Why You Shouldn’t Run Racing Oil in Your Daily Driver

You’ve probably heard it before: the roaring engines of pro-level vehicles flying by at intense speeds. In no-holds-barred competition like that, where every component of the car must meet extreme standards for optimal power and efficiency, drivers use high-grade racing oil from a trusted motor oil company. So, why shouldn’t you be bringing the same level of expertise to your weekend warrior or daily driver?

The answer lies in understanding the fundamental differences between racing and regular motor oil, both in composition and function. In this blog post, we will explore why you shouldn’t run racing oil in your daily driver.

The Chemistry of Racing Oil: Purpose-Built for Extreme Conditions

Racing oil differs from your regular motor oil not only in its composition but also in its primary purpose. Specifically designed to cater to the extreme performance requirements of high-revving, high-compression engines, racing oil is a carefully engineered concoction made to fit the characteristics of race car engines.

Conversely, the chemistry of regular motor oil focuses on catering to a wider variety of engines, making it a more versatile solution for a daily driver. Additionally, the additives in regular motor oil prioritize the long-term protection of your engine, ensuring the efficient distribution of vital lubricants and keeping your engine clean—an essential need for most daily drivers.

How Running Racing Oil in Your Daily Driver Can Be Detrimental

A good thing to know is that using racing oil won’t destroy your engine. However, running it in a daily-driven vehicle could cause more harm than good. The unique formulation of racing oil sacrifices some necessary characteristics that are vital for a daily driver, especially concerning extended drain intervals and cold-start protection.

Compromised Fuel Efficiency and Engine Protection

While racing oil does an exceptional job of adhering to high-performance engine components, it focuses on shorter drain intervals compared to what’s recommended for a daily driver. Running racing oil in your everyday car would not only lead to more frequent oil changes but would also inadvertently compromise the efficiency and longevity of your engine. By contrast, high-quality regular motor oil is specifically formulated to protect your engine throughout longer oil change intervals, reducing long-term costs and inconvenience.

Lack of Cold-Start Protection

Another important factor to consider is cold-start protection. The specific blend that racing oil uses results in a relatively low degree of protection in cold-start scenarios. This means that although racing oil excels at preventing wear and tear when a race engine is at high RPM, it doesn’t exhibit the same prowess during the early stages of engine startup. In other words, running racing oil in a vehicle primarily used for daily driving could significantly increase wear in cold-starting situations, leading to decreased engine life in the long run.

Is Racing Oil Ever Worth It for Daily Drivers?

Unless you use your race car to pick up your groceries, we’d say the answer is no; the potential consequences of using it aren’t worth it. It’s better to use an oil made for the average vehicle. Fortunately, plenty of top-quality oils on the market are perfect for daily drivers.