Car Oil Types

The Different Varieties of Motor Oil

At the store, there's always a large wall of many different brands and varieties of motor oil that may be intimidating to a first-time buyer. The best choice of oil for your vehicle can be determined by several different factors, such as the climate of where it is driven, your driving style, the mileage on the odometer, or the vehicle's age. The factory-recommended oil type is usually listed in your glove compartment's service manual. Our certified technicians can also help guide you in finding the perfect motor oil for your application.

Conventional Motor Oil

The cheapest, most common type of motor oil available on the market is conventional oil. It's manufactured through a factory's refining process of crude oil extracted straight from the earth, similar to gasoline. It's perfect for cars that rarely travel long distances. It's the most appropriate choice of motor oil for drivers who live in areas where the temperature doesn't change much throughout the year. ​

Full Synthetic Motor Oil

Full synthetic motor oil is the most expensive choice. However, the benefits are proportional to the difference in price compared to conventional. It's manufactured entirely in a lab or factory through very consistent processes, which allows for a much more refined product. It can provide the best lubrication available, especially through its ability to be run at a higher viscosity than conventional. The benefits also include a higher resistance to oxidation, protection against thermal breakdown of engine parts, and the best resistance to oil sludge.

Any vehicle that initially takes conventional can safely switch to synthetic oils. It also lasts longer between oil changes, and you may notice a gain in engine performance and gas mileage. Compared to conventional, it's even more suitable for those who live in extremely hot or cold temperatures.

Synthetic Blend Motor Oil

Synthetic blended oil offers many straight synthetic benefits, such as high oxidation resistance, but is more affordable. It's a mixture of conventional oil, full synthetic, and protective additives. It lasts longer than conventional oil, but not as long as full synthetic. Like full synthetic, it can safely replace the conventional oil of any engine.

High Mileage Motor Oil

High mileage motor oil can also come in conventional, fully synthetic, or a synthetic blends. It's highly recommended for vehicles driven over 75,000 miles, as it is an effective remedy for high oil consumption and emissions. Its selling point is the mixture of special additives for older engines, such as seal conditioners, to minimize leaks.

For more information on motor oil varieties or assistance in finding the best oil for your vehicle, call our service department today.