What Kind of Oil Does My Car Need?
Figuring out the right type of oil for your car can be daunting. If you walk into an auto parts store, you'll see that there are literally dozens of oil types and brands to choose from. So how do you know which motor oil type is right for your car, let alone the best one for your driving habits and climate? Let the oil experts at Firestone Complete Auto Care lend you a hand!
Know the Different Car Oil Types
The first step to figuring out the best engine oil for your car is to check your owner's manual. In the Vehicle Care chapter, there's likely a section entitled something similar to, "Selecting the Right Engine Oil." This section will indicate the best viscosity grade for the vehicle and may also offer viscosity grades you should avoid. If you do not have an owner's manual for your vehicle, learn more about the various types of motor oil below and compare them to your specific vehicle and driving situation.
This is the most commonly used type of oil. It is also referred to as "regular oil' and "non-synthetic oil." Conventional oil is best for light-duty cars with low to average mileage and a simple engine design. If your car has more than 75,000 miles on it, has a diesel engine, or is used to tow or haul heavy loads, talk to your technician before opting for conventional oil. It likely isn't the best oil type for your car.
Synthetic blend motor oil is a mixture of synthetic and conventional base oils, plus some additives. It's not as affordable as a conventional oil, but not as pricy as full synthetic oil, though it still offers most of the benefits of a full synthetic. A synthetic blend is a great in-between for drivers who want the added protection and performance of a synthetic oil, but aren't ready to foot the bill for a total switch to full synthetic oil. Synthetic blends are available in a variety of viscosity grades for heavy duty work vehicles, diesel engines, and commuter cars alike.
When it comes to motor oils, full synthetics are the purest of the pure, the best of the best! They're ideal for vehicles that demand peak level performance and high levels of lubrication. If you live in a climate with extremely cold winters or sweltering hot summers, or use your vehicle for hauling or towing, synthetic oil may the best type of oil for your vehicle. Older engines (prone to sludge build-up) may also benefit from the advanced formulas of full synthetics.
Conventional wisdom states that high mileage oil is only for vehicles with more than 75,000 miles on them, but high mileage oil can be just as beneficial to factory fresh engines. It's uniquely formulated to help reduce oil consumption, minimize leaks and oil seepage, and reduce smoke and emissions. High mileage oil is kind of like a smoothie that's jam packed with cold fighting nutrients. It's great to drink if you have a cough and sore throat and may help you recover sooner, but it's also great to drink if you're trying to keep yourself from coming down with a cold in the first place.
If you're still wondering, "What kind of oil does my car need?" then it's time to visit your nearest Firestone Complete Auto Care. Stop by or schedule an oil change appointment online and let us take care of the dirty work for you!
WHY WE RECYCLE MOTOR OIL
Cars need oil. Humans need water. Both are simple facts of life, but when oil isn't disposed of properly it can threaten our water supply. How we handle used motor oil directly impacts today’s environment and the environment for generations to come.
At Firestone Complete Auto Care, recycling used motor oil and properly disposing of a car’s hazardous fluids is an ethical and environmental necessity, not to mention an important part of our commitment to excellent customer care. Oil waste disposal is not only beneficial for the earth and our natural resources—it’s also the law. Failing to dispose of this hazardous waste properly could lead to motor oil contamination of America’s landfills, sewers, waterways, and our drinking water.
