Choosing The Correct Oil For Your Engine

If you own a car, you probably already know how important it is to change your oil regularly. Oil is necessary to lubricate the moving parts of your engine and prevent them from overheating. Unfortunately, oil doesn’t last forever and breaks down over time. As it does, it becomes less effective at absorbing heat and doesn’t lubricate the engine as well. To avoid potentially serious damage to your engine, you need to replace your oil every so often at a Wenatchee auto care center. Most car manufacturers recommend an oil change every 3,000 to 6,000miles depending on the manufacturer’s recommended oil. For your vehicle’s specific recommendations, consult your owner’s manual.

There are different types of motor oil, and not all will work in your car. Some engines operate better with thicker oil, while others require thinner oil to run optimally. Here’s what you should know about oil viscosity and why it’s so important to choose the right viscosity for your vehicle.

Oil Viscosity and Impact

Oil viscosity refers to the measure of a fluid’s flow resistance. Oil with high viscosity is thicker than oil with low viscosity and flows slower. When you walk into an automotive supply store, you’ll notice that most motor oil has two viscosity grades (one at high temperatures and one at low temperatures). Bottles of multigrade oil show the maximum viscosity at low temperatures as well as the maximum viscosity at normal or high temperatures. If you see a 10W-40 oil, it means the oil has a maximum viscosity of 10 in the winter (W). The lower the “W” number is on the oil container, the better the oil will perform in cold temperatures.

Schedule Your Oil Change

When you visit a skilled mechanic for an oil service, you don’t need to worry about getting the right oil viscosity. Your mechanic will take care of that for you. To schedule an appointment with High Tech Automotive, fill out our online form or call us directly during business hours.