“Don’t forget to change the oil.” That reminder is right up there on the list of car-related conversations, alongside buckling up and checking the rearview mirror. So, what is the big deal about oil changes? Sure, your dad said it was the lifeblood of your engine, but he also pretended to be the tooth fairy for a full seven years.
It turns out he was right about the oil, though. Regular oil changes are vital to the health of your engine. Although conventional oil used to be the norm, synthetic oil is now the preferred oil to prolong the life of your engine. This is because it reduces friction, heat, and sludge—all things that tax your engine.
Conventional vs Synthetic
Perhaps you’re hesitant to switch to synthetic oil because you’ve been using the conventional stuff for so long. If it’s not broken, don’t fix it, right? Here’s the thing: Synthetic oil isn’t a new-fangled gimmick. It’s been around and in use for longer than you might have thought. Synthetic oil was used in aircraft engines during the Second World War. The specially designed oil helped reduce friction and reduce wear on the airplane’s engine while increasing the aircraft’s performance and life. Applying the same concept to motor vehicles made sense—though it took a bit longer for synthetic oil to become a norm for consumer vehicles. It wasn’t until the 1970s when companies began to roll out consumer-ready synthetic oil for oil changes.
While synthetic oil is often a good choice for the performance of your engine, you should always consider the condition of your car’s engine, its age, and its mileage. If your vehicle’s engine is worn, the free-flowing nature of full synthetics can result in internal oil combustion. A thicker synthetic blend might serve your car better than a full synthetic. For best results, check your manufacturers’ recommendations, or speak to a professional to determine the best oil for your vehicle.
Don’t Forget About the Filter
Taking the time to consider the best oil for your vehicle is an admirable effort. However, it is equally important to consider your oil filter.
Oil filters, generally changed with an oil change, clean out contaminants from the oil. Over time, these filters become clogged. A clogged filter allows for less clean oil to pass through the filter. If you continue to drive with a clogged filter, you may be hurting your engine. A lack of oil lubrication, loss of oil pressure, internal engine damage, and excess wear and tear can result from a clogged filter.
In many cases, you may not even become aware of a clogged filter until the damage is done—which is why it’s essential to make sure your filter is changed each time you change your oil.
Paying attention to the oil you use and your oil filter can help protect your engine from serious damage and save you from costly expenses down the road. Remember, just because an oil change is one of the most common car services, it doesn’t mean that it’s the least important. It is one of the most important services for the health of your car. By understanding the benefits of synthetic oil changes, and the necessity of changing your oil filter, you protect your vehicle from unnecessary wear and tear and protect your pocketbook from high-cost repairs.