As you know, regular oil changes are important so that the moving parts of your vehicle’s engine are kept lubricated and prevent excessive engine wear and tear. Any auto mechanic will usually recommend an oil change on a regular basis to keep your vehicle functioning efficiently.
A couple of facts you may want to know about oil before your next oil change:
- Grades: The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) grades each type of oil according to how thin or how thick it is. The higher the grade–-up to 70–-the higher the viscosity (or thickness). These grade numbers are referred to as the weight. You’ve probably heard the terms referring to the common weights of 5W-30, 10W-20 and 10W-30.
- Viscosity: This is an important factor in determining which type of oil is right for your car. Most vehicles can use “multi-viscosity” which has passed the SAE specifications--thinner oil at lower temperatures, and thicker at higher temperatures. When it’s time for your next oil change, consider the range of temperatures and the time of year in which you are driving.
Here are the differences between the three main types:
- Conventional: Organic and limited in its capabilities, and highly reactive to temperatures.
- Synthetic: Gives better engine performance, more slippery, and has fewer imperfections in its chemical buildup. Synthetic can cost up to three times as much, but the interval between oil changes can be greater longer.
- Synthetic blend: Combination of conventional and synthetic, is usually less expensive, but provides the same performance enhancement as a synthetic.
If you still have questions when it’s time for an oil change, it is best to follow your vehicle’s manufacturer’s recommendations. For the final say, consult your local auto mechanic--they’ll know what’s right for your vehicle.
Need expert advice about oil changes? Contact our ASE-Certified Technicians today by calling (763) 389-3811, or go on-line at https://www.rumriverauto.com/ for more information and find our oil change coupons. Since 1997, our auto repair shop has served vehicle owners in Princeton, MN, and in the surrounding areas of Milaca, MN and Zimmerman, MN.
As you know, regular oil changes are important so that the moving parts of your vehicle’s engine are kept lubricated and prevent excessive engine wear and tear. Any auto mechanic will usually recommend an oil change on a regular basis to keep your vehicle functioning efficiently.
A couple of facts you may want to know about oil before your next oil change:
- Grades: The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) grades each type of oil according to how thin or how thick it is. The higher the grade–-up to 70–-the higher the viscosity (or thickness). These grade numbers are referred to as the weight. You’ve probably heard the terms referring to the common weights of 5W-30, 10W-20 and 10W-30.
- Viscosity: This is an important factor in determining which type of oil is right for your car. Most vehicles can use “multi-viscosity” which has passed the SAE specifications--thinner oil at lower temperatures, and thicker at higher temperatures. When it’s time for your next oil change, consider the range of temperatures and the time of year in which you are driving.
Here are the differences between the three main types:
- Conventional: Organic and limited in its capabilities, and highly reactive to temperatures.
- Synthetic: Gives better engine performance, more slippery, and has fewer imperfections in its chemical buildup. Synthetic can cost up to three times as much, but the interval between oil changes can be greater longer.
- Synthetic blend: Combination of conventional and synthetic, is usually less expensive, but provides the same performance enhancement as a synthetic.
If you still have questions when it’s time for an oil change, it is best to follow your vehicle’s manufacturer’s recommendations. For the final say, consult your local auto mechanic--they’ll know what’s right for your vehicle.
Need expert advice about oil changes? Contact our ASE-Certified Technicians today by calling (763) 389-3811, or go on-line at https://www.rumriverauto.com/ for more information and find our oil change coupons. Since 1997, our auto repair shop has served vehicle owners in Princeton, MN, and in the surrounding areas of Milaca, MN and Zimmerman, MN.
