what type of engine oil should i use?

As a car owner, the importance of selecting the right engine oil for your vehicle should not be overlooked. Engine oil is the lifeblood of your vehicle and ensuring it is equipped with the right type of lubricant is essential for keeping your engine running smoothly and for preventing costly repair bills in the future. But how do you know what type of engine oil you should use?

First, it is important to understand what different types of engine oils are available. Different oils are designed for different engines depending on their age and type. Modern day cars typically have either synthetic or semi-synthetic engine oils while older engines usually use mineral-based oils. Synthetic oil is engineered to last longer than traditional mineral-based motor oils, however its higher price tag makes it a less attractive option for some drivers.

In order to ensure you select the best oil for your vehicle, first check your car's manual or ask a technician from your local mechanic shop. Both will be able to advise on which type and grade of oil will best suit your car make and model based on its age, size and capability. Additionally, many car makers now have their own specific range of lubricants designed specifically for their vehicles – if this applies to you then stick to using that specific brand.

When shopping around for your engine oil always look out for viscosity ratings such as 0W/30 or 10W40 indicated on the bottle – these numbers tell you how thin or thick they are at lower temperatures respectively. The same principle applies if you opt for synthetic oil but with more complex grading systems like 5W/30 or 5W/35 etc; these grades are tested under extreme conditions that regular mineral oils could not survive in such as extremely cold weather conditions or at very high temperatures like when driving up hills and mountains.

Finally, regardless of which type of motor oil you opt for, check which brands were recommended by experts in reviews online before buying any engine lubricant as some lesser quality ones may contain chemicals that damage car engines over time leading to additional costs on repairs later down the line.