Almost every vehicle owner knows what an oil change is. Even a first-time car owner, such as a teenager, knows that oil changes are a necessary part of vehicle maintenance. But, many people do not know much about the types of oil available, the benefits of each, and why oil is so critical anyway.

Why is motor oil important?

A vehicle’s engine is made up of many moving components. As they move, friction is created, producing heat. Motor oil functions to not only lubricate the moving parts, but also to transfer heat away from the engine. This reduces wear and tear on engine parts. And, it ultimately makes the engine perform better and last longer. An oil change should be performed at regular intervals to make sure that the oil servicing the engine is clean and of sufficient quantity to do its job.

Is there more than one type of motor oil?

Not all oil is created the same. In fact, there are two major categories of motor oil that exist: conventional and synthetic. Let’s take a look at the characteristics and uses for both.

• Conventional Motor Oil – This is generally the cheapest type of oil. Derived and refined directly from crude oil, it typically doesn’t come with a lot of additives. The refining process leaves oils with varied chemical compositions. Since conventional oil often breaks down more quickly, it is recommended to be changed at shorter intervals.
• Synthetic Motor Oil – Unlike conventional oils, synthetic ones aren’t refined. Instead, they’re manufactured or engineered, creating oils that are more uniform in chemical composition. Synthetic oil is generally considered to be a better “engine protector”. It is engineered to last longer and also operates better under temperature extremes. This promotes an overall higher level of performance and means that more time can lapse between oil changes.

It has even been shown that the viscosity of synthetic oil is better at the end of its usable life (which is longer anyway) than its conventional oil counterpart. This simply means that it’s better at doing its lubricating job even when it technically should be changed out. While this doesn’t meant that the oil doesn’t need to be changed at all, it does mean that you get the full lubricating value of the oil throughout its usable life, not just at the beginning.

Which type of oil is best for MY vehicle?

At first glance, it may seem like synthetic oil would be perfect for any vehicle, even though it’s significantly more expensive than conventional oil. After all, who doesn’t want oil that performs better and lasts longer?

The ultimate answer to this question, however, depends on your vehicle itself as well as driving conditions. Vehicles driven in extreme hot or cold temperatures, or frequently used for hauling large loads, may benefit from the use of synthetic oils. Other vehicles that are driven under moderate conditions and whose owners believe in frequent oil changes, though, can still use conventional oil.

When in doubt, refer to your vehicle owner’s manual or ask your trusted mechanic. Both the manufacturer and your local auto repair shop have your vehicle’s health and your best interests at heart. If you follow their recommended maintenance schedule, you may find that your vehicle stays in good health longer than you ever thought was possible! Schedule a preventative maintenance appointment today and you’ll see what we mean.