There are four oil types on the market and each type comes with its own set of advantages. We here at Central Auto Care are going to list the different oil types below and give you information about each one. The one that is best for your automobile depends on several factors, including the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendation. An example of a manufacturer’s recommendation is BMW; this manufacturer recommends only synthetic oil in its engines. Let’s talk more about motor oil below.
Conventional
Conventional motor oil wins the popularity contest. This is the most-used oil on the market. Conventional oil has a storied history dating back over a century. Low-mileage automobiles that operate in temperate climates can use conventional motor oil year-round. Our winters are harsh, and conventional oil does stand up well to freezing temperatures. Conventional oil should be changed every 4,800 kilometres, and it is the least expensive oil on the market.
High-Mileage
High-mileage motor oil is designed for engines that have over 120,000 kilometres on them. This conventional oil with additives is designed to protect older engines better and ensure they do not spring an oil leak. This oil works better in temperate climates; as with conventional oil, it doesn’t stand up to freezing temperatures as well as synthetic oil does. If you drive an older automobile with a lot of kilometres under the hood, consider switching to high-mileage oil.
Synthetic Blend
If you want the benefits of synthetic motor oil without the cost, a synthetic blend might be the right oil for you. Synthetic blend motor oil takes synthetic oil, conventional oil, and additives and mixes them up into a blend that provides better protection than conventional oil. It might be wise to switch to synthetic blend oil when the weather starts to turn in the fall and the temperatures drop. This oil is a happy medium between the two primary oils available on the market.
Synthetic
Finally, once we get into winter and freezing temperatures, synthetic motor oil will do the best job of protecting your engine. This oil is manmade and contains additives designed to maintain its viscosity longer. It does not freeze as quickly as conventional motor oil does, so you don’t need to warm up your vehicle quite as long when you first turn it on. It also lasts longer between oil changes. Generally, you should have synthetic motor oil changed every 12,000 kilometres.
Schedule your next oil change with Central Auto Care in Okotoks, AB. We can discuss the best oil type for your automobile with you and then put it in the engine.