Obviously, motor oil is extremely important to your car. It’s the lubricant that prevents excessive engine wear and is vital for the continued proper functioning of your vehicle. As you know there are many different types of oil to choose from, so which one is best for your car?
Each type of oil is graded by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), and stated on the container. Oil types can vary between cars and the environment in which they operate, but some of the most common weights include 5W-30, 10W-20 and 10W-30. If you look at your owner’s manual, the manufacturer will confirm the weight of oil you should use in your car.
There are three basic types of oil: conventional, synthetic and synthetic blend. Conventional oil is organic and limited in its capabilities compared to the synthetic oils. Conventional oil is highly reactive to temperatures, which isn’t true for synthetics, and synthetics give you better engine performance, as they are more slippery. Even though synthetic oil can cost up to three times as much as conventional oil, it doesn’t have to be changed as often.
Synthetic blends which are combination of conventional and synthetic oils are a nice compromise between the two. They’re less expensive, but provide some of the performance enhancements you would get from a pure synthetic. If you are still unsure of which oil is right for your vehicle, consult your Auto-Lab technician – they’ll know what’s best.