United Auto Care advises that the best way to tell which motor oil type you should use is to check what it says in the owner’s manual for your vehicle. The manufacturer’s recommendation for the oil type and weight can be found in the oil section. This is a good start in determining the motor oil you should put in the engine at every oil change. This being said, there may be extenuating circumstances that may warrant switching to a different oil type that is better suited for a specific time. Let’s talk more about this below.
Conventional
For example, the number one motor oil in the United States is conventional motor oil. This oil is the one that is most used and has been around for over a century. Most standard automobiles run just fine on conventional motor oil their entire lives. Conventional oil needs to be changed every 3,000 miles to make sure it remains viscous and protects the engine.
High-Mileage
There may come a point, however, when conventional is no longer the best motor oil for your automobile. For example, when the odometer turns to 75,000 miles, your vehicle is now considered a high-mileage automobile. The engine is also more susceptible to developing an oil leak. As such, at this point in the engine’s life, it’s a good idea to switch to high-mileage motor oil. This motor oil is a conventional base with additives that help it protect the engine and prevent oil leaks.
Synthetic
Many drivers are opting to switch to synthetic oil. This relatively new oil type does an excellent job of protecting high-performance engines. These engines tend to run hotter and need oil that can retain its viscosity in extreme conditions. Synthetic oil is that oil, which is why it is recommended over conventional for those who live in extreme climates. Synthetic oil is designed to retain its viscosity longer. As such, it only needs to be changed every 5,000 miles.
Synthetic Blend
If you are still on the fence whether you should choose conventional or synthetic for your automobile, you can have the best of both worlds if you select a synthetic blend oil. This is a combination of the two motor oil types that is designed to provide affordable synthetic protection. In other words, this oil protects better than straight conventional but doesn’t cost as much as full synthetic.
United Auto Care in Flowery Branch, GA, can help you determine the motor oil type to use in your engine. Call us today to set up a service visit.
