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OUR BLOG

06/08/2017
This post can help you understand the differences between certain types of engine oil. The more you know, the easier it is to make the right choice during your next oil change.

Tips to Help You Choose the Right Engine Oil

Getting your oil changed can be intimidating even if you're not doing the work yourself. Simply having to choose the oil for your engine can get confusing. To understand what makes all your choices different, check out this information.

The Main Types of Engine Oil

  • Conventional motor oil: Conventional oil is the most well-known type of oil for a few reasons. It tends to be the cheapest option on the market and is also the oldest type of oil. The reason it's so affordable is because it meets API requirements but usually doesn't offer much more. While it offers standard protection, it doesn't offer the added protection to keep your engine at its absolute best. Using a conventional oil also means more frequent oil changes and more spending.
  • Synthetic motor oil: Synthetic oil tends to be more pricey than conventional oil, but this is due to the added protection it offers. Synthetic oil is man-made which results in better control over the molecules that make up its formula. This results in a more stable oil that lasts longer. This means fewer oil changes, helping to reduce your spending and your carbon footprint. These oils also offer superior engine protection thanks to their impressive additive packages. This means your engine experiences fewer deposits, less friction, reduced engine strain, and even better fuel economy.
  • Synthetic blend: A synthetic blend is basically a combination of conventional and synthetic oil properties. Its price range usually falls in between the price of a conventional oil and a synthetic oil for good reason. It doesn't offer the same benefits as a full synthetic oil, but it does offer some.
  • High mileage oil: High mileage oil is designed to meet the requirements of engines that are still in use after accumulating an impressive amount of miles. As engines are designed to last longer, the need for this type of oil is growing. Engines with high mileage tend to suffer from leaks, added wear, and more deposits. High mileage oil addresses these needs and others so that your high mileage engine is able to last even longer.
Before getting your next oil change, consider making it a full synthetic oil change. To find the perfect products for your synthetic oil change in Ann Arbor, contact AMSOIL Dealer, Dwight Smith at (702) 561-3706. Their experts can recommend the perfect oil for your engine, including AMSOIL's Signature Series 0W-20 Synthetic Motor Oil. You can check out their full range of products in their online shop.

Diesel Motor Oil

Diesel engines work differently than gas engines, and therefore need a different type of oil. Diesel engines should use an oil designed specifically for the conditions they work under. Generally speaking, these types of engines need higher viscosity oils in order to be better protected. They may also require oil changes more often because of the extreme heat and pressure they have to deal with. Although it sounds like they offer higher levels of protection, they shouldn't be used in a gas engine. The higher amount of additives they include can actually cause damage to gas engines. Check the API donut located on the label of your oil to be sure you're purchasing the right type of engine oil. If it includes an S it's for gas engines, and if it includes a C it's made for diesel engines. Check out AMSOIL's full range of diesel oils to find the perfect one for your diesel engine.

Information About Additive Packages

The additive package included in the oil you choose is meant to improve certain aspects of the oil. Some of the most common additives included in oil include detergents, anti-wear additives, and friction modifiers. These work to keep your engine free of deposits, reduce rust, maintain friction low, and protect the metal surfaces that keep your engine working. Although these are a great plus for your engine, more doesn't always mean better. Additives are included in measured amounts so as to not cause negative effects on other parts of your vehicle. For this reason, it's best to rely on the additives included in your oil instead of mixing them in separately unless you're an expert on the subject. If you're not sure what additives your vehicle needs, do some research before making your final choice.

Get a Synthetic Oil Change in Ann Arbor

To find the perfect synthetic oil for your vehicle, contact AMSOIL Dealer, Dwight Smith. Call them at (702) 561-3706 to ask about products like AMSOIL's Signature Series Max-Duty Synthetic Diesel Oil 15W-40. Don't forget to check out their online shop for even more great AMSOIL oil products.