Getting an oil change every 3,000 miles is no longer a rule that must be followed by responsible car owners. In fact, for most newer cars, you can drive 7,500 or even 10,000 miles between each oil change. If you opt to take your car into the shop instead of changing the oil yourself, you’re not alone. You are likely among the majority of drivers who don’t know exactly what’s going on under the hood that keeps your engine running smoothly. There are two main types of motor oil: 1. Conventional – Derived directly from crude oil. It’s used in bulk at most dealerships and is the cheapest to buy at an auto supply store. It typically has few additives and is good for owners who get frequent oil changes and have low-mileage but well broken-in engines. 2. Synthetic – Made from crude oil and contains extensively processed and higher quality base oils. Synthetic oil often contains additives that are designed to protect against wear and increase stability.

Choosing the Right Oil

You may be wondering which type is best for your vehicle’s engine. That depends on several factors, such as:

• Driving habits – Maybe you have a bit of a lead foot, you use your car for towing or you take it on mostly short trips. If so, synthetic oil may be your best choice because it holds up better under “severe” driving conditions. If you do a lot of highway driving and take longer trips, conventional oil will work fine.
• Location – The climate and terrain where you drive are important factors when choosing motor oil. If you’re driving in extreme temperatures or doing a lot of mountain driving, you may want to consider synthetic oil, which takes longer to break down in those conditions.
• Manufacturer recommendations – Look at your owner’s manual before deciding which oil to go with. The manual will say which type and viscosity the manufacturer recommends for optimal performance.
• Mileage – Nearly two-thirds of vehicles on the road today have more than 75,000 miles on the odometer, and some companies have developed high-mileage oils to cater to this growing market. These oils are formulated with seal conditioners and other additives that help prevent leaks and slow the engine wear process.

Why Choose Synthetic

Choosing the right oil for your car is now easier thanks to recent research on oil quality. A 2017 study by AAA found that synthetic oil outperforms conventional oil by nearly 50 percent. The data indicates that synthetic oil is especially beneficial in newer vehicles that have turbo-charged engines, and those that are driven in extreme conditions, like stop-and-go traffic, towing heavy loads and very high or low temperatures. Many drivers balk at the added cost of synthetic oil, and while it’s true that it’s more expensive than conventional oil, it could save you money in the long run. The AAA study found that switching to synthetic costs the average driver an extra $64 per year. The extra money you spend upfront could be offset down the road – synthetic oil does a better job protecting engine components, so costly repairs are less likely. Synthetic oil also lasts longer, so you may not have to take your car in for oil changes as frequently, saving you some money. You should still schedule regular oil changes, though, because synthetic oil doesn’t last forever. Leaving it sitting for too long can cause it to gunk up and damage your engine.

Convenient Oil Change Services in Seattle

When it’s time to take your vehicle in for an oil change, you don’t want to sit around all day waiting for it to be done. Toyota of Seattle knows your time is valuable, and with our Express Maintenance service, you can rest assured that your oil change will be done quickly and professionally. From oil changes to brake inspections, tire rotations and more, the highly-trained technicians at Toyota of Seattle use a “pit crew” approach to ensure your vehicle receives rapid and thorough service. Call today at 206-382-8812 or visit us online to schedule your service.