There are four different oil types for automobile engines on the market. We can help you determine the best oil for your vehicle. The best place to start is the owner’s manual. Check your owner’s manual to see the type of oil your vehicle manufacturer recommends. The owner’s manual will also provide information on the recommended oil weight. Let’s talk more about the oil types below.
Conventional
Conventional motor oil wins the popularity contest. More people use conventional oil in the United States than any other oil type. This oil works well in standard engines and needs to be changed every 3,000 miles. In addition to changing the oil every 3,000 miles, the oil filter is also changed to make sure it does not get clogged. Conventional motor oil is organic and extracted from the ground. It is made out of crude that is found in the ground and has been in existence for over a century.
High-Mileage
High-mileage motor oil uses a conventional oil base and adds additives to it to protect vehicle engines that have over 75,000 miles on them. One of the best advantages of a high-mileage motor oil is that it helps prevent oil leaks. Leaking oil can damage an engine severely. In fact, it can damage an engine beyond repair. If you drive an older automobile with a lot of miles on the odometer, it may be time to consider switching from conventional to high-mileage motor oil.
Synthetic
Synthetic motor oil is the new darling on the market. This oil is made in a lab and starts with a conventional base. It then contains numerous additives that allow it to stand up to extreme temperatures and high-performance engines better than conventional motor oil does. In fact, vehicle manufacturers such as Audi and BMW only recommend synthetic motor oil for their vehicles. This motor oil also lasts longer between oil changes.
Synthetic Blend
Finally, you may opt for a combination of synthetic and conventional oils. This oil type is called a synthetic blend. It is less expensive than synthetic motor oil and more expensive than conventional motor oil. It contains some of the additives that synthetic oil has to help protect your engine better. It also has conventional oil in it that is reliable and, again, has been used for over a century.
If your automobile is due for an oil change, call our shop to schedule an appointment. We will talk with you about the different motor oil types so you can pick the best one.