Happy New Year, and welcome back to the Continental Mitsubishi blog! Previously in our service department section, we answered one of the most common car maintenance questions out there: How often do you really need an oil change? After all, providing the best service isn’t just about doing the job, it’s also about helping you get to know your vehicle better. So, let’s continue with a similar maintenance question: What kind of oil does my car need? What’s the difference between different types of motor oil, and how do you know which one will be best for your engine?
What Kind of Oil Change Do I Need?
Of course, the quick and easy answer is to look at the owner’s manual and see which kind of oil the manufacturer recommends. For example, if you drive a 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander, the manual recommends using Mitsubishi Motors Genuine 0W-20 Synthetic Engine Oil for the best fuel economy and cold-weather starting, but 5W-20 grade oils can also be used. The two numbers tell you the oil’s viscosity, or how easily it flows. If the oil in an engine is too thin, it won’t seal and lubricate the engine as well, but if it’s too thick, the engine will run less efficiently and be harder to start. This changes with temperature, too: the “W” in the rating stands for Winter. 5W oil is what’s generally recommended for winter, but 0W will flow even more easily when it’s cold outside.
So, what do oil ratings actually mean?
As for synthetic vs. regular oil: synthetic oils cost a bit more, but they give better, longer-lasting performance than conventional oils. Performance vehicles with high-tech engines should use full-synthetic, but for most cars, either will be fine. It’s up to you! Blends of synthetic and regular are another popular option for SUV and light truck owners. These are almost as cheap as conventional, but will provide protection for heavier loads and higher engine temperatures, if you’re doing a lot of towing and hauling. Finally, there are high-mileage oils specially formulated for older vehicles. These contain antiwear additives, and resealing additives that help restore flexibility to the rubber seals in an older engine. If your car has more than 75,000 miles on it, this is another option that’s worth considering.
We hope this will make your decision a little easier when you bring your car in for an oil change!
