Automotive oil vs. ATV oil

[ridgeracer]

Is automotive oil really that different from 4 stroke ATV oil? Couldn't you use Automotive in your quad and get the exact same results?

Just trying to figure out of you are buying a more specific oil for your quad or if you are just paying for the label.

[ccdhowell]

Auto oil is just fine in a quad for the most part as long as you stay away from the oils with the energy conserving starburst logo, these have friction modifiers and could lead to clutch slippage. Stick with 10w40 or 20w50 auto oils and you'll never have a problem. BTW the diesel oils in 15w40 also work very well in quads.

Change the oil often, don't go the the manufacturer change interval.

[duroc825]

Lots of opinions here. Notice most are the same. http://www.exriders.com/vbb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=461837

[Bradracer18]

ATV/MX oils are made specifically for the beating that these engines take, not to mention designed for small engines. Auto oil is not the same, nor would I recommend running it. Most quads you need to make sure the oil is safe for wet clutches, or you will notice slippage in your clutch plates.

[PSNL05]

^^^ what he said. All oils are different, and are formulated with different things in mind. I would recommend sticking to an ATV oil and changing it frequently as well as the filter. Oils are designed to offer protection, but they break down over time and the high rpms/extreme conditions that these engines operate do not help.

[witech]

http://www.timberwoof.com/motorcycle/faq/maintaining.htm

http://www.husqvarnaoutlet.com/the_true_difference_between_motorcycle_oil_and_aut omotive_oil

On one hand if you run auto oil in your quad your it will blow up immediately . On the other its just a bogus scientifically proven myth.

I think reality is somewhere in between.

Use your best judgment.

[PSNL05]

I work for an oil additive company and I have seen the results of bad additive packages and the differences that some oils can and do have. You can lead a horse to water....