Oil Changes: Does the Oil Type Matter?

Oil changes are something that cannot be escaped or overlooked. The quickest way to ruining a perfectly good engine is neglecting to swap out your old filthy oil after the appropriate amount of mileage. That said, there are many types of oils to choose from, so here are 3 things to consider when you go in for your next maintenance check-up:

• What’s the mileage on my car? Most cars on the road today fall into the threshold of “high-mileage” when it comes to talking about engine health. High mileage oil is going to come at a higher price but making the investment up front will benefit your car in terms of performance and lifespan.
• Do I need Synthetic Oil or can I get by with Conventional Oil? If you’re on a budget, then conventional oil will do the trick for now. Synthetic Oil is meant for more high-tech engines that may run at higher temperatures than the typical engine. While the common engine can still run just as smoothly using a synthetic oil, you might not see a performance boost that’s equal to your oil investment.
• When should I come back for my next oil change? Most people follow the 3 months or 3,000 miles rule of thumb. These are both safe numbers to follow and will ensure that your car is being fed healthy oil regularly. There are some more pricey oil types out there that can last a bit longer, but the bark may not be worth the bite in most cases.

When it comes to choosing the right type of oil for your car, don’t be afraid to ask the people who “Know How”. Bring your car by one of our NAPA AutoCare centers the next time you need an oil change so we can help recommend the right type of oil for your vehicle.

Posted May 3rd, 2018