What Oil Does Your Car Take?

Whether you schedule your maintenance like clockwork or do the hard work yourself, regular oil changes are vital to the performance of your vehicle. So, what oil does your car take? That depends on a number of factors. In this guide, we walk you through the different types of oil available. We’ll go over the pros and cons of synthetic and conventional, so you know exactly what your car needs! Let’s dive into the question “What kind of oil does your car take?”

Engine Oil Grades

Answering the “What oil does your car take?” requires a few parts. First, let’s talk about engine oil grades. Two of the most popular oil grades are 5W-20 and 5W-30. The first number tells you how easily the oil flows when cold, while the second number tells you how the oil flows once the car has warmed up fully. You can find more specialized formulas like 0W-20 and 10W-40, but 5W-20 and 5W-30 are versatile enough to handle the Warsaw area weather like a charm. Whether dealing with a sweltering summer in Indianapolis or a frigid winter in Wabash, these oil grades will support the performance of your engine throughout the entire year. 

Conventional vs. Synthetic Oil

What kind of oil does your car take between conventional and synthetic formulas? That depends on your vehicle. While we recommend checking your owner’s manual to find the right grade and type for your make and model, here are a few tips and tricks from our service center:

• Synthetic and conventional oils are both used widely. Both are designed to flow through the engine to reduce friction and heat.
• Synthetic oil is the more sophisticated formula of the two. It flows more freely and resists oxidation. That means you don’t have to schedule your oil changes quite as frequently. Plus, synthetic oil stands up to hotter temperatures easily – which makes it perfect for turbocharged engines.
• Conventional oil is usually more cost-effective for drivers on a budget. Since it’s thicker, it must be replaced more frequently than synthetic oil. But, some older engines thrive with a thicker formula.

Get Expert Car Care at Don Ayres Honda

So, what kind of oil does your car take? Let our team be of service! Contact us to learn more about the right options for your make and model. Or if you’re ready for your next maintenance visit, schedule your service with us in Fort Wayne!