Just like you need your annual physical, your car also needs routine maintenance – and that includes an oil change. Whether your oil light is blinking or that little sticker in the top of your window tells you it’s time, you need to know what the right oil is for your specific car. In general, there are two basic types of oil.
Conventional Oil. If you’ve ever watched the Beverly Hillbillies, you’re familiar with the oil that bubbles out of the ground. This crude oil is pumped directly from the ground as is then refined into the final product that goes into your car’s engine. Before any other oil types were around, your parents and grandparents likely used this type of oil in their vehicles. Most older model cars still use conventional oil. We recommend an oil change around every 3,000 miles, depending on the use of the car. Conventional oil is the cheapest option, but it doesn’t last as long.
Synthetic Oil. As our automobiles advance, so does our oil. Synthetic oil is made – synthesized – through a chemical process that makes it have the exact molecular structure and properties needed for a particular type engine. Many types of synthetic oil start with purified crude oil, but also include chemically modified petroleum. Synthetic oil performs better and lasts longer in both very cold and very high temperatures.
Since 2016, 7 in 10 new cars are filled using synthetic oil. Because of its complex nature and advanced manufacturing, this type of oil is normally more expensive than conventional oil. Most people find that the protection of synthetic oil is worth the extra cost. It also lasts longer between visits. Normally a vehicle requiring synthetic oil can go 5,000 up to 7,500 miles between changes. There are varying types of synthetic oil and there is even a synthetic blend, which uses a combination of the two.
When you *contact us* to make your appointment for an oil change, our technicians will inquire about the make, model, and mileage of your vehicle. We’ll also ask you whether you mainly drive on the highway or in the city. We’ll then make a recommendation for your oil change. You can also find the manufacturer’s recommendation with a quick search of your automobile owner’s manual.
So if it’s time to change your oil, give us a call. We work on all makes and models and will you have back out on the road in no time! Call us today for your next oil change appointment.
Image by Rudy and Peter Skitterians from Pixabay.