If you own a car or truck, oil changes are a routine part of car maintenance. Your vehicle can’t run without engine oil. However, over time, the oil quality diminishes. It becomes dirty. Its additives will become depleted. In some cases, the oil may even leak out–a common problem for older cars. Old oil as it becomes dirty and sludge-like can get into the vehicle’s engine and actually cause damage to engine parts. In other words, dirty oil isn’t good for your car’s engine. That’s why it’s crucial for auto owners to maintain the well-being of their vehicle’s engine with frequent oil changes. 

What Does Engine Oil Do?

Engine oil, sometimes referred to as motor oil, helps ensure that engine parts like pistons and valves operate smoothly and prevent engine wear. Engine oil helps reduce the wear of engine parts by minimizing friction. Motor oil helps transfer heat, so it supports the engine’s cooling system, reducing the risk of overheating from too much engine heat. Proper oil filled to the optimal oil level helps car owners keep their vehicle and its mechanical parts operating properly and reduces breakdowns. 

Choosing the Right Car Oil

The best way to determine the right car oil for your vehicle is to check the owner’s manual. You can choose synthetic oil or full synthetic oil or conventional oil. The manual will list a recommended oil as well as how often owners should get oil changes. Many of the old rules regarding oil changes are no longer recommended. For instance, it used to be a typical rule of thumb to get an oil change every 3,000 to 5,000 miles. Most auto manufacturers, today, suggest getting the oil changed every 5,000 and 7,000 miles driven. 

Synthetic Oil

Synthetic oil is created in a lab. It features artificially created oil molecules and, often, includes a base of highly refined crude oil. Full synthetic motor oil does not include that crude oil base but, instead, features all artificial molecules. Synthetic oil offers many advantages over conventional oil because it’s lab created for improved performance. For instance, it may improve fuel economy. Many modern vehicles use this type of oil.

Conventional Oil

Conventional oil comes in various grades, but it all is derived from crude oil. It features different levels of viscosity. Again, the owner’s manual for your vehicle will recommend which oil to select. It’s important to use the right oil for your vehicle, so follow the auto manufacturer’s recommendations.

When Should You Change Your Oil?

As mentioned, many auto manufacturers recommend having an oil change every 5,000 to 7,000 miles driven. Conversely, if you don’t drive that many miles, you should aim to change your oil every six months. This is general information. It’s important to follow your manual’s recommendation. The timeframe for getting an oil change is also dependent on the type of oil in question. Synthetic oils may need to be changed slightly less frequently.

It’s also important for car owners to ensure that their car has enough oil. Older cars may leak oil, for example. Check your oil to determine that it’s at the proper oil level. If not, you need to add oil or get an oil change to ensure it has enough oil to support the car’s efficient operation. If your car’s oil light comes on, it may be a reminder to get an oil change or that you don’t have enough engine oil.

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