Does Your Vehicle's Oil Really Matter?
You know that oil changes are a critical component of regular auto maintenance. However, what you may not know is that there are different types of engine oil. When you bring your vehicle in for an oil change, you need to ensure you are getting the right oil type for your particular car, truck or SUV. Engine oil falls into two primary categories: conventional and synthetic. Here's what you need to know.
Conventional Motor Oil
In the past, nearly all vehicles took conventional oil. If your car is an older model, it is likely that this is the type of oil your vehicle takes. Traditional oil isn’t as purified as synthetic oil, so it can lead to a buildup in your engine over time. You’ll also have to wait a bit for your engine and the oil to warm up when the weather is cold. Otherwise, it won’t be able to do its job properly, potentially resulting in damage to your engine. While many drivers have made the switch to synthetic oil, there are still older vehicles out there that require traditional oil, especially those with high mileage.
Synthetic Engine Oil
Synthetic oil and synthetic blends are much easier on your engine, as they are highly purified when compared to conventional motor oils. This results in less buildup in your engine over time and much smoother movements inside your engine, minimizing ongoing damage due to friction. In addition, you won’t have the waiting time during cold weather, as synthetic oil isn’t as susceptible to the cold, maintaining its viscosity in just about any temperature. Finally, you’ll get a bit more time between oil changes because synthetic oil is designed to be much cleaner and longer-lasting.
Ready for Your Next Oil Change?
With conventional oil, you'll typically want to get an oil change every 3,000 to 5,000 miles. For synthetic, the oil change schedule is typically around 7,500 miles, though, in some makes and models, it can go as high as 15,000. If you are unsure which type of oil is best for your vehicle, the auto maintenance experts here at Full Circle Auto Service will be happy to help you out. We can assist with any other maintenance and repair needs you have as well.
We invite you to reach out to our team today to schedule your next service appointment, whether it is for an oil change or something else entirely. We are ready to help with whatever you need!
