Whether you change your car’s oil yourself or get it done at a shop, it’s important to understand what kind of oil you’re putting in your car’s engine.
If you own a new car, you’ll probably find the manufacturer’s recommendations in your manual and it will likely be for synthetic oil. Let’s take a look at what goes into choosing your engine oil.
What Does Engine Oil Do?
You can think of your engine oil as a bloodstream. It’s a vital fluid to lubricate engine parts and keep everything performing as it should. Engine oil reduces friction and carries heat away from moving parts. Some high-quality engine oils also have special additives that further clean your engine by removing grime and debris. As you can see, engine oil is the most important fluid in your car and it’s a good idea to invest in quality oil at every oil change service.
Different Types of Engine Oil
There are three main types of engine oil. Mineral oil comes directly from crude oil, but it’s considered a type of synthetic oil. Compared to newer synthetic oils, mineral oil is less processed and cheaper. Synthetic oil is chemically engineered in a lab and is superior to mineral oil in that it resists breakdown better and maintains viscosity in a wider range of temperatures. Semi-synthetic oil usually mixes mineral and full synthetic oil, plus additives. These oil types are in addition to regular oil.
Choosing the Right Oil For Your Car
Start by considering the manufacturer’s recommendations for your car, then take into account the age and mileage of your car. If you have an older vehicle with high mileage, it might be a good idea to use high-mileage oil that’s formulated with unique additives to help your engine. Your manual will generally give you a viscosity rating for your engine. The higher the difference in viscosity, the wider the temperature range it works for. For example, 5W-30 is better for low temperatures, while 10W-40 is better for high temperatures.
The Impact of Driving Conditions on Oil Types
Depending on where you live, you might need a different type of oil. For example, if you live somewhere cold, you’ll likely need an oil with a lower W rating. Higher viscosity ratings like 10W and above are ideal for warmer weather. The distance you drive also plays a part. If you mostly drive short distances, your oil is likely to degrade faster. It’s better to use high-performance or synthetic oil with stable viscosity in this case.
What is High-Mileage Oil?
High-mileage oils are designed for vehicles with high mileage and older engines. High mileage is usually considered to be over 75,000 miles. These oils usually contain seal conditioners and more antioxidants to help prevent oil breakdown and extend the life of the oil. If your engine is burning or leaking oil or losing performance, a high-mileage oil might help reduce these symptoms.
Ultimately, you should start with your manufacturer’s guidelines for your vehicle and go from there. You can also consider advice from your mechanic or a dealer shop where you get an oil change service for your vehicle.
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