14 Mar Motor Oil Types & Oil Change Maintenance Intervals
With all the different motor oil types on the shelf, it can be challenging to figure out which suits your auto. Should you use conventional motor oil, synthetic motor oil, or a synthetic blend? Let’s explore the different auto engine oils to determine your vehicle’s correct motor oil type and oil change maintenance.
The Purpose Of Auto Engine Oil
I’m sure you have heard auto engine oil referred to as the lifeblood of the internal combustion engine. The truth is that engine oil is a crucial component of the longevity and performance of your vehicle. Your engine builds up friction when the internal parts rub together, creating heat. The primary function of motor oil is to help lubricate the engine’s moving parts and absorb excess heat. With additional additives, auto engine oil performs other vital tasks, too. For example, it also:
- Cleans Existing Sludge
- Inhibits Corrosion and Oxidation
- Neutralizes Acids
- Prevents Sludge Build-up
Motor Oil Types
In general, regardless of motor oil types, there are two components of motor oil: base oil and additives. Base oil comes from refined crude oil. Refining crude oil removes impurities like sulfur, solid particulates, and waxy substances. Differing refining techniques determine the base oil’s properties, characteristics, and behavior. The amount of impurities left after refining determines the oil grade and type. Those impurities also affect how the oil reacts to low and high temperatures. Most auto engine oil formulations consist of 70-90% base oil (depending on the grade), with the remaining 10-30% additives.
Conventional Motor Oil (Mineral)
Initially, all motor oils used in combustion engines were conventional (or mineral) oils. Conventional oils are often the most inexpensive option since they require less rigorous refinement. Cleaned and distilled crude oil (without substantial molecular changes to the hydrocarbons) produces high-quality base oil. Many domestic auto manufacturers recommend using conventional motor oil. In addition, vehicles manufactured in the 1990s and before or engines with a simple design should also stick with conventional oil. Expect to change your conventional oil every three months or 3,000 to 5,000 miles.
Full Synthetic Motor Oil
Full synthetic oil requires more refining, which changes the molecular structure of the base oil. The molecules in full synthetic motor oil are more uniformly shaped and have fewer impurities, so it has better high- and low-temperature performance. Many auto manufacturers now recommend using full synthetic oil in modern vehicles. Every oil change service must replace the old oil with the specific, full synthetic oil noted in your owner’s manual. Using a different type of oil may void your manufacturer’s warranty.
European auto manufacturers of high-performance vehicles have recommended using full synthetic motor oils for over ten years. Full synthetic oils offer benefits like extended oil change intervals and improved performance for high engine temperatures. Expect to change your full synthetic motor oil every 10,000 to 20,000 miles.
Synthetic Blend Motor Oil
Synthetic blend motor oil balances the economy of conventional oil with the superior performance of full synthetic oil. It combines synthetic and conventional base oils with specific chemical additives to enhance performance. On average, expect to change your synthetic-blend oil every 7,500 miles.
Chemical Additives
All motor oils contain necessary additives to help the base oil reduce friction, absorb heat, slow corrosion, and prevent sludge from forming. Motor oils are engineered and rigorously tested to determine which additives work best for each motor oil type and formula.
Oil Change Maintenance in Ann Arbor, MI
Ron’s Garage will gladly perform a routine oil change on your vehicle. Our qualified technicians will discuss your engine’s correct motor oil type and oil change maintenance interval.
Schedule Oil Change Service for all Motor Oil Types
Visit us online or call (734) 961-4701 today to schedule an oil change maintenance appointment for any of the motor oil types (conventional motor oil, synthetic motor oil, or synthetic blend) with any of our friendly service agents.