Oil Change Myths

An oil change is something that many people attempt to do themselves. This may be why oil change myths have surfaced throughout the years. It doesn’t help that some recommendations have changed over time. So, let’s separate oil change myths vs facts.

You Have to Choose Between Synthetic or Traditional Oil

One of the common myths about engine oil is that you cannot go back to tradition once you have your first-time synthetic oil change. This isn’t even remotely true.

Synthetic oil undergoes an extensive chemical manufacturing process. Typically, they start with a distilled crude oil. Traditional, on the other hand, are made directly from crude oil.

Once you start using the synthetic, you don’t have to continue using it. You may return to using traditional. In fact, some synthetic blends combine conventional and synthetic oil.

Dark Oil Means You Need an Oil Change

You have heard that you should change your oil when it gets dark. However, this is not true. Certain oils change color based on the additives in them.

The heat cycle — continual heating, cooling and reheating — of the oil causes the additives to change color. Specifically, oxidation contributes to the color change. It occurs when oxygen molecules and other molecules in the oil interact and break down chemically.

Instead of color, check the oil’s texture to determine if a change is necessary. Dirty oil is grainy or gritty.

The “W” in the Oil Rating Stands for Weight

You’ll notice that every oil has a number with a “W” beside it then another number. The “W” stands for winter and represents the viscosity, or thickness, or the oil at lower temperatures. A higher number means the oil is thicker. For instance, a 20W oil is much thicker in colder temperatures than a 5W one. The 5W is more suitable for colder climates, while the 20W is more suitable for areas with warmer winters. The thicker oil thins from warmer climates slower than an already-thinner oil.

The second number is the warm weather viscosity of the oil. It’s a higher number than the first. A lower second number means the oil is thinner in warmer temperatures. When it’s higher, it means it’s thicker at a higher temperature. Ideally, you want a higher number if you live in an area where it’s hotter.

You Need an Oil Change Every 3,000 Miles.

As a general rule, experts and home mechanics alike recommended an oil change every 3,000 miles as part of routine automotive maintenance. Advancements in the oil formula and engine performance technology have increased how long oil lasts in an engine. Nowadays, you can drive between 5,000 to 7,500 miles before you need to change the oil. Fully synthetic oil may allow you to drive 15,000 miles before you require a change.

You can find exactly how often you should change your oil by reading in the owner’s manual of your vehicle. The bottom line, when you can establish fact vs fiction in terms of automotive maintenance, you’ll extend the life of your car. 

Takeaways

• You can alternate between synthetic and traditional safely.
• The color of the oil isn’t as important as the texture.
• The rating of the oil determines its viscosity at different temperatures.
• You don’t have to change your oil every 3,000 miles.

Contact Gloucester Toyota, serving Gloucester, VA, and the surrounding region, if you have any questions about maintenance or would like to schedule your next oil change by calling us at 804-792-3450 or filling out our contact form.