What Type of Oil Does My Car Need?
Photo: RobinHiggins
Step inside any auto parts store and it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the sheer number of engine oil varieties. From deciphering the numbers on the label to understanding the benefits of synthetic oil, we’re here to make the engine-oil shopping process a bit easier. Discover the differences between these four primary types of car oil to determine which one is best for your vehicle.
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Full synthetic
This type of oil is chemically-engineered. This results in more uniformly-shaped oil molecules, as well as fewer impurities. It also tends to have longer-lasting performance, while flowing better at low temperatures and having excellent lubricity at high temperatures. If you own a performance-oriented vehicle like the Chevy Corvette, then this type of oil should suit.
Synthetic blend
As the name implies, this oil type is a mix of synthetic and organic oil. It’s a cheaper alternative to full-synthetic and also delivers high-load protection, which is useful for enhancing performance in larger vehicles like SUVs and pickups.
Photo: Kieran White
Higher-Mileage
This type of oil contains a special mix of formulation and additives to help prevent oil leaks and minimize engine-oil burn-off, two problems sometimes associated with older vehicles. Considering that most vehicles on the road have 75,000 miles or more on them, this oil is a popular choice for used car owners.
Premium Conventional
Also known as mineral oil, this type of oil comes in a spectrum of quality levels and viscosity grades. If you have regular driving habits (i.e. avoid rapidly accelerating or braking) and your vehicle has a simple engine structure, then premium conventional can be a good choice.
With any engine oil, though, make sure to check your vehicle’s owner manual to ensure that you pick an oil type that suits your vehicle’s unique design. And check out this article for a brief tutorial on how to change your car’s oil.
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News Sources: Popular Mechanics, Motorist
The News Wheel is a digital auto magazine providing readers with a fresh perspective on the latest car news. We’re located in the heart of America (Dayton, Ohio) and our goal is to deliver an entertaining and informative perspective on what’s trending in the automotive world. See more articles from The News Wheel.