A car’s engine consists of many moving parts, and those parts need to be well-lubricated in order to do their job. Oil protects these parts, helping them to avoid wear and tear as they keep the engine running smoothly. Oil also helps to keep your engine’s temperature within parameters, allowing for it to run safely and more efficiently. However, various contaminants begin to build up in the oil over time, eventually requiring that you get it flushed out and replaced with fresh oil.
You should be having your oil changed on a routine basis, as regular oil changes will help keep your car and its parts healthy for a longer period of time, but knowing which types of oil changes there are and knowing what oil is best for your car can be just as important.
What Are the Different Types of Oil?
There are four different types of oil changes for your vehicle are:
- Conventional Oil – conventional oil is the cheapest option, and one of the most common. Derived from crude oil, it is usually used for older vehicles or simple engines. One of the downsides of conventional oil is that it is very susceptible to temperature fluctuations and it can easily gum up your engine.
- Full Synthetic Oil – full synthetic oil doesn’t use petroleum, and instead opts for synthetic oil molecules. Although it is more expensive than conventional oil, it is much better for the vehicle, and can handle extreme temperatures with ease.
- Synthetic Blend – synthetic blend oil uses a combination of conventional oil and synthetic oil. This mixture allows for resistance to high temperatures, low temperatures and oxidation, and also a slower evaporation rate. Synthetic blend oil is more expensive than conventional oil, but still cheaper than full synthetic.
- High Mileage – high mileage oil is designed to work with, and take care of, engines that have 75,000 miles or more on them. The ingredients in the high mileage mix help to preserve older engines by limiting maintenance or engine issues.
What Type of Oil Does My Car Take?
Most vehicle owner’s manuals will have information about what type of oil your car takes, but the reality is that most oil types will work for most cars. The deciding factors for most drivers will likely come down to cost or performance, but depending on the age of your vehicle, high mileage might be your best bet.
In any case, our experts will be happy to work with you and help you determine which oil is best for you.
How Often Should You Have an Oil Change?
Generally, an owner’s manual will suggest mileage for an oil change based on whether your driving routine is “severe” or “normal.” Normal driving is a basic daily commute for the average driver, while severe generally indicates commercial vehicles or those used for towing, off-roading, or racing.
In the simplest terms, estimates for the time between oil changes would be somewhere between 3,000 and 5,000 miles, but with current advancements, many drivers can reach 7,500 or even 10,000 miles before needing an oil change.
If you are in doubt as to whether it is time for an oil change, call or contact Bradley’s Auto to schedule an appointment. We can quickly and easily test to see if your oil needs to be replaced.
Visit Our Red Bank, NJ Shop For an Oil Change
Call or contact Bradley’s Auto Service in Red Bank, New Jersey today to schedule oil service. The 10th oil change you get at Bradley’s Auto will be free. Our ASE-certified mechanics have built a reputation for providing honest, professional auto services. To learn more, check out our comprehensive guide to auto repair services.
