Choosing the right kind of oil is something that is usually left up to the service station to decide. Follow these mechanic’s tips to arm yourself with knowledge about choosing the right automotive oil for your vehicle.
Viscosity is an important indicator of the best oil for different operating conditions. The lower the number, the less it will thicken in the cold, so different oils should be used depending on if you’re in Minnesota or Death Valley.
Once you have the right viscosity determined, you can begin shopping for oil. Note that it is recommended that once you choose a type of oil, that you stick with it moving forward to maintain the best performance. Let’s explore the different types of oil that are available for consideration.
Conventional Oil
This is the most common type of automotive oil used at dealerships, and it is the least expensive at the automotive store. It’s generally quite basic, offering little in the way of additives, and is best for car owners who are fastidious about frequent oil changes.
Premium Conventional Oil
This is the standard new car oil and is available in common viscosities that best respond to most climate variations. With this type of oil, it is important to have the oil changed every 4,000 miles or four months to keep your car operating smoothly.
Full Synthetic Oil
Full synthetic oil is designed for high-tech engines and has some advantages over conventional oils. Synthetic oils are designed to be more effective at resisting breakdown, withstanding high temperatures, and flowing at cold temperatures, which reduces engine wear during start-ups on frigid mornings.
Synthetic oil is more expensive than conventional oil and can cost two to four times as much as the traditional option. That said, it can extend the life of the oil and reduces the need for oil changes to only once or twice per year. Some car manuals indicate a requirement for synthetic oils, but older cars can also benefit from synthetics as they can prevent sludge buildup that often plagues older vehicles.
Synthetic Blend Oil
Comprised of premium conventional oil mixed with a dose of synthetic oil, a synthetic blend is designed to provide for somewhat heavier loads and associated higher engine temperatures. Their formulation makes them somewhat less volatile, meaning they evaporate less and reduce oil loss. The additional protection they provide make them popular with larger trucks and SUVs, and their cost is just a few cents more than conventional oil.
High Mileage Oil
An option for a rapidly increasing segment of the market, high mileage oil is specially formulated for cars with over 75,000 miles. These oils were formulated specifically to respond to specific needs of aging engines.
Regular oil changes are important to protecting and extending the life of an engine, and the choices of oils seem nearly limitless. Before you choose an oil, be sure to consult your car manual for instructions on the optimal oil to use in your particular vehicle.
Image via Flickr by Jonesemyr/Under use by CC BY-ND 2.0
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