Your car’s engine oil can be one of the most important factors to consider when choosing which car to buy, so it pays to know what goes into the making of engine oil and how it can affect your car’s performance.
Have you recently purchased a car and wondering what type of engine oil to use? Or maybe you’re maintaining your current car and want to know if your engine oil needs to be changed. Either way, before choosing any engine oil, there are five things you should know in order to choose the right engine oil for your car. The information below can help get you started on the right path toward making an informed decision about your engine oil needs.
1) Choose the viscosity grade carefully
Engine oils used in a vehicle have different viscosity grades such as, 0W-20, 0W-40, 5W-20, 5W-30, 5W-40, 5W-50, 10W-30, 10W-40, 10W-60, 20W-50 and so on. Motor oils are classified by viscosity, using a rating system developed by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE).
Different grades of engine oils are suitable for different types of environments, seasons or temperatures. This is why car manufacturers recommend different grades for different temperatures. For example, if you’re driving on a hot day in Las Vegas and notice your temp gauge rising rapidly as you drive down the strip, it’s probably time to switch out that 10W-40 with something lighter—like maybe a straight 30 weight.
On cold days, though, lower viscosity engine oils flow easier but have less detergent additives; hence they don’t protect as well against rusting inside your motor. So when should you change your engine oil? It depends how often you drive, where you live, what season it is, how many miles are on your engine, etc. As a general rule of thumb change your car’s engine oil every 3 months or 4500 miles—whichever comes first. To find out what kind of oil was used in your new ride at purchase check your manual or contact your dealership.
2) Determine the oil change interval
The oil in your car needs to be changed at certain intervals in order for your car’s engine to operate efficiently. If you go too long between changes, harmful buildups can form inside of your engine, affecting your engine’s performance and lifespan. To avoid these problems and other issues that can lead to breakdowns or even costly repairs down the road, it’s important that you follow a regular oil change schedule.
We recommend getting an oil change every 3,000 miles to keep your vehicle running smoothly. However, if you drive under tough conditions (e.g., high temperatures or harsh terrain), some experts suggest changing your oil more frequently than 3,000 miles. Choose a quality engine oil that offers maximum oil drain intervals.
3) Choose the correct API grade
Check out your car’s owner’s manual or manufacturer specifications for information on how many quarts of oil are recommended for your vehicle. Next, determine what type of oil you should use. The Society of Automotive Engineers has a rating system that categorizes engine oils as either general service or high performance.
The number after each category designates how well each type resists degradation under high temperatures. A higher American Petroleum Institute (API) Service Rating (i.e. 10W-30) means more protection at high temperature, while a lower one (i.e. SAE 20) means less protection; again, check your owner’s manual for specifics and be sure to match with specs given by auto manufacturers.
4) Consider the type of oil
After you have determined the right grade of your engine oil, it is a decision of whether to go with mineral, semi-synthetic or fully synthetic engine oil. Different types of motor oils have their own pros and cons. One example of this is synthetic oils which may last longer than mineral oil.
One may also need two types of oil for their vehicle–one for summer months and one for winter months. Mineral-based lubricants are better in cold conditions than synthetic lubricants. However, mineral-based lubricants may not last longer as compared to the fully-synthetic oils. Likewise, mineral or semi-synthetic engine oils may be cheaper as compared to synthetic motor oils, but synthetic oils offer higher performance and protection features as compared to other types of engine and motor oils. Therefore, choose the type of engine oil depending on the level of performance and protection you prefer for your vehicle.
5) Keep in mind your vehicle type
Choose an engine oil depending on the type, make and age of your car. For example, if you have a BMW that’s old or a pickup truck with high mileage, you’ll need a thicker blend that won’t evaporate as quickly—while newer cars will require a lighter blend. If in doubt, check with your owner’s manual for guidance.
Whether you’re choosing a full synthetic oil or a conventional blend, there are many engine oils available in the market that are designed for different climates. For example, if you live in a hot climate, look for a low-sulfur oil with an advanced additive package. Choose one that resists evaporation and maintains viscosity over time and is also recommended by your auto manufacturer.
Changing your engine oil regularly is critical for maintaining your vehicle’s engine health. Many people don’t realize how essential it is until their engine makes a grating noise or something goes horribly wrong with their car. If you are experiencing a drop in your vehicle’s performance or experiencing any other issues related to the engine, chances are your oil hasn’t been changed in quite some time and you should consider changing it right away.
