What type of oil does my car take?

Quick insights

• Motor oil can have many different properties but functions mainly as a lubricant in combustion engines.
• The lubrication that oil provides is vital in protecting engines against overheating and corrosion.
• Because of its wide effects on a car, changing your oil at recommended intervals can avoid serious mechanical problems.

Motor oil plays a critical role in combustion engines, and there are many options you could choose. Despite the variety on the market, there are a few main types of oil: conventional, synthetic and synthetic blends. Replacing your car’s oil is an important part of regular maintenance that keeps your motor running well.

What does motor oil do?

Motor oil serves as a lubricant in combustion engines, which are in many gas-powered machines, not just vehicles. Oil circulates to various parts of the engine to cool, clean and protect them against corrosion. Engines need oil to work properly, and regular changes can improve an engine’s performance and help it last a long time.

Here are motor oil’s primary functions in internal combustion engines:

• Lubrication and cooling: Motor oil moves through parts of the engine to reduce friction and, therefore, heat. As oil circulates, it helps dissipate heat and cool the engine. If your engine were to overheat, various parts could be damaged and require an unpleasant trip to the mechanic.
• Protection against corrosion: Additives in motor oil protect engine parts it touches, helping prevent rust and corrosion. Otherwise, the moisture and acidic by-products of combustion engines can have negative effects on various metals.
• Cleaning: Dispersant elements are found in motor oil that help clean the engine by removing dirt, debris and sludge. The cleaner an engine runs, the longer it can last.

Types of motor oil

The basic varieties of motor oil are conventional, synthetic and synthetic blend, and they have substantial differences highlighted below.

Conventional oil

Conventional motor oil is the result of refining—more specifically, distilling and cleaning—crude oil. The base elements do not undergo significant molecular changes. Therefore, the base components remain in the end product after the refinement process.

Synthetic oil

Synthetic motor oil is a product of chemical engineering that creates (or synthesizes) the base compounds. The fact that the base oil is engineered to be chemically different from conventional oil is why the two are the most dissimilar among different types of motor oil.

Synthetic blend

Synthetic blends have different proportions of conventional and synthetic oil bases. There’s no standard ratio, and rarely is it an even mix, but both base oils are present to some extent. As a result, synthetic motor oil blends may be called semi- or part-synthetic.

How do I find out what oil my car takes?

For decades now, vehicle engines have been made to work with any of the primary oil varieties: conventional, synthetic or a blend. Using an oil with precise specifications might be recommended to further protect the engine. Your car’s owner’s manual should have a level of detail in its recommendation for the type of oil you need.

A professional mechanic may be able to offer some additional guidance, as well. Normally, one of the primary varieties will be recommended: synthetic, conventional or a blend.

How often should I change my oil?

Modern vehicles can generally go 5,000 or more miles between changes. Your vehicle’s owner’s manual can confirm how often you should replace your oil. A qualified professional can also offer a recommendation.

Mileage schedules for oil changes are usually estimated assuming a normal level of driving. Weather and the frequency you drive can also affect your oil levels.

How much oil does my car need?

Motor oil is typically sold by the quart, and small to mid-size vehicle engines require at least three quarts. A professional mechanic should have enough oil in stock to meet your car’s demands. A proper change will flush any existing oil before refilling with new oil. If you’re changing it by yourself, consult your owner’s manual to determine how much oil your engine takes.

In summary

Continually operating a combustion engine without enough oil can wear heavily on the engine and even cause it to seize. That typically creates worse damage to the engine. The potential for serious problems is why regular changes are part of good car maintenance. Consult your owner’s manual to determine the type of oil your car takes and how often it should be changed.