A simple but regular oil change is probably the easiest way to keep your
engine running smoothly and enhance its longevity. Your vehicle?s motor
oil can be designated as full-synthetic, synthetic blend, high-mileage,
or conventional by the manufacturer. However, depending on the mileage
of your car and the season of the year, the type of oil and the
viscosity to be used may vary.
Conventional Oil:
This is the oil used in bulk at
dealerships and is the cheapest at the auto store, too. Most adhere to
API and SAE standards but offer little in the way of additive packages.
This is good oil for owners that are religious about frequent oil
changes and have low-mile (but well broken-in) engines.
Premium Conventional Oil:
This is the standard new-car oil. Most leading brands have one for SL,
or highest level, service. Most are available in the common viscosities.
Car manufacturers usually specify 5W-20 or 5W-30 oil, though some
require 10W-30. These three ratings cover just about every light-duty
vehicle on the road, though this is changing as engines become more
precise and fussy about specific types oil.
Full-synthetic Oil:
These oils are made for high-tech engines. If these oils pass stringent
special tests (indicated by their labeling), it means they have
superior, longer-lasting performance in all the critical areas, from
viscosity index to protection against engine deposits. They flow better
at low temperatures and maintain peak lubrication at high temperatures.
While excellent oil, synthetics are about three times as expensive as
conventional oil and not always necessary for most engines. Use the
owner's manual as a guide. If it doesn't call for synthetic oil, using
it will only be an additional expense that may not add anything to the
engine's performance or life.
Synthetic-blend Oil:
This is essentially premium conventional oil hit with a dose of
synthetic. They're formulated to offer better protection during heavier
engine loads and the associated higher engine temperatures. These oils
are popular with pick-up and SUV drivers because they do offer better
protection, but usually cost only a fraction more than premium
conventional oils.
High-mileage Oil:
More
than 60 percent of vehicles on the road have more than 75,000 miles
(120,701 kilometers) on the odometer. Playing to this growing market,
oil refiners and labs developed high-mileage oils. Seal conditioners are
added to the oil (the oil can be synthetic or conventional) to expand
and increase the flexibility of internal engine seals. The conditioners
are very precise and can benefit some engines while not affecting
others.
