Engine oil is essential to the operation and life of your car, truck or SUV engine. Run that engine without motor oil for a while and all those moving parts inside the engine are liable to fuse into a single block of metals. But using the right motor oil for you vehicle is also essential.

The correct oil starts with the correct viscosity. Viscosity refers to the rate that the engine oil pours at different temperatures. It’s possible that you would use a different viscosity of oil at different times of year. Or you may use a mult-viscosity oil year round. Check your Owners Manual for the correct viscosity for your car, truck or SUV’s engine.

It’s also vital that you change the oil in a timely manner. After a given period of time, engine oil breaks down. It loses its ability to protect your engine by reducing friction between moving parts and the heat that friction creates.

Another important factor is checking your engine’s oil level. If there isn’t enough oil in the engine, the oil can’t do its job with the same efficiency that is required. Additionally, if you’re frequently low on oil this is an indication of another problem; either you have an oil leak, or the engine is burning engine oil. Either problem needs to be addressed sooner than later.

Synthetic motor oil or Conventional motor oil

Once you’ve accepted the hard and fast rules about engine oil listed above, about the only other question to consider is whether to run synthetic motor oil or conventional motor oil. In many newer cars, trucks and SUVs, the Owners Manual may specify synthetic motor oil. But, in other cases, it’s up to your discretion.

So how do you decide? Here’s a little info on the difference between synthetic motor oil and conventional motor oil:

• Conventional motor oil: This is basically the stuff that came bubbling up from the ground when Old Uncle Jed was shootin’ for some food. It’s extracted from the ground and refined for use in your engine. It’s greatest advantage is that it’s relatively inexpensive.
• Synthetic motor oil: This is a processed oil that is built molecularly. The molecules are more precise. As a result, it often does a better job of lubricating the parts in your engine. It also tends to last longer between oil changes. The only real disadvantage is that synthetic motor oil generally costs more than conventional motor oil. Keep in mind that the longer period required between oil changes helps to offset the additional cost a little bit.

There are also synthetic blends – conventional motor oil with synthetic additives. This can capture some of the advantages of both – improved quality at lower cost. But it’s not as efficient as pure synthetic motor oil.