Choosing The Correct Engine Oil For Your Car

Choosing the correct oil for your car can be confusing. The overwhelming number of engine oil options available is mind-boggling. There are different brands, types, grades, and formulas. How is a person supposed to choose? Lucky for you, this blog should help. I’ll explain the differences between conventional engine oil and full-synthetic, plus point you to the best oil change service in Midland, MI.

Engine Oil Types

Back when motorized carriages first arrived on the scene, engine oil was far from the sophisticated stuff we use today. Modern-day vehicles are so varied in design and purpose that engine oil types are categorized into different types to meet the specific needs of each automobile. 

Conventional Oil

Conventional engine oil is the first oil used in most early vehicle designs. It consists of refined mineral oil (crude oil) from petroleum. This type of oil undergoes a refining process that removes impurities. Then, manufacturers include various chemical additives to reduce sludge buildup, prevent corrosion, and enhance lubrication properties. Conventional oil is typically the most cost-effective option for internal combustion engines.

Full-Synthetic Oil

Engineers create full-synthetic oil in laboratories from several source materials. Some oil manufacturers start with extensively refined crude oil (or a byproduct), while others extract a synthetic oil base from natural gas. The manufacturing process is complex, expensive, and each company closely guards the formulations. In addition to the unique refining process, each full-synthetic oil formula also contains a unique recipe of chemical additives that enhance the oil’s performance.

Synthetic-Blend Oil

Synthetic-blend oil is a mixture of conventional and full-synthetic oils. Typically, these formulas consist of about 30% full-synthetic oil, with the balance being conventional oil and chemical additives. The additives help decrease evaporation characteristics while providing the corrosion prevention and lubrication properties vehicles require. One main benefit of synthetic-blend engine oils is that they’re usually more cost-effective than full-synthetic engine oils.

High-Mileage Oil

Older vehicles or newer models with 75,000 miles or more on the odometer may benefit from using high-mileage oil formulas. This oil type is usually synthetic (full or blend) and contains specific chemical additives that help reduce oil leaks by inflating the engine’s seals and gaskets. Additionally, some high-mileage formulas also prevent sludge accumulation.

Hybrid-Vehicle Oil

Hybrid engines operate differently compared to traditional gas engines. The engine oil used in hybrid vehicles has distinct characteristics that separate it from other oils. Since hybrid cars operate with frequent starts and stops, the engine’s operational temperature fluctuates a lot. Most hybrid-vehicle oils are high-quality synthetic oils with a multi-viscosity rating (like 0W-20 or 5W-30). They provide optimal protection and efficiency during cold starts and in high-temperature conditions.

What About Engine Oil Grades?

Having a general understanding of engine oil grades is essential knowledge for all motorists. SAE International developed a rating system for engine lubricants. For more information on oil grades, viscosity, and weight, click here. 

Oil Change Intervals

Auto manufacturers recommend oil change intervals based on the vehicle’s make, model, and year. You can find these guidelines in your owner’s manual, but they may change due to environmental factors, driving habits, and other conditions. Below are some ballpark, generic time frames for oil change services based on average driving conditions.

• Conventional Oil: change every 3 to 6 months or 3,500 – 5,000 miles
• Full-Synthetic Oil: change every 9 to 12 months or 10,000 – 15,000 miles
• Synthetic-Blend Oil: change every 6 to 9 months or 6,000 miles
• High-Mileage Oil: change every 6 to 9 months or 5,000 – 6,000 miles
• Hybrid-Vehicle Oil: change every 6 to 12 months or 5,000 – 10,000 miles

Car Repairs & Oil Change in Midland, MI

All A’s Automotive & Transmission Repair offers full-service car repairs and the best oil change service in Midland, MI. Our mechanics will check your engine oil levels and replace the old stuff with fresh conventional, synthetic-blend, or full-synthetic oil. During an oil change, we will also replace the oil filter and perform a thorough inspection to ensure your vehicle is running efficiently and safely.

Schedule Your Oil Change

Give us a call at (989) 631-4672, visit us online, or stop by the shop to schedule your next oil change service.

1300 S Poseyville Rd, 
Midland, MI 48640

Monday – Friday: 7:30AM – 6:00PM 
Saturday – Sunday: Closed