We’ve all been told we should get our vehicle’s oil changed at regular intervals to keep the engine healthy. But when you roll into the garage you might not be thinking about which oil is best. Or maybe you just don’t know what the different options mean for your car, and don’t understand the terms used. These “car terms to know” might help when you’re ready for that next oil change.
Why oil keeps your engine happy
Firstly, let’s remind ourselves just why getting an oil change is a good idea.
The oil in your engine provides lubrication for its parts and ensures that things don’t begin to wear each other down as a result of friction. It also has other functions − like limiting exposure to oxygen that could create rust, or corrosion from debris, and cooling the heat generated from engine activity.
Preparation
It’s important to know what type and standard of oil is recommended for your vehicle. Different cars, environments and temperatures call for different requirements and thicknesses of oil. These details may be outlined by the automaker in the owner’s manual or on the oil cap in the engine.
Car terms to know: oil types
Full-synthetic oil – This type of oil is extremely effective due to the precise blend of controlled materials. Although it is an expensive oil product, it could be worth it in the long run as it requires less frequent changes. It is recommended for high-performance and newer vehicles.
Synthetic blend oil – This is a blend of non-conventional high-performance fluid additives and conventional engine oil. This variety can assist your engine with keeping temperatures low, especially in engines that have long running times or often experience stop-and-go traffic. The oil tends to work particularly well with trucks, cars and SUVs that regularly carry heavy loads.
Conventional oil – Also known as mineral oil, conventional oil is composed of crude oil extracted from the ground and later processed in a refinery and combined with additives. This is a less expensive option, but may not be as durable or long lasting as the others on the market. However, this type of oil may be what works best with your car, so make sure to check your owner’s manual to see which type of oil the car manufacturer suggests.
While you’re in the mood to give your vehicle some TLC, take a look at our “Easy and effective car maintenance tips” article.
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