Being concerned about the vehicle’s health, many owners might wonder what kind of oil is the best for their specific model. There are many oil brands and each one has its unique characteristics, but the owner will never make a mistake if he or she uses the oil required by the owner’s manual. Many modern vehicles (passenger cars and pick-up trucks) that use gasoline will go fine with any oil that meets American Petroleum Institute “SH” rating.

The viscosity of the oil might vary due to the age of the vehicle, its weight and weather conditions. Most of the new engines do their best with a multiviscosity 5W-30 oil for any type of driving. There are several benefits of the oil like this: first of all it contains friction reducing additives which improves fuel economy and secondly such oil quickly reaches critical upper valvetrain components when the cold motor is started. The second feature is very important because the most often wear of an engine happens when it is cold-started a lot: thin oil circulates easily which provides better motor work.

As for older cars, the oil can be different: for a highway driving in warm or hot weather 10W-30 or 10W-40 are good. Heavier multiviscosity might be used, but it is not recommended for cold weather and is good for those who carry heavy loads regularly. Some old-timers prefer 30W-40W saying that the thicker is the oil, the better it holds up under high temperature. Besides it increases oil pressure and reduces the usage in high mileage autos. However, a drawback of thick oil is not only cold temperature problems, but also the fact that it might not give the right start-up lubrication.

Although petroleum-based oils are cheaper they are not the way to go if one wants the best for the vehicle. Synthetic oils are manmade and cost three times as much, but for best temperature and durability performance they are incomparably good. Their advantages are:

•    Temperature resistance. While mineral-based oils can handle up to 250-300 degrees F, synthetic take up to 450 F and higher. This quality is especially good for turbo and high output engine applications. The synthetic oil does better in colder temperatures too: it stays as smooth in subzero temperatures and at -40 to -50 degreed F as in warm weather protecting the engine from quick wear out and offering a better cold start than petroleum-based oils.
•    Motor presentation. Synthetic oils provide better lubrication helping to save more on fuel. The slipperiness also helps to run the engine cooler protecting it from overheating.
•    Oil durability. The manmade oils do not have the same weak points as most of ordinary motor oils: viscosity breakdown and oxidation. Some synthetic oil manufacturers say that with their products the oil change intervals can be extended to 25,000 miles. These claims are explained by the fact that synthetic oil does not ruin as fast as the mineral-based oils. (However, it is not recommended to extend the required oil change interval in the auto is under the extended warranty).

It is good to know about various types of oil and their effect on the vehicle even if most of the time the oil change is done in an auto service shop. The vehicle owner can always ask what kind of oil they use, consult about the options or ask for a specific kind.

Mike Right