Picking the right oil for your car is key to keeping your engine healthy and running smoothly. Whether you have an older car or a newer model, knowing what oil to use can make a big difference. Here’s an easy guide to help you understand oil types, thickness (viscosity), and how to choose based on the time of year and your car’s needs.
What Do the Numbers on Oil Mean?
When you see oil labelled with something like ‘5W-30’ or ‘10W-40’, these numbers tell you how thick or thin the oil is at different temperatures. This is called viscosity, and it affects how well the oil flows through the engine.
- The First Number (before the ‘W’): This shows how the oil performs in cold weather. A lower number means the oil stays thinner and flows better when it’s cold. For example, 5W oil will work better in the winter than 10W because it’s thinner in the cold.
- The Second Number (after the ‘W’): This is the oil’s thickness when the engine is hot. A higher number means the oil stays thicker at higher temperatures, offering more protection. For instance, 40-weight oil is thicker than 30-weight when your engine is fully warmed up.
Choosing Oil for Your Vehicle’s Age
- For Newer Cars:
• New cars are made with tighter engine parts and usually need thinner oils like 0W-20 or 5W-30. Thinner oil helps the engine run smoothly and improves fuel efficiency.
• Tip: Always check your car’s manual for the recommended oil type. - For Older Cars:
• Older cars with more miles on them may need thicker oils, such as 10W-40 or 15W-50, because their engine parts have more wear. Thicker oil can help seal gaps and reduce leaks.
• Tip: If your car is using more oil than usual, it might be time to switch to a thicker one. Check with your mechanic if you’re not sure.
Oil and the Weather: Adjusting for Seasons
- In Winter:
• Cold weather can make oil thicker and harder to flow. Oils like 0W and 5W are better in winter because they stay thin in cold temperatures, helping your engine start easier and protecting it right away.
• Tip: If you live in a very cold place, you might want to use a synthetic oil, which works even better in freezing temperatures. - In Summer:
• Hot weather can thin out the oil, so you need one that stays thick enough to protect the engine. Oil like 10W-40 or 20W-50 is great for summer or if you live in a hot climate.
• Tip: If you tow a trailer or do heavy driving, thicker oil in the summer can help prevent engine wear.
Synthetic vs. Regular Oil
Synthetic oil is specially made to perform better in extreme conditions, like very hot or very cold weather. It lasts longer between oil changes and gives your engine better protection. Synthetic oil is great for newer cars or if you drive a lot in tough conditions. Regular oil is cheaper and works well for older cars or cars that don’t need the advanced protection of synthetic oils.
Choosing the right oil doesn’t have to be complicated. Just remember:
- Thinner oil (like 0W or 5W) is better for cold weather.
- Thicker oil (like 40-weight or 50-weight) is good for hot weather or older cars.
- Always check your car’s manual for the recommended oil type. By using the right oil, you’ll help your engine run better and last longer, no matter the season or age of your vehicle.
