Engine oil is the lifeblood of your vehicle's engine. It lubricates moving parts, reduces friction, and helps keep the engine cool. Without it, your engine would quickly overheat, wear out, and ultimately fail.

Aside from lubrication, engine oil serves several critical functions: it cleans, inhibits corrosion, improves sealing, and dampens shock. The right engine oil can enhance performance and extend the life of your engine.

Understanding Viscosity

Viscosity refers to the thickness of the oil and its ability to flow at different temperatures. It's a key property that affects engine performance and protection.

Viscosity ratings are denoted by numbers like 5W-30. The 'W' stands for winter, indicating the oil's flow at cold temperatures, while the second number indicates the flow at engine operating temperatures.

Types of Engine Oil

Conventional oil, derived from crude oil, is suitable for many engines and often recommended for older models or vehicles with simple engine designs.

Synthetic oil is engineered to provide superior performance and protection. It operates well at high temperatures and maintains its viscosity over time.

Synthetic blend oil offers a middle ground between conventional and full synthetic oils, providing better protection and performance than conventional oil at a lower cost than full synthetic.

High mileage oil is specifically formulated for vehicles with over 75,000 miles. It contains additives to reduce oil burn-off and leaks while protecting aging engine components.

Engine Oil Additives

Additives are chemicals added to oil to enhance its performance and protective qualities. They can prevent sludge build-up, protect against wear, and improve temperature performance.

Detergents, dispersants, antioxidants, and friction modifiers are among the common additives that help keep the engine clean and running smoothly.

Choosing the Right Oil for Your Vehicle

Always start with your vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations when choosing engine oil. They specify the oil that best suits the engine's design and performance requirements.

Your driving habits and conditions can affect the type of oil you should use. Extreme temperatures, towing, and frequent short trips require oils with specific properties.

Modern oils and engines have extended the traditional 3,000-mile oil change interval. Refer to your owner’s manual and consider the oil's quality and your driving conditions when planning oil changes.

Environmental Considerations

Used engine oil can be recycled and refined into new oil or used for other purposes. Proper disposal and recycling help prevent environmental contamination.

Biodegradable and synthetic oils with reduced environmental impact are available for those looking to make eco-friendly choices.