Changing your vehicle’s oil is one of the most important maintenance jobs you should do. But if you decide to change the oil yourself, how do you know which oil to use?
Types of Motor Oil
There are four general motor oil types:
Full Synthetic Motor Oil
Full synthetic oil is ideal for performance vehicles that need high levels of lubrication. Full synthetic oil provides high viscosity levels, resist oxidation and thermal breakdown, improves fuel efficiency, and can improve a vehicle’s horsepower.
Synthetic Blend Motor Oil
Synthetic blend oil is a mix of synthetic and conventional motor oil, usually containing extra additives to help prevent oxidation. Synthetic blends help make it easier to switch between the synthetic blend and conventional oil.
Conventional Motor Oil
Conventional oil is the most commonly used type of motor oil. This type of oil is ideal for light-duty, late-model vehicles with low to average mileage and simple engine design.
High Mileage Motor Oil
If your vehicle has over 75,000 miles on it, then high mileage motor oil is recommended. High mileage motor oil helps reduce oil consumption, minimize leaks and oil seepage, and reduce emissions in older engines.
What Type is Best?
Read your vehicle’s owner manual to see what the manufacturer recommends, or stop by your local service center and speak with a mechanic about your vehicle’s needs.
Unless you have a high-performance vehicle or an older vehicle, then synthetic oil blend is a good oil to choose.
It is important to change your oil according to the manufacturer’s recommendations in your vehicle’s owner’s manual. Changing your oil can improve your vehicle by creating:
- Better wear protection
- Cleaner running engine
- Better protection from high temperatures
- Better flow in cold temperatures
Payne Auto Group
If your vehicle needs service, stop by any of our 6 service centers throughout the Rio Grande Valley! Check out our current service specials & schedule service online today!
