Oil changes are the #1 most important maintenance service that most vehicles have to undergo. Motor oil plays the vital function of lubricating your engine parts and absorbing/transferring excess heat away from the engine. Though all engine oil serves this particular purpose, there are three kinds of lube you can put in your car: conventional, synthetic, and semi-synthetic.
Conventional Oil
Conventional oil is the most basic form of engine oil, and it has been around for decades. This kind of oil is the cheapest option of the three, and it is typically used by older-model automobiles with traditional engine configurations. The change interval for conventional lube is the shortest of the three (approximately 3,000 - 5,000 miles).
Synthetic Oil
Synthetic oil is the newer type of oil with additives. It is chemically made in a lab to be more consistent in the formulation. It is super effective at limiting friction and resisting high temperatures. Its chemical characteristics can benefit your car and gas mileage by enhancing engine performance. Synthetic oil is predominantly used in vehicles today and often recommended for cars that demand top-notch performance. Most motorists favor synthetic oil due to its longevity; each service will last you approximately 6,000 to upwards of 10,000 miles (sometimes even longer) before another oil change. Synthetic oil costs more than conventional oil, but you can be saving more money in the end by the less frequent visits.
Semi-Synthetic Oil
This type of motor oil is a blend of both synthetic and conventional engine oil. It has many of the advantages of synthetic oil but at a lower price point. Like synthetic oil, it has additives that can help resist oxidation and scorching engine temperatures.
Before your next oil change, you should look in your owner's manual to see what kind of oil is best suited for your car. If you need assistance with an oil change, please feel free to come by our shop! Our technicians at I-70 Auto Service will be happy to assist you with your automotive needs.