Synthetic, Blend, Conventional or High Mileage: What Type of Oil Does Your Car Need?
When it comes to maintaining the health of your vehicle, many people overlook just how important it is to regularly change the oil. Not only does this keep your car running smoothly, but it also helps preserve its life and value. But with all the different types of oil available, it can be difficult to know which one is right for your vehicle.
In this post, we’ll discuss the different types of oil available and how to determine which one is suitable for your car. We’ll talk about synthetic, blend, conventional, and high-mileage oils and when each type is appropriate to use.
What is Motor Oil?
Motor oil is a combination of base stock oil and additives that are formulated to reduce friction and wear in an engine. The purpose of motor oil is to lubricate moving parts, dissipate heat from the engine, and prevent aging components from succumbing to corrosion. Motor oil also helps suspend dirt particles and other contaminants within the oil to keep the engine clean. Whether you’re heading to a garage for an oil change or planning to change your own oil, it’s helpful to have some knowledge about the different kinds.
Different Types of Motor Oil
There are several different types of motor oils available: synthetic, blend, conventional, and high mileage. Each type has its own benefits and drawbacks depending on the particular needs of your vehicle’s engine.
Synthetic
Synthetic motor oils are fully synthetic and made from base stocks that are designed for optimal performance under extreme temperatures and conditions. Synthetic oils flow better at cold temperatures than conventional oils do, meaning they lubricate more quickly when starting a car in cold weather. They also contain anti-wear additives that help protect against wear on metal surfaces within an engine. Synthetic motor oils can be more expensive than conventional oils but may help increase the life of your engine in the long run by providing superior protection at extreme temperatures.
Blend
Blend motor oils are a combination of synthetic oils and conventional mineral oils. These blends offer some of the benefits of synthetic oils while still protecting against wear at a more affordable price point than fully synthetic oils. Blends are especially useful for vehicles operating in moderate temperatures or for those who want some additional protective benefits but don’t want to pay for fully synthetic motor oil.
Conventional
Conventional mineral-based motor oils are made from crude oil that is refined before use in vehicles. These types of motor oils provide basic protection against wear on metal parts but may not stand up to extreme conditions as well as synthetics or blends can. They tend to be more affordable than synthetics or blends but may not provide as much protection for your vehicle’s engine over time.
High-mileage
High-mileage motor oils are specifically designed for engines with high mileage (usually 75,000 miles or more). These specialty oils contain additives that help protect older engines from wear due to age-related conditions such as increased levels of oxidation or dried-out seals and gaskets. High-mileage motor oils may also help slow down leakage common to older engines due to worn-out gaskets or seals.
Understanding the Viscosity Rating System
The viscosity rating system is used to measure how well an oil will flow at various temperatures and how viscous (thick) it is at certain temperatures when compared to another type of oil of similar composition or grade level.
Oils with higher viscosity ratings tend to be thicker and slower flowing than those with lower viscosity ratings when exposed to specific temperature ranges. It’s important to choose an oil with an appropriate viscosity rating for your climate and driving conditions so that it can adequately protect your vehicle’s moving parts from heat, pressure, and friction over time.
Passing an appropriate viscosity rating is essential for optimizing performance in any climate or condition, so make sure you check your owner’s manual or consult a certified mechanic if you have any questions about what rating(s) would best suit your vehicle’s specifications before making any purchases.
Choosing the Right Viscosity Rating
In order to choose the right viscosity rating for your car you will need to pay attention to both the cold-start temperature/viscosity rating (5W-30) as well as the hot temperature/viscosity rating (15W-50). Generally speaking, if you live in an area with a warm climate you should look for an oil with a rating of 5W-30 and if you live in colder climates you should look for 10W-30 or 20W-50. Those who live in warm climates with extreme temperatures should look into 15W-50 or even 0W-20 in some cases depending on your vehicle’s specifications. You can determine the rating you need by looking at the manufacturer’s manual or getting advice from a professional mechanic prior to purchase.
Tips for Changing Your Own Oil
Now that you understand the different types of oil, let’s discuss how to DIY an oil change. Changing the oil in your car can be intimidating; however, with the right tools and a bit of know-how, you’ll be able to not only select the right oil but change it yourself with ease.
Tools & Materials You’ll Need
- Car jack
- Jack stands
- Oil & oil filter
- Funnel
- Container for used oil
- Rags
- Safety glasses
- Wrench set
- Rubber mallet
Set-by-Step Instructions
- Start by laying plastic sheeting on the ground and then drive your car over it.
- Using a car jack, jack up the car to optimal height so you can place your jack stands underneath. Once your jack stands are in place, lower the car jack on top securely. For added safety, place plywood square beneath your car jack stands for extra support.
- Put your container for used oil beneath the oil plug. Remove the drain plug by loosening it with the proper wrench and unscrewing it. Hold on to the drain plug as you remove it. The oil will start pouring out as you pull it away from the oil pan. Allow this to drain into your container for 5-10 minutes or until the flow of oil has slowed to a trickle.
- Using your hand or an oil filter wrench, loosen the oil filter enough that the oil starts to come out of the top and drip down into your receptacle. Use your shop rags to absorb any excess oil. Wait until the flow subsides and finish removing the filter.
- Before installing your new filter, make sure the oil-filter gasket (it is O-shaped) is not left behind.
- Replace the drain plug and then tighten it– do not overtighten this as it will cause damage
- Fill your engine back up with oil using a funnel. Be sure to check it afterward using your car’s dipstick.
- Start the vehicle and let it run idly for a few minutes while you check for leaks.
- Finally, recycle the used oil you gathered in your container form earlier
Conclusion
At the end of the day, knowing what type of oil your car needs isn’t as daunting as it may seem. By understanding the basics of motor oil types, the impact of driving style and climate, and the importance of regular oil changes, you can ensure that your car is running smoothly and safely. Whether you opt for synthetic, blend, conventional, or high-mileage oil, it’s important to consult your owner’s manual and talk to your auto mechanic to find the best solution for your vehicle. As long as you’re taking the time to do basic maintenance on your vehicle, you can trust that you’re making the right decision for your car.