Choosing the Right Motor Oil: What’s Best for Your Car

With the vast array of motor oils available on the market, from synthetic blends to high mileage oils, it can be quite the challenge to choose the right one for your car. The correct oil can improve your engine’s performance and optimize your fuel efficiency, which makes it an important piece of the car maintenance puzzle. It’s time to find out how you can pick the best oil for your vehicle.

Types of Oil

The most common types of oil for your new Mazda for sale include conventional, full synthetic, synthetic blend, and high mileage. Conventional motor oil is made from refined petroleum and is most commonly used for older cars with lower mileage. It is the least expensive option on the market.

Full synthetic oil is for high-performance vehicles. It has fewer impurities due to the additional chemically engineered processes it goes through. This oil works well at temperature extremes, making it an excellent choice for very cold or hot climates.

Synthetic blend oil is a mix of conventional and synthetic oils. It’s better for your car than conventional oil and costs less than full synthetic.

For cars with over 75,000 miles, a high mileage blend can help minimize leaks, reduce oil consumption, and lower emissions.

Additives

Oil additives come in a huge variety of options. You can find ones that reduce the wear and tear of your car, like rust and corrosion inhibitors, or anti-wear agents. Others keep the oil clean, such as antioxidants, detergents, and dispersants. Friction modifiers can reduce friction when you’re pulling heavy loads. Motor oil can have up to 30 percent of additional additives in the mix.

Types of Driving

What type of driving do you do the most? If you’re a commuter on a highway every day, your engine achieves its optimal temperature and can do well with a conventional or synthetic blend oil. Synthetic oil works better for you if you’re an around-the-town driver. All of the stops and starts work your engine harder, making it difficult to optimize fuel efficiency and engine performance.

Climate

The climate you live in can make a huge difference in vehicle performance. Colder climates require the lowest possible oil viscosity level to enhance cold starts. Oil viscosity determines the thickness of the oil. You can check your owner’s manual to see what the recommendations are.

Age of Vehicle

High mileage oil is typically recommended for cars with over 75,000 miles. However, if your car is still running well, you don’t need to make the switch from synthetic oil until you notice oil spots under your car or different engine noises.

Make Your Choice

Determine which motor oil is right for your vehicle when you consider the things above. Think about the climate you live in, the types of driving you do, and the age of your vehicle to help you narrow down your choices. You can always ask your trusted mechanic or dealership what oil types they recommend for your car if you can’t decide.