What Oil is Right for Your Car’s Engine?
All cars are made different, and certain makes or models are prone to more specific service or maintenance. The most common service you will need to have performed is a motor oil change/service. The recommended time period between oil changes is unique for cars as well, some may suggest between 3-5,000 miles while others claim every 10,000 miles as the recommended time frame. It is wise to check your car’s user manual to find this information, however a technician can easily provide you with the same information.
Once you have determined that your vehicle needs its motor oil service, you may find yourself confused at the plethora of options available. There are four main types of engine oil, each with a slightly different application depending on your car’s age/mileage/purpose and even the climate you live in.
Synthetic Oil – The usual preferred choice, full synthetic oil performs better than conventional and remains stable in extreme hot and cold conditions. It is chemically engineered to preserve engine component’s lifespan across all platforms.
Synthetic Blend Oil – Synthetic blend is a blend of conventional and synthetic, typically a bit more cost effective than full synthetic. This is recommended for SUVs and pickup trucks as it is best suited for heavier loaded vehicles and can provide higher gas mileage.
High Mileage Oil – Higher mileage cars have a tendency to burn oil or leak, and this option is designed to minimize or prevent that through use of unique additives. This is the choice for a high mileage vehicle that you want to get the most out of.
Conventional Oil – Quite simply this is the tried and tested norm. Conventional oil is available in the widest range, and performs best in traditional engine layouts. Unless you push your car often, it provides most benefits through a relaxed and easy going driving style.
Once you have determined the type of oil best for your car and driving style, you need to find one that will work with your car. Motor oil is rated by viscosity, which means how quickly the oil will heat up and thin, and how it will perform at different temperatures.
This is rated by two numbers, for example a “10W-40” motor oil. In this example “10W” is the viscosity of the oil at 0°F or in cold weather; this number determines how thick the oil would be at that temperature. If you live in a cold climate you would want this number to be lower so it would flow better on a winter morning, where in more warm climates you would want a higher number to prevent the oil from being too thin.
The second number “40” determines the oil’s viscosity at 212°F, this is an average temperature that your engine will be running at during normal use. More specifically this determines the likelihood of the motor oil thinning out at higher temperatures. A higher number means it will retain viscosity at higher temperatures where a lower number will thin out faster. For an engine that runs hot, or exposed to long drives in desert heat, a higher number means the oil will protect engine components and keep the engine running correctly.
As always these are not questions you need to answer yourself. Your Eurosense technician will recommend what is best for you and make sure your car is performing at its best. However if you have any questions or concerns just give us a call and ask! Regularly changing your engine’s motor oil will improve gas mileage and extend the life of your car. If you are unsure of the last time you changed your oil we will be glad to help.
