Get slick with DIY oil change and treat your car right

WEDNESDAY, SEP. 19: As people look for ways to tighten their budgets during these challenging economic times, many consider handling minor auto maintenance themselves, such as changing their own motor oil.

In Bermuda, the constant short-distance driving can wreak havoc on your vehicle’s engine so an oil and filter change every 5,000 to 7,500 miles is recommended. But there are so many different kinds of motor oil. How do you choose the right one?

The best place to start is your owner’s manual. This will list the types of oil best for your vehicle given its mileage, the type of driving you do and even the ambient temperatures.

Virtually all new passenger vehicles use either 5W30 or 10W30 oil. The difference between the two is the 5W30 flows better when cold. Since we live in the sub-tropical climate of Bermuda and don’t operate our vehicles in cold climates, then 10W30 is acceptable as long as the manufacturer specifies it is permissible to use it.

Another good rule of thumb is to not switch between types of oil. If your vehicle started with conventional oil, stick with that. If it first used synthetic, be wary about switching to conventional. The different kinds of oil include:

Premium Conventional Oil: This is the standard oil for new cars and the most economic. All leading brands have a conventional oil available in several viscosities. Conventional oil is good for owners who are vigilant about frequent oil changes and have low-mileage but well broken-in engines.

Full Synthetic Oil: Some car companies, like Mercedes-Benz and BMW, recommend only synthetic oil in their cars. They have superior, longer-lasting performance in all the critical areas, from viscosity index to protection against deposits.

They flow better at low temperatures and maintain peak lubricity at high temperatures. So why shouldn’t everyone use them?

These oils are expensive and not every engine needs them. In fact, there may be some features  your vehicle’s engine needs that the synthetics don’t have.

Again, follow your owner’s manual. If it doesn’t call for synthetic oil, using it will only be an additional expense that may not enhance the engine’s performance or life.

Synthetic Blend Oil: These have a dose of synthetic oil mixed with conventional oil, and overall are formulated to provide protection for somewhat heavier loads and high temperatures.

This generally means they’re less volatile, so they evaporate far less, which reduces oil loss while increasing fuel economy.

They’re popular with drivers of pickups and SUVs who want the high-load protection. And they’re a lot less expensive than full synthetics.

Higher Mileage Oil: Today’s vehicles last longer, and if you’re the type of person to squeeze every mile you can out of your vehicle, there are oils formulated for higher-mileage vehicles.

 These oils come in conventional or synthetic types but they add in other ingredients, such as seal conditioners to expand and increase the flexibility of internal engine seals.

In addition, there may be a higher level of anti-wear agents and corrosion inhibitors to get the most out of an ageing engine and keep it running for a longer period of time.

Many consider oil the lifeblood of your vehicle’s engine. And just like matching the correct blood type to your body, you need to match the correct oil type to your vehicle.

Krishna King has more than 20 years’ experience in the automotive industry, and chairs the Automotive Occupational Advisory Committee for the National Training Board. www.bermudamotors.bm.