If you’re a DIY car mechanic, changing your own oil is probably one of the first things you learned how to do. It’s not only convenient to be able to change your own oil, but it can also save you a lot of money in the long run! However, even people who have been changing the oil in their cars for years might not know the differences between the various types of motor oil.
If that sounds like you, just keep reading! Today’s DIY car maintenance guide will teach you about the different types of motor oil and what to use them for.
Types of Motor Oil
Motor oil is designed to lubricate your engine, but there’s a ton of variety, which can make buying the right motor oil a daunting task. Motor oil these days is pretty high-tech, and can include things like detergents, dispersants, and additives to control viscosity or other factors.
Synthetic
Synthetic oil is just what it sounds like: Chemically designed in a lab to create a purer, more versatile oil than conventional motor oil. Synthetic oil tends to last longer and performs better in cold temperatures.
Synthetic Blend
Take synthetic oil, mix in a bit of conventional oil, and you’ve got synthetic blend motor oil. This is one of the most popular types of oil because it has many of the benefits of synthetic, but is more affordably priced. If you opt for a synthetic blend, you might even notice that you’re getting better gas mileage!
Conventional
Conventional motor oil comes in a variety of types and grades, allowing you to choose the viscosity that makes sense for your vehicle and climate.
High Mileage
High mileage motor oil is a more recent arrival to the lineup of motor oils. It was designed specifically for newer-model cars and is formulated to minimize leaks and burn-off.
What Type of Motor Oil Should You Choose?
The type of oil you should use really depends on your car, your driving habits, and even the temperature where you live.
For instance, synthetic oil can deal with extreme temperature changes, so it’s great for drivers in Georgia with our super-hot summers, or in places with harsh winters and long periods of below-freezing temperatures. If you do a lot of short-distance driving, synthetic oil will last longer than conventional.
You should always check the driver’s manual before deciding what type of oil to put in your car; you never want to put conventional oil in an engine that requires synthetic, as do most new vehicles. However, if you own an older-model car, conventional oil may be the best choice for you.
Good luck choosing the right motor oil for your car! Remember, whenever you’re in the market for used auto parts in Atlanta, we’re here for you. Just browse our inventory online or visit our salvage yard at 4600 Buford Hwy to find the best used car parts in Atlanta!
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