The Key Differences Between The Three Different Motor Oils

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Understanding Auto Service Tasks

Hello, my name is Davey Jerome. Welcome to my site about auto service. When I was a young boy, the first task I learned to perform on my dad’s truck was an oil change. I delighted in letting the old oil flow out into the drain pan and removing the old filter. Adding the new filter and oil seemed to rejuvenate that old truck and ready it for another day of work on the farm. I will use this site to explore the process of performing automotive services on your own. I hope you can use the information on my site to learn about this important task.

The Key Differences Between The Three Different Motor Oils

28 April 2023
 Categories: , Blog

Oil changes are a required part of maintaining a car. Clean oil helps prevent wear and tear by lubricating all the moving parts, which helps the engine run smoothly. When getting an oil change, you may feel a bit confused about the different types of oil that are available and worried that you won't make the right decision. That's why it will help to know more about the three main types of motor oil.

Conventional Oil

Conventional motor oil also goes by the name of mineral oil. It is a basic motor oil when compared to the other three options, as it is simply made out of extracted crude oil that has been refined. You'll typically find conventional oil at your local auto parts store if performing a DIY oil change, but an oil change shop will offer it as well.

One thing to be aware of when it comes to conventional oil is that you will have to change the oil frequently. This type of oil may be best for someone that has a vehicle that they do not drive much and put very few miles on per year, or vehicles that don't require a high-performance motor oil

Synthetic Oil 

Synthetic motor oil is designed to provide you with better engine performance and more time between oil changes. You'll find that synthetic oil is more expensive than conventional oil, but that cost may pay for itself when you consider the less frequent oil changes. This is especially true if you are having a professional do the oil change for you, and you are paying for their labor costs. 

Consider using synthetic oil if you have a newer vehicle, which sometimes requires that synthetic oil be used. High-performance vehicles can also benefit from synthetic oil, especially if they are operating under hot temperatures and driving at high speeds. 

High-Mileage Oil

You'll want to consider high-mileage oil if your vehicle has a lot of miles on it. These oils will have recommendations for when you should start using them, so check your odometer to see if you are around that recommended mileage. What makes high-mileage oil unique is that it has additives in it that help with the seal and gaskets within the engine. The oil can actually prevent these from aging by rejuvenating them. 

Not sure what type of motor oil is best for your vehicle? Be sure to ask next time you visit an auto oil change shop.