A quick glance at car oil products reveal dozens of different types of oil from several brands, and the differences between them are not always obvious. However, to keep your engine in top working condition, it’s essential to select the right type of oil that works best for your vehicle’s make, model, and age. Read on to learn more about various engine oils available today and how to know which one to use in your engine.
What Does Motor Oil Do?
The primary function of oil is to keep critical engine components lubricated. Without oil, your vehicle’s engine will begin to overheat on the road as there’s nothing keeping engine parts from coming into contact with one another. Given time, driving without adequate oil will cause various components to wear out before the end of their projected lifespan, leading to a breakdown and any number of costly repairs.
How to Select the Right Oil for your Vehicle
It’s important to change out engine oil every 3,000 to 5,000 miles or at least once a year, whichever comes sooner. While there are many choices available when it comes to engine oil, selecting the right option for your particular vehicle is a relatively simple process. Follow these 3 tips to ensure you’re choosing the right type of oil every time.
1. Understand Oil Weights
The first thing you’ll notice when shopping for engine oil is the different sets of numbers assigned to each type such as 5w-30 or 10w-40. The first part of these numbers relate to the viscosity of the oil in cold temperatures while the second part reflects the viscosity after the engine has heated up. Since different engines require a specific type of oil to operate properly, the oil weight you choose to use will change with each vehicle you drive.
2. Recognize the Difference Between Synthetic vs Conventional
For the most part, vehicle oils may be divided between synthetic oils, conventional oils, and synthetic blends of the two. Most modern vehicles are engineered to run off synthetic oil while older, classic vehicles tend to perform better with conventional motor oil. However, so long as you choose the right oil weight, using synthetic or conventional oil largely comes down to personal preference.
3. Follow Manufacturer Guidelines
It’s always best to closely follow the manufacturer’s guidelines when choosing engine oil. You can find the recommended weight in the vehicle’s user manual or listed on top of the oil cap beneath the hood.
Get the Right Type of Oil for Your Vehicle at Valley Automall
At Valley Automall, we can take all the guesswork out of selecting the right type of oil for your vehicle. We even offer various service specials that can help you save money on oil changes going forward. If you discover an oil leak or another issue with your car, we provide OEM parts specials to help reduce repair costs throughout the lifetime of your vehicle. Visit our team at Valley Automall today for expert support with all your automotive needs.