America isn’t just the land of opportunity; it’s also the land of variety. You might head to a drugstore looking for a few simple things (toothpaste, shampoo, toilet paper) and be confronted with shelves upon shelves of options. Do you want minty fresh or spearmint toothpaste? Would you prefer shampoo that adds volume, smooths frizz, or protects color? Do you like soft toilet paper or strong toilet paper? As overwhelming as this variety may be, sometimes it truly is necessary. Take, for example, the various types of motor oil, which are designed for many different purposes . . .

There is a reason why the shelves of your local automotive store are stocked with a variety of motor oils. Choosing the correct type of oil is important if you want to aid your vehicle’s performance and protect the engine’s health. If you’re looking for new motor oil for your car, you first need to learn about these details:

• Additives. Additives are included to improve and maintain the oil’s performance. For example, detergents remove deposits, friction modifiers reduce engine friction, and antioxidants prevent oxidation (which causes the oil to thicken).
• Viscosity. Viscosity refers to the oil’s ability to flow, and every oil product includes a viscosity rating. Your vehicle is likely designed to run on multi-viscosity oil, though some cars do require a single-viscosity version. The lower the viscosity, the thinner the oil and the higher the flow. Look in your owner’s manual to determine the oil viscosity needed for your vehicle.
• Classification Codes. Be sure that your chosen oil has a starburst symbol on the label, certifying that the oil meets the current engine protection standard and fuel economy requirements of the International Lubricant Standardization Approval Committee (ILSAC). If certain performance standards are important to you, keep an eye out for them.

Next, you’ll need to explore the four different types of motor oil: conventional oils, synthetic oils, synthetic blends, and high-mileage oils.

Conventional motor oils use base oils, which are enhanced with additives to ensure that the oil has the necessary heat tolerance, breakdown resistance, and viscosity. This very common oil is available in a variety of viscosity grades and quality levels, and it is typically recommended for drivers with low-mileage, late-model vehicles with routine driving habits.

Synthetic motor oils are created in a lab by engineers, scientists, and chemists using precisely measured ingredients. These ingredients combine to form quality oil that offers high levels of lubrication and engine protection. Synthetic oils tend to be highly durable as well, offering excellent heat protection. They are more expensive, but they also allow you to extend the time between your vehicle’s oil changes.

Synthetic blend motor oils use a mixture of synthetic and conventional motor oils. This combination reduces oil loss and also lowers the cost (when compared with full synthetic oils). They are typically recommended for vehicles that carry heavy loads, tow trailers, or operate at high RPMs.

High-mileage motor oils are designed for (you guessed it!) vehicles that have a high mileage, typically over 75,000 miles. Although some old vehicles work best with synthetic oil even in old age, high-mileage oils are sometimes recommended due to their unique additives and viscosity, which can enhance the engine performance of older cars.

Wondering which type of oil your vehicle needs? Check your owner’s manual and discuss options with your mechanic when you schedule your next oil change. Finally, if you live in southwest Missouri or northern Arkansas, call Seeburg Service Center to schedule your next oil change. We are locally owned and operate in Fayetteville (AR) and Rogers (AR). Since 1972, our auto repair experts have been providing top-notch auto maintenance services with a goal of exceeding our customers’ expectations. We would love to help you keep your vehicle’s engine healthy for years to come. Please give us a call or schedule an appointment online to get started.