Synthetic Oil « Brake Buddy's Auto Repair & Maintenance Blog

Posts Tagged ‘Synthetic Oil’

How To Find The Right Oil For Your Car or Truck

Monday, July 18th, 2011

oil When you get your oil changed, the choices can sometimes be overwhelming.

The next time that you need your oil changed, remember these tips to help make the process easier.

1) How Much Oil Does My Vehicle Need?

The size of your engine will dictate the amount of oil that you need. Bigger engines require more oil to fill them. This could greatly affect your choice in oil. Most oil changes include up to five quarts of oil. If your vehicle requires more than that, it could greatly increase the price, especially if the oil is expensive.

2) Which Oil is Best for My Engine?

The grade of oil is the first number that is listed when talking about oil. It goes up to 70. This number can also be called the oil weight. Common oil grades are 5W-30, 10W-20, and 20W-30. The “W” lets you know that that oil meets low temperature standards. The second number is the motor oil viscosity and will be 10, 20 or 30. The best viscosity for your engine will depend on its type and will be listed in your owner’s manual.

3) Should I Get Conventional or Semi/Full Synthetic Oil?

Depending on the age of your vehicle or type of engine, semi or full synthetic oil could be recommended. Most vehicles that have more than 75,000 miles should be using a special high-mileage blend, which is usually semi synthetic. Certain performance engines require full synthetic oil. You should be able to find this information in your owner’s manual. Be aware that full synthetic can cost up to three times as much as conventional oil and semi synthetic will also be more (but not as much as full synthetic).

Knowing the type of oil that is best for your engine can help you save money and keep it running smoothly. This will increase its efficiency and help it last longer.

Tags: Motor Oil, oil change, Synthetic Oil
Posted in Car Lubricant Info, Oil Change Tips | Comments Off

The Difference Between Synthetic And Conventional Motor Oil

Friday, February 4th, 2011

You’ve probably heard of the terms synthetic motor oil and conventional motor oil. But do you know the difference? Do you know the benefits and disadvantages of each?

You can probably guess that synthetic motor oil has some sort of man-made elements to it while conventional motor oil is the stuff pumped from the ground. Obviously, there are more differences between the two types of oil.

Synthetic oil was developed during the 1970s. Synthetic oil is oil, but it is created through chemical reactions. Scientists chemically combined different molecules to create a lubricant that is free of metals and other elements.

Conventional oil is pumped from the ground and goes through a refining process to remove contaminants and metals. No matter how much the oil is refined, it will not be as pure as synthetic oil.

Conventional Oil Benefits: Conventional oil is a fairly reliable lubricant for your vehicle. One of the major benefits is cost. It is typically cheaper than most synthetic oils.
Conventional Oil Disadvantages: Conventional oil does not work well under extreme temperatures. In the extreme cold, conventional oil can become tick and gooey. In extreme heat, conventional oil can break down.
Synthetic Oil Benefits: Synthetic oils can handle extreme conditions because they were developed in laboratories for extreme performance. Because of its chemical makeup, synthetic oils reduce wear, giving your car or truck a cleaner engine.
Synthetic Oil Disadvantages: The major disadvantage with synthetic oils is price.

When selecting between synthetic and conventional motor oil, it’s usually better to go with synthetic oil. However, always consult with your car or truck’s owner manual or a mechanic before getting an oil change.

Before you get a Phoenix oil change or a Las Cruces oil change, be sure to talk to your mechanic about synthetic and conventional motor oil.

Tags: Conventional Oil, difference between synthetic and conventional motor oil, Motor Oil, Synthetic Oil
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Synthetic Or Conventional Oil?

Wednesday, February 3rd, 2010

Find out if you should be using conventional or synthetic oil in your car.

Before synthetic oil was created, people argued about which brand and weight of oil to choose. Now that synthetic oil is also available, you have even more options to sort through to discover which type of oil truly is best for your engine. In order to make the best decision, it is important to know the difference between synthetic and conventional oil before you get your next Tucson oil change.

Conventional oil is rated according to an SAE system. This system allows you to determine the type of oil you will need to use based on the environmental conditions where you live and drive. For instance, a type of conventional oil may be listed as 10W30. The number before the W indicated the viscosity of the oil. The lower the number, the better it is for colder temperatures and the higher the number is, the better it is for hotter temperatures.

Synthetic oil was initially made for military jets and vehicles and was designed to not break down as quickly. Also, it is made to withstand all temperature extremes, both hot and cold. Synthetic oil also has more additives that are meant to protect your engine for a longer amount of time before you have to change it. So, if you drive in extreme conditions, it may be best to use synthetic oil.

Another factor you must consider when choosing is the cost. Synthetic oil can cost up to three or four times as much as conventional oil. However, unlike conventional oil, you can go far longer without an oil change as long as you are changing your oil filter regularly. Remember though, that just because you do not have to have your oil changed as often does not mean you do not need to have to rest of your car checked and maintained regularly.

With regular, everyday driving in average conditions, conventional oil may be best for you. However, if you drive in extreme conditions, be it weather, a lot of short driving (2-20 miles) daily, or any other cause, synthetic may be the best decision for you. Talk with your car maintenance specialists before your next Phoenix oil change if you are still unsure and they will help you determine the best option for you and your car.

Tags: Conventional Oil, Synthetic Oil, Tucson Oil Change
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What Kind of Oil Should You Use in Your Car?

Monday, December 28th, 2009

Learn the best oil to use to get the most out of your car.

In general, most motor oils will serve your vehicle just fine. Generally a type is specified in the vehicle manufacturer manual and is usually any oil that meets the American Petroleum Institute’s “SH” rating. While some prefer high performance synthetic oil, it is not necessary for all vehicles.

Most new engines require a multi-viscosity 5W-30 oil for general driving. Most engine wear occurs during a cold start, so it’s important to have oil that is thin enough to circulate easily

Regardless of the type of oil that you use, you will still need to get an Albuquerque oil change and an El Paso car tune up regularly to keep your engine running smoothly for longer. Every 3,000 miles is the rule of thumb for oil changes, but ask your brake mechanic for specific recommendations.

Tags: American Petroleum Institute, API, Motor Oil, Synthetic Oil
Posted in Oil Change Tips | Comments Off