Regular oil changes are a critical part of your vehicle’s maintenance routine. More than anything else, they can determine your engine’s ultimate longevity and reliability. Despite that, many people don’t know how to choose the right oil for their vehicles. To help, here’s a guide to doing exactly that.

Check With Your Vehicle’s Manufacturer

A simple way to choose the right oil for your vehicle is to consult its manufacturer. They’ll specify a specific oil weight that your vehicle requires. Some cars will also have particular oil type recommendations. Oil weight is a designation that lets you know the fluid’s viscosity. You’ll find the weight of a given oil printed on its container. However, it’s vital that you understand how those weight designations work.

Most oil weights feature two numbers, separated by a W. Each number indicates the oil’s flow rate at different ends of the temperature spectrum. The first number tells you the viscosity in winter conditions. The lower the number, the thinner the oil. Thin oil will move through your engine quickly at startup, providing immediate protection to moving parts. The second number indicates the oil’s viscosity at 100°C. A slightly thicker oil at that temperature guarantees it will stick to moving parts and form a stable coating.

Consider Vehicle Mileage and Age

As your vehicle ages, its oil needs may diverge from the manufacturer’s original specifications. For one thing, a high-mileage vehicle may benefit from using a higher viscosity oil than its manufacturer specifies. The reason is wear and tear. As the moving parts inside your engine wear down, the tolerances between them increase. A heavier oil creates a thicker protective layer to fill the additional space.

An oil formulated for high-mileage vehicles also contains seal conditioners and detergents that ordinary oils don’t. The additives help reduce the chance of leaks and slow down additional wear inside your engine. High-mileage oils are an excellent idea if your vehicle has begun consuming oil at an accelerated rate. It will slow the consumption rate and keep the oil where you need it—inside your engine.

Consider Your Driving Style

How you use your vehicle also plays a role in determining the right oil for your needs. For example, standard conventional oil should suffice if you primarily use your car on long highway drives. However, if you use your vehicle for short, stop-and-go commutes, you may want high-performance synthetic oil. Short drives mean your car will operate at lower temperatures, affecting how the oil works. Synthetic oil would provide excellent engine protection in those sub-optimal conditions.

Try Not to Switch Oils

Finally, it’s typically recommended to choose an oil type and stick with it unless there’s a compelling reason to change. So, once you select the right weight, formulation, and brand, you should keep using it. That will create a predictable environment for your engine and reduce the odds of oil-related breakdowns. You should only need to switch oils if your engine’s operating characteristics change. However, it’s always best to consult a qualified mechanic before substituting your vehicle’s oil.

Published by: Nelly Chavez