As any expert can attest, the single best thing you can do to keep your car running in top shape as long as possible is staying on top of routine maintenance, such as oil changes, brake service, tire rotations and all the other scheduled maintenance your car requires. A little time and money spent now can save you a lot more down the road. And, when you’re due for routine maintenance on your foreign-made vehicle, Riverdale Automotive should be your first choice for a synthetic oil change in Conway, AR.
The typical European-made car will require a specific type of synthetic motor oil, per the manufacturer’s requirements. Synthetic oil is oil that has been created in a lab, with detailed precision going into the mix of chemicals. There has been substantial research and development of synthetic oil over the years, such that the products on the market today are quite a bit different than those that were available not too many years ago.
However, not all synthetic oils are the same. There are important differences in the makeup of these oils, which you’ll want to understand and keep in mind when it’s time for your next oil change. Here are some of the properties that make a difference in how synthetic oil works:
Additives
Additives prevent the oil from breaking down under high temperatures. They also protect your engine in a number of important ways. Some additives are engineered for stronger engine protection, particularly on startup. Durability, resistance to buildup and prevention of rust and corrosion are some other benefits of additives.
Viscosity
This refers to the thickness of the oil and the relative speed at which it flows. High-viscosity oils are thick and flow very slowly, while low-viscosity oils are much thinner and flow more rapidly. As your engine temperature goes from cold to hot, the engine oil will thin out. This affects its lubricating properties. Polymers are added to synthetic oils to allow them to adjust to changes in temperature.
Lubricant materials
Some of the most important additives that are used in synthetic motor oils are those that have strong lubricating capabilities. Synthetic oils frequently contain esters, which typically have excellent lubricant properties, and esters can either be used as additives or as a base stock for the oil.
Semi-synthetic oil
Particularly if your vehicle requires a synthetic oil, you should probably avoid being drawn to semi-synthetic oils, which contain no more than 30 percent synthetic material. While the cost of semi-synthetic oils is one of their most attractive characteristics, remember that the overall cost of fully synthetic oils, when measured over time, is absolutely worth the one-time expense.
Not all synthetic motor oils are created equal. Rather than worrying about brand names, or even about cost, pay attention to the qualities of the oil that will most benefit your vehicle and keep your engine running smoothly. If you have questions, the technicians at Riverdale Automotive can answer them next time you come in for a synthetic oil change in Conway, AR.