Things To Consider Next Time You Take Your Car In For An Oil Change
Changing the oil in your car or truck has to be done to keep it running smoothly and protect the engine's internal parts. When you are ready for your next oil change, there are some things you may want to think about that could increase that protection and extend the life of the vehicle a little further.
Consider The Oil
Engine oil is not all the same, and there are some things that can make one oil better than another for your engine. In most cases, when you take your car for an oil change, you should use the oil specified by the manufacturer to ensure that the engine oil has the properties that the engine needs.
There can be exceptions to that rule; for instance, a car with high mileage may benefit from oil with additives to help fill scratches in the piston walls. There are also engine oils that are a little thicker and may lubricate better in hot environments because they don't break down as fast as thinner oils.
Talk to the tech at the shop where you go for an oil change and ask them if your car could benefit from a different type of oil or if you should continue to use the oil specified for your engine.
Converting To Synthetic Oil
Another option that could be a good fit for your car might be switching to synthetic engine oil for your next oil change. The advantages of synthetic oil are a longer service life and better durability of the oil. The synthetic oil is engineered to withstand heat longer, so thermal breakdown takes longer to occur, meaning you will be able to go longer between oil changes and still get the protection you need for your engine.
For most synthetics, a seven- to ten-thousand-mile range is considered normal, but it will cost a little more than a standard oil change because the oil and filter are more costly than standard engine oil. If you spend a lot of time on the highway or put on a lot of miles every day, synthetic oil may be better for your car, but it is essential that you get good-quality oil and the right filter to go with the oil.
The filters for synthetic oil are made with finer mesh because the particles of metal and dirt in synthetic oil are typically smaller. Using a regular filter will allow contaminants to slip through and make it harder for the oil to do its job, but your auto service tech should know what to use with the synthetic oil in your car if you choose to go that way.
To learn more, contact a shop that does oil changes.