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Are motor oil and engine oil the same?

The last time I brought my car in for service, I overheard the mechanics working on a different car talking about engine oil and motor oil. I couldn’t help but wonder: are engine oil and motor oil the same thing? What’s the difference?

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Katherine Duffy · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
We totally get it—these two names can be confusing for anyone trying to determine what oil they should put in their engine. For all technical purposes, engine oil and motor oil are the same product, but you still need to be careful when selecting which oil to use on your engine.
Engine oil and motor oil are two different names that describe the same product. Each substance has base oil and additives created to lubricate parts of internal combustion engines. Both of these oils must meet the required lubrication standards and applications.
Sometimes different brands and countries use one name instead of the other. In the US, engine oil is the more common term, while in the UK, motor oil is preferred.
In either case, it’s important to pay attention to the oil grade and type when changing your car’s engine oil, regardless of whether it’s called engine or motor oil!
Keeping your engine well-oiled on a regular schedule is a great way to keep yourself safe while driving, but the best way to make sure you’re covered is by signing up for great
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