If you own a car, truck or SUV, then you should be scheduling regular oil changes. You can change the oil yourself or take it to an auto shop—just be sure it’s done right and according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Something to keep in mind is the type of motor oil going into your car. Back in the day, your choices were limited, while you now have a number of options that differ quite a bit from one another. What kind of oil does your vehicle need: regular, synthetic or blend? Here are some things your auto mechanic in Madison, TN wants you to consider for your next oil change service:
- Viscosity of the oil: Viscosity refers to the thickness of your motor oil and its ability to retain its properties throughout temperature changes. Professional mechanics agree that synthetic oil is superior in this category. Synthetic oil stays pretty uniform at various temperatures, while conventional motor oils will thicken in cold weather and become thin in very hot environments. Check your owner’s manual to be sure you’re using the right oil for your engine, but newer, more efficient models tend to need thinner, lower-viscosity oil. To translate viscosity, know that the lower the number on the container, the thinner the oil (for example, 5W-30).
- Conventional oil: Most vehicles run fine on conventional oil. This type of oil is available in various viscosities and additive packages for different applications, and works well protecting engine parts from overheating and normal wear. For best results, keep your vehicle service and oil changes on a regular schedule, typically every 3,000 to 6,000 miles depending on your particular vehicle.
- High mileage oil: Thanks to improved workmanship, the skills of mechanics and responsible car ownership, vehicles are lasting longer and longer. In fact, it’s not unusual for the cars you see driving on the road to have well over 100,000 miles on them. The engines in these cars can benefit from high mileage oil, which is formulated with conditioners that improve gaskets and seals that have cracked or shrunk. This helps stop leaks around valve covers and other areas. High mileage oil also offers better viscosity and help quiet down noisy parts and reduce engine wear.
- Synthetic blend oil: As a popular choice for SUVs and trucks—especially ones that tow or haul heavy loads—synthetic blend oil is said to be a good combination of what conventional and synthetic oil offer in protection and price.
- Full synthetic oil: Compared to conventional oil, full synthetic is purer and more stable and uniform. Basically, it has better viscosity. It’s recommended that new vehicles straight from the factory use synthetic oil, as it protects against deposits, is gentler on gaskets and seals and is not as susceptible to vaporizing and evaporating. And although full synthetic oil is more expensive than the other options, it has a longer oil change interval of 10,000 to 12,000 miles.
Want to contact an experienced auto mechanic in Madison, TN for information about motor oil or to schedule an oil change? Call Madison Muffler & Auto Repair today!