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Time For An Oil Change?

time for an engine oilWhen it’s time for an oil change for your vehicle, knowing the best type of oil for your car is key. Engine oil is vital in keeping your vehicle running. Oil is the lifeblood for your vehicle and can affect the life of your engine, maintenance schedules, fuel economy, and so much more. That’s why it’s important to choose the right motor oil for your car, truck, or SUV.

Automotive engines have a lot of moving parts that cause friction and heat. Oil is used to help lubricate the engine and absorbs the heat, allowing the internal engine components to work efficiently and prevent overheating. After time, motor oil begins to break down and is unable to perform its duty as effectively. Changing the oil during the appropriate intervals ensures that the oil in your engine is always fresh and clean allowing it to protect the engine properly. There are several different types of engine oil including conventional, synthetic blend, high-mileage, full synthetic, and European oils that can affect how often they need to be changed.

Types of Oils

Conventional is a petroleum-based oil made from a refined crude oil that comes from underground. While conventional oils cost less, they are more sensitive to temperature changes and will thicken in colder temperatures and thin out when hot. Conventional oils are also more susceptible to creating sludge, a tar-like deposit that builds up within the engine. Sludge often occurs due to the thickening of oil, carbons, and contaminants.

Synthetic Blend is a combination of conventional and synthetic oils allowing for better performance, lubrication, and protection of internal parts. Synthetic blend oils last longer because they do not break down as easy compared to conventional oils and are better at resisting heat. Though they cost more than a conventional oil, they are less expensive than full synthetic oils.

High-Mileage Synthetic Blend as suggested in the name, these oils are used for vehicles that have clocked 75,000 miles or more on the odometer. Because vehicle manufacturing has improved, and cars and trucks are lasting longer, a high-mileage synthetic blend oil becomes necessary. This oil has all the features of synthetic blend oils but also possesses improved additives and detergents that better protect the vehicle from extreme temperatures, wear, and sludge build up. Additives help extend the life of higher-mileage engines and protect seals, making them more pliable to prevent leaks as well as added protection for the piston rings. Antioxidants added to the oil prevent the degrading of oil as a result of oxidation. Detergents help to keep the engine clean by removing sludge. High-mileage synthetic blend oil last longer than conventional petroleum and cost less than a full synthetic oil.

Full Synthetic Oil is made from crude oil but is purified and broken down into basic molecules that are tailor-made to meet the demands of modern vehicle engines and possess enhanced additives that are synthetically produced. Compared to conventional oils, full synthetics cost more yet have better lubricating properties, remove more impurities, and because the molecules are smaller and more refined, last longer. Full synthetic oils don’t break down as easily as they are more resistant to heat, contain less impurities which aids in resisting sludge build up, and are not often affected by temperature changes. This helps the engine consume less oil.

European oils possess many of the same qualities as full synthetic oils but also contain special additives for more strict emissions. European oils are typically used with luxury vehicles and European produced vehicles. Each oil varies based on the manufacturer’s recommendation on weight or additives. European oils are the most expensive oils available, yet oil change frequencies are more seldom than most.

Filters Matter

While oil is the life blood of the engine, the oil filter is equally as important. Clean motor oil is a must when it comes to your engine’s performance. Oil, if left unfiltered, becomes overloaded with tiny, hard particles that damage surfaces within the engine including the oil pump’s machined components, cylinders, pistons, and bearing surfaces. A clean, quality filter also helps maintain the oil pressure once the engine is turned off and restarted thanks to the pressure valves. Most filters are similar in appearance; however, they can vary significantly in quality. Top quality filters have better pressure relief valves and possess a better filtering element allowing them to filter smaller particles resulting in a longer life. Using the incorrect filter for your car can result in oil leaks, cause a negative effect on oil pressure, or reduce the quality of filtering particles.

Improvements to modern oils including synthetic blends, full synthetics, and even high mileage oils, frequencies have changed in how often they should be changed. Refer to your owner’s manual for recommendations on oil change frequencies. Keep in mind, severe climates can affect oil change frequencies. If your vehicle requires conventional oil it should be changed every 3,000 miles not to exceed 4,000. For Synthetic oils every 5,000 miles not to exceed 6,000 miles.

Sun Auto Service uses top quality Valvoline oils and premium filters. The Sun Auto Service oil change includes lube, oil, and filter as well as a complimentary tire rotation and multi-point inspection all performed in about an hour! Ready to schedule your next oil change?  We offer convenient online scheduling that works around your schedule. Fast, convenient, quality at a competitive price that’s the Sun Auto Service oil change.

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