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What Kind of Oil Should I Use in My Car?

What Kind of Oil Should I Use in My Car?

When is the last time you changed your vehicle’s oil? This simple task is absolutely essential if you want to maintain your car’s engine performance level and maximize its life. If you don’t change your oil regularly, your negligence could cause significant damage, potentially even “killing” your engine. In addition to scheduling routine oil changes, remember to choose the appropriate type of motor oil. “So what kind of engine oil should I use in my car?” you ask? Use the tips below for help.

What Kind of Oil Should I Use in My Car?

What Kind of Oil Should I Use in My Car?

First, it’s important to note that there are four basic varieties of motor oil:

  • Conventional Motor Oil: Conventional oil is derived from refined crude oil. Although inexpensive, conventional oil doesn’t last as long as other oils and it doesn’t perform well in high temperatures.
  • Synthetic Motor Oil:  Full Synthetic oil is artificial oil engineered by experts. It is more expensive than conventional oil due its superior durability, engine wear protection, and performance in extreme temperatures.
  • Synthetic Blend Motor Oil: Synthetic blends use a mixture of conventional and synthetic oils. They offer some of the benefits of synthetic oil at a lower cost.
  • High-Mileage Motor Oil: High-mileage oil, as you might have guessed, specifically addresses the needs of vehicles with a higher mileage (generally, 75,000 miles and above). It enhances the performance of most older engines.

So what kind of oil should I use in my car? Check the owner’s manual to find out what type of oil the automaker recommends. This may vary based on your area’s climate, because cars in hot locales and cold locales have different needs.

Next, focus on viscosity, which refers to the thickness of the fluid. Oil thins when heated and thickens when cooled. A certain amount of viscosity is needed to ensure that the oil can lubricate and seal the engine in hot weather and easily flow to all the moving parts in cold weather. To learn the ideal oil weight for your vehicle, check the owner’s manual. Using the manufacturer’s recommendations regarding viscosity, you will be able to protect your engine and avoid costly damage by using the right oil.

After that, consider the quality standards of different motor oils. Different quality standards apply to different cars, so check your owner’s manual (are you sensing a theme here?) to learn about the standards required for your vehicle. Many automobile manufacturers use standards published by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) or the American Petroleum Institute (API), which are published on motor oil containers. Other automakers use custom standards.

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To select the correct motor oil for your vehicle, follow the recommendations in the owner’s manual. And if the manual doesn’t provide the guidance you need, consult an expert auto technician. Speaking of which, is your car ready for an oil change? If you’re located in Springfield, Missouri, or northwest Arkansas, give ASE-certified Seeburg Service Center a call. Our experienced, knowledgeable, and friendly mechanics perform a variety of auto repairs and maintenance, including oil changes, alignments, and brake repairs. To get started, please contact us online. We look forward to hearing from you!

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