Perhaps you’re wondering if you should use synthetic or conventional motor oil the next time you perform preventive maintenance services. First things first . . . Change the oil! Regardless of your decision about engine lubricant, the most important choice is to change the oil. You’ll greatly extend the life of your car and experience the need for fewer engine repairs, saving you both time and money. No matter what you drive, schedule your oil change appointment with Lewis Automotive in West Chester, Pennsylvania. For more than 50 years, we’ve been caring for all makes and models, including your classic car.
Oil is oil. Right? Sort of. While it is true that all motor oil performs the same basic functions in your vehicle (lubricating moving engine components, absorbing heat, and suspending dirt), not all oil is the same. As a car owner, you should follow the manufacturer’s recommendations found in your manual. Beyond that, you can make decisions regarding what you believe to be best for your automobile. We’re glad to help you with that as well as provide a basic overview of your options. Engine oil is sold under four main categories–conventional, full synthetic, synthetic blend, and high mileage. True to the sound of its name, conventional is derived synthetic blend can be a good option from natural crude and is suitable for most engines. These are cars that are driven under the odometer reading or are fairly new models. Engineered to have similar sized molecules (as opposed to the heterogeneous, varied-sized molecules in conventional lubricant), full synthetic oil has a homogenous composition and added chemicals to ward off rust and excessive engine wear. Synthetic oil also boasts a higher viscosity, a measure of how well oil pours at room temperature. This is important because the higher viscosity offers better coating and protection for the moving engine components. Another bonus of synthetic oil is that it is more resistant to premature breakdown (which can lead to sludge formation). Synthetic oil is quite a bit more expensive than conventional lubricant, but its benefits make it a top choice for most commercial vehicle drivers. If you’re trying to balance costs with other protective and longevity interests, synthetic blend can be a good option. It offers some of the same benefits while coming in at a lower price point because it is a mixture of conventional, synthetic, and some additives. If your favorite transportation is a classic or has a lot of miles on it, you may opt for high mileage oil. It is formulated to help protect leaking or dried seals.
Whichever oil you choose, it’s nice to know that you can get all your preventive maintenance services performed nearby. Lewis Automotive is here for you, and we may even be able to save you a few dollars. Be sure to check out our Promotions page for coupons and information on our Referral Program.
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