The first step in determining the right oil for your car is to look in your vehicle owner’s manual. The manual will provide the manufacturer’s recommended minimum oil specifications for your vehicle.
Different types of oil have different viscosities and performance in protecting your engine. Choosing the best motor oil also involves several other factors:
The type of vehicle: A high-performance sports car will need a different type of oil than a pickup truck.
The vehicle’s age/total mileage: Many newer vehicles require full synthetic motor oil, but not always. Some require a synthetic blend. Alternatively, as a vehicle ages, high-mileage motor oil often provides added protection for vehicles with 75,000 miles or more.
Your driving habits: How and where you drive have a significant impact on the life expectancy of your vehicle’s oil. If you take a lot of short trips or are frequently in start-and-stop traffic, you may need a higher quality oil to prevent increased wear and tear on your engine. Also, higher summer temperatures, like we experience here in the Austin area, directly affect how quickly the oil flows and lubricates your engine components. This means you may need to use a different oil in the summer.
Our expert technicians here at Lamb’s Tire & Automotive will recommend the best type of motor oil for your engine. Schedule your appointment today for an oil change service and make sure your engine is protected.