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I’m Confused About the Different Types of Motor Oil

We here at Heath’s Auto Service understand that motor oil can be a bit confusing because there are four different types on the market. The best motor oil for your automobile depends on what your manufacturer recommends and the type of driving that you do. Sometimes, it’s a good idea to switch motor oil type if there is unusually hot or cold weather outside or if you are hard on your automobile. We are going to list the four types of motor oil below and give you some general information about each type. Schedule your next oil change with our shop so we can help you choose the best oil.

Conventional

Conventional motor oil is the grandfather of all motor oils. This motor oil is over 100 years old and does an excellent job of protecting standard engines. The motor oil is affordable and needs to be changed every 3,000 miles. Conventional oil is extracted from the ground. In most cases, you cannot go wrong with conventional oil which is why it is the most popular oil on this list.

High-Mileage

The next oil on our list is manufactured for cars that have a lot of miles on the odometers. The general recommendation to switch from conventional to high-mileage motor oil is when the odometer registers 75,000 miles. This motor oil protects older engines better and does an excellent job of preventing oil leaks. It needs to be changed every 3,000 miles just like conventional oil.

Synthetic

The newbie on the market is synthetic motor oil. This motor oil is manufactured in a lab out of organic crude and other ingredients. Synthetic motor oil is specifically designed for engines that need extra protection, such as high-performance engines. It also works well if you live in an area that has sub-zero winters or extremely hot summers. If you drive your automobile with the attitude that fast is never too fast, synthetic oil will do a better job of protecting your engine. This oil is more expensive but it lasts longer than conventional. It generally needs to be changed every 7,500 miles.

Synthetic Blend

Finally, if you can’t decide between conventional or synthetic, choose a synthetic blend that is made from both oils. This motor oil is less expensive than full synthetic oil but comes with some of its benefits. It’s a happy medium between the two motor oils.

Again, schedule your next oil change with Heath’s Auto Service in Flagstaff, AZ, so we can talk with you about the best motor oil for your car, truck, or utility vehicle.

Photo by miflippo Getty Images via Canva Pro
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