Car Oil Types

The Difference Between Motor Oils

The large selection of motor oils at the supermarket or automotive store could be quite intimidating to those unfamiliar with the differences. Along with modern additives, motor oil comprises either conventional, fully synthetic, or synthetic blends of oil. There are also special varieties of motor oil, such as those for high mileage vehicles. Typically found in your vehicle's glove compartment service manual, our certified auto-technicians can also assist you in finding the best oil for your car.

Conventional Motor Oil

The cheapest and most common motor oil available on the market is conventional oil. Factories produce it by refining crude oil, the same source of gasoline or diesel fuel. Light-duty vehicles that don't travel very long distances are most often recommended to use conventional oil. It's most appropriate for cars in areas where the climate remains much of the same between the seasons.

Full Synthetic Motor Oil

For the best lubrication and performance enhancement from motor oil, or for those who live in places with extreme temperatures, full synthetic is the choice for you. Full synthetic differs from the conventional oil in that it's produced from scratch in a lab or factory without using crude oil, making for a much more refined motor oil. Lacking the possible contaminants in crude oil, full synthetic is highly resistant to oil sludge and lasts longer between oil changes. It allows for higher viscosity, higher resistance to oxidation, and better protection from the thermal breakdown of the engine. You may even get a better throttle response due to the improved efficiency of your engine after making the switch to full synthetic from conventional oil.

Synthetic Blend Motor Oil

Motor oils can also be made of a blend of conventional and synthetic oils with a combination of additives. It offers many of the same benefits as full synthetic, but for a lower cost. However, because it contains conventional oil, it won't last as long as full synthetic.

High Mileage Motor Oil

For vehicles that have surpassed 75,000 miles, switching to a high mileage motor oil is highly recommended. It's offered as a variety of either conventional, fully synthetic, or synthetic blends. It differs from regular motor oil in that it comes with special additives, such as a seal conditioner to prevent leaks. It's an effective aid for high oil consumption and high emissions from high mileage engines.

For more assistance in choosing the best motor oil for your needs, contact us today, and we'll be happy to help.