If you're new to driving or car ownership, you probably know about your car's oil and that you need to change it regularly. But you may not understand why oil is so essential. Not to mention, you always hear contradictory information about it. For example, should you change your oil every 3,000 miles? Ten thousand? Can you go beyond?

We at Brian Omps are here to answer these questions and more.
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What Does Engine Oil Do?

The best way to explain engine oil's purpose is to compare your vehicle to the human body. The gas tank is like its stomach, and gas is like food. The engine is like your vehicle's heart, and engine oil is like blood.

Like blood, engine oil circulates around your engine. Its primary purpose is to lubricate your engine's moving parts. By keeping everything well-lubricated, engine oil can prevent the engine from tearing apart. It also cleans the engine of any contaminants, keeps the engine cool, and prevents rust and corrosion. Engine oil also seals any gaps between parts.

But while you can compare the internal components of your car to the human body, there's obviously going to be some differences. The main difference is that in the human body, needing to replace blood is extremely rare. Meanwhile, old engine oil needs to be regularly replaced.
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Types of Engine Oil

When you go to buy engine oil, you may notice that there are many varieties, and that can be confusing. First, let's look at the five primary types:

1. Conventional Oil

This is regular oil made from refined crude oil. It's affordable and ideal for older videos that don't have too much mileage. However, it's susceptible to extreme temperatures and can break down faster.

2. Synthetic Oil

This oil uses chemical additives to improve its performance. It is also highly resistant to extreme heat or cold. If you have a high-mileage vehicle, it can keep up. However, it does cost more.

3. High Mileage Oil

This engine oil is designed for vehicles that are over 75,000 miles. It has additional additives that can reduce engine wear and oil consumption even further. It can make a car last longer, but it is more expensive.

4. Synthetic Blend

This oil combines synthetic and conventional oils. This type of oil combines effectiveness with value.

5. What Do The Numbers Mean?

In addition to the type of oil, you may notice some strange numbers on them. For  example, one may be labeled "5W-30."

These numbers measure the oil's viscosity or thickness. The "W" number refers to how well the oil handles winter temperatures. The lower the number, the better it is at cold temperatures, and vice versa. The second number refers to normal temperatures. The higher the number, the thicker the oil is at its operating temperature.

So, what should you choose? It mainly depends on the type of vehicle and the time of year. Consult your manual or speak to a professional to pick the right oil for the job!
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Why Does Oil Degrade Over Time?

As you probably know, it’s recommended that you change your oil seasonally or after a certain number of miles. But why? Oil can degrade over time or the more you use your car. This is due to several factors.

First, the inside of an engine is intense, with heat and pressure causing the engine oil to break down after a specific period. Second, we mentioned that oil can clean your engine. But this leads to the oil becoming dirty over time.

Third, the oil can become oxidized, making it sludgy and possibly clogging your engine parts. Finally, your oil can become less effective due to moisture buildup, which can be caused by frequent short trips.

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What Influences Oil Degradation?

Several factors, in addition to the quality of the oil itself, can influence how fast it degrades.

1. Driving Conditions

How and where you drive can degrade your oil. You may think that short trips would be better than longer, but this isn’t the case at all. Longer trips let the engines reach their optimal temperatures, which will reduce condensation and sludge. Frequent short trips mean more oil changes.

If you live in a city with a big rush hour, you may be putting stress on your car during the bumper-to-bumper traffic. If you are hauling items or have a heavy load in your vehicle, this can lead to your oil breaking down faster. Finally, if you live in a dirty or dusty environment, your oil can become contaminated more easily.

2. Weather

Areas with hot summers and cold winters, like Frederick County, VA, can affect engine oils quite a bit. Higher temperatures oxidize your oil, reduce its viscosity, and make it less lubricating. On the other hand, cold temperatures can make your oil too thick, which can wear down your engine. Also, Virginia can get humid, which can lead to moisture buildup in your engine.

3. Driving Habits

Finally, how you drive can affect your oil. Do you accelerate rapidly, get aggressive, or go over the speed limit? This can increase your engine stress. Do you idle a lot in traffic? This leads to contamination? Do you rarely drive your car at all? Moisture and contaminants can still affect your engine.
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When Does My Car Need an Oil Change?

When you should change your oil depends on your make and model. Older vehicles may need an oil change every 3,000 miles, but some may not need it for 7,500 or even 10,000 miles. Consult the manual and also consider changing it when you see the "Routine Maintenance Required" light on your vehicle.

Otherwise, you should check your car periodically through your dipstick. If your oil looks dark and opaque, it’s contaminated. If you hear your engine making ticking sounds, this may be due to friction from degrading oil. If gray or bluish smoke is coming from your exhaust, it may be time to change your oil. If you smell something burning or your performance feels worsened, it may be time for an oil change.

When your oil needs to be changed can depend on other factors as well, such as the type of oil you use. Conventional oil needs to be changed every 3,000 to 5,000 miles. Blended oil has 5,000 to 7,500 miles before changing it. And full synthetic oil can be up to 10k miles.
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Don’t Wait!

Some people believe that, even with the oil becoming sludgy, they can wait for an oil change. After all, you are probably not going to see immediate consequences. But if you neglect to change your oil, you will experience wear to your engine, overheating, and lowered fuel efficiency. In some cases, your engine may become damaged, leading to costly repairs or potential replacement.

It may cost you time and money, but changing your oil regularly will save you money in the long run and give you a car with better performance, fewer emissions, and lower costs in the long run.

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Oil Change Myths

Changing your oil should be straightforward, but there are so many myths about it. Sometimes, these myths are based on misinformation, and other times, they are outdated.

Myth: Oil Needs to Be Changed Every 3,000 Miles

Reality: If you have a more recent car, it can go between 5,000 to 10,000 miles before it needs a change. Consult your manual. While changing your oil periodically is always good, changing it before it needs to be changed is just a waste of time and money.

Myth: You Can’t Go Back to Conventional Oil Once You Use Synthetic

Reality: As long as the oil meets the vehicle's specifications, you can use any oil you want.

Myth: You Can Only Use the Same Oil Brand

Reality: As long as the oil meets the vehicle specifications, you can use different brands.

Myth: If You Can Change Your Own Oil, You Don't Need a Professional Changing

Reality: DIY Vs. Professional Oil Changing

DIY oil changing can be a valuable skill to learn and can save you money if you have the equipment and space to do it. Once you learn how to prepare your vehicle, drain and replace the oil, replace the oil filter, and inspect your oil periodically, it can become second nature.

However, DIY oil changes also include other services. Routine maintenance also includes tire rotation, multi-point inspection, and a professional eye that can catch potential issues before they become big problems. Another reason why you should consider a professional oil change is that they can dispose of the oil in a way that is less damaging to the environment.

If you can change your oil well, then do so. However, consider Brian Omps for a more detailed inspection of your car annually.

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Contact Us Today

Brian Omps has professionals ready to give your car the best oil possible and spot potential issues. Whether you want routine maintenance or to prepare your car for a trip, schedule an appointment today!

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