Car Care Tips

Oil change stuff

How often should I have my oil changed?
Most manufactures recommend that you change your vehicle's oil and oil filter every 3 months or every 3,000 miles, whichever comes first. You should consult your owner's manual for the exact specifications for your vehicle or ask us for a Free Manufacturer’s Scheduled Maintenance Guide for your vehicle. Some newer vehicles are programmed for up to 6,000 miles under "normal" driving conditions. Your owner's manual will have "normal" and "severe" recommendations. Severe driving conditions include driving in stop-and go traffic making frequent short trips (less than 5 miles per trip), lengthy high-speed trips, driving in extreme temperatures (over 90°F or below freezing), and towing and hauling. The average driver probably considers his or her driving conditions normal, but the truth is that most of us drive under severe conditions far more often than we realize and should time our oil changes accordingly.

What type of oil should I be putting in my vehicle?

Once again, consult your owner's manual for the manufacturer's specifications for your vehicle. Most manufacturers will recommend conventional motor oil and a grade, i.e., 10W-30, but the temperature of your surroundings may require the use of a different grade. For instance, in a very warm climate, you may want to use heavier weight oil, such as a 20W-50. A very cold climate would suggest use of lighter weight oil, such as 5W-30. The chart will show some common uses of motor oils by viscosity.

Most Fords use 5W-20 oil and some new Hondas are using 10W-20 oil. These oils flow to the parts that need to be lubricated faster than other oils. Also provides protection during start up when most wear occurs. These oils also increase fuel mileage due to better pump ability, as well as, less drag on internal engine components.

The chart below will illustrate common uses of motor oils by viscosity.

SAE Viscosity Grade	Temperature Range	Descriptions
5W-30	Below 0° F	5W-30 provides excellent fuel economy and low-temperature performance in most late-model automobiles and is specifically recommended for many new cars.
10W-30	Above 0° F	10W-30 is the most frequently recommended viscosity grade for today's automobile engines.
10W-40	Above 0° F	10W-40 was the original multi-grade oil introduced. A good choice for controlling engine wear and preventing oil breakdown from oxidation. Note: Always check your owner's manual or warranty requirements before using this grade.
20W-50	Above 20° F	20W-50 is specially formulated to give maximum protection to high-performance, high-RPM racing engines. It is also an excellent choice for high temperature and heavy loads such as driving in the desert or towing a trailer at high speeds for long periods of time.
SAE 30	Above 40° F	For cars and light trucks, where recommended.
SAE 40	Above 60° F	by manufacturers. Note: Not recommended when cold-temperature starting is required.