels to slow down wear and tear and act as an antioxidant.

What Oil Should You Use in Your Mower?

As you can see, the answer depends on what type of engine your lawnmower has.

First things first, do NOT use car oil in any lawn care equipment with a two-stroke motor. Heavier car oil will damage a two-stroke engine and will eventually cause it to fail.

Can you use car oil in a four-stroke? It depends. Theoretically, you can use automobile oil, but you should refer to your manual. If you don’t have access to a manual, Kubota dealers have maintenance staff on hand who can help you determine the best oil for your mower.

Since you typically run four-stroke mowers during warmer months, your equipment will run more efficiently with SAE-30 oil. If you have equipment that you operate year-round, 10W30 is a good choice as it allows easier engine starts in cold weather.

Why Your New Mower Will be a Four-Stroke

Like automobiles, lawn care equipment is impacted by climate change. Because two-stroke engines create substantially more emissions, production has been phased out. If you’re looking for a lightweight, easy-to-use mower, your local Kubota dealer can help you find the right equipment for the job.