Engine oil is the lifeblood of your engine. It is, therefore, imperative to pick the right kind of oil for your car. However, there are many choices available in the market today, so it can be confusing for someone unfamiliar with the ins and outs of a car’s engine.
This blog post by Cutter Buick GMC provides you with a guide on choosing the right engine oil for your vehicle.
What Type of Lubricant Does Your Car Require?
Before anything else, determine what type of lubrication system your engine requires.
If it uses full-synthetic oil, then purchase it instead of conventional or semi-synthetic oils. Full-synthetic oil offers greater protection against friction which could damage metal parts inside an engine.
Semi-synthetic oils are usually created from a blend of conventional and full-synthetic oil. Conventional oils are the most affordable option, but they don’t last as long as full-synthetic oils.
In addition, find out what viscosity grade is required by your vehicle’s engine. Higher viscosity grades are more suitable for colder climates, while lower grades work better in regions with warmer weather.
Determine How Much You Can Afford to Spend on Engine Oil
Quality engine oil shouldn’t be cheap, which means that you have to consider your budget before going shopping for new oil. If you’re short on cash, then it might be wiser to opt for a semi or fully synthetic lubricant instead of the premium brands.
Consider The Specifications of Your Vehicle
Your owner’s manual should have a list or graph indicating what the manufacturer recommends specific viscosity grade. If you can’t find this information, then look at your vehicle’s oil filler cap for further guidance.
The best practice here would be to choose an oil whose SAE weight is closest to what’s indicated on the oil filler cap – the engine will be properly lubricated, and there won’t be any excess oil getting burned off during operation.
Determine if You Need an EPA-Rated Motor Oil
You’ll have to use only motor oils that bear an EPA establishment number in certain states. If you don’t know whether or not your area requires this, it’s best to choose an EPA-rated oil just in case.
Remember that the 5W30 viscosity grade is most commonly used for passenger cars and light trucks.
Check Out Customer Reviews
If you’re still on the fence about which specific product to buy, then make sure to look at customer reviews online before making your final choice. Some engines are more sensitive, and manufacturers may use various additives (like friction modifiers).
This means that certain motor oils may cause problems (like premature wear) while other products will work well with all kinds of engine setups. It’s also worth noting that some motor oils are specifically designed for cars with high-performance engines (in which case they would typically be labeled as “H/P” or something similar).
If you are having trouble choosing the right engine oil, Cutter Buick GMC, serving Waipahu, HI, is here to help you. Our staff is well-equipped to not only provide oil change and other maintenance/repair services, but we’ll also be happy to answer your questions and provide accurate information based on your engine’s make and model.
So, schedule your appointment now or bring your car in and let us take care of it.
Connect with us
