$4,200 MISTAKE!

Types of Engine Oil for Cars: Which One Does Your Car REALLY Need?

Choosing the wrong engine oil can reduce your engine life by 50%. But with so many numbers like 0W-20, 5W-30, 10W-40, which one is right for you? Here is the complete guide.

1. Conventional Oil (Regular Oil)

This is the standard oil made from crude oil.

*   Best for: Old cars, low-mileage drivers

*   Oil change: Every 3,000 - 5,000 miles

*   Price: Cheap ($25 - $35)

*   Cons: Burns faster, bad for cold weather

2. Full Synthetic Oil (The Best for Most Cars)

Made in a lab, 100% engineered for protection. This is what 80% of new cars use today.

*   Best for: All modern cars after 2015, Toyota, Honda, Ford, BMW

*   Oil change: Every 7,500 - 10,000 miles

*   Price: $45 - $75

*   Pros: Protects engine in -40F cold and 400F heat, improves gas mileage by 2%

3. Synthetic Blend Oil (Mix)

Half conventional, half synthetic. A middle option.

*   Best for: SUVs, trucks, cars over 75,000 miles

*   Oil change: Every 5,000 - 7,500 miles

*   Price: $35 - $50

4. High Mileage Oil (For Cars Over 75,000 Miles)

If your car has over 75k miles and you see small oil leaks, this is for you. It has seal conditioners that stop leaks.

*   Best for: Any car over 75,000 miles, cars that burn oil

*   Look for label: "High Mileage" on the bottle

What Do The Numbers 5W-30 Mean?

This is very simple and most people get it wrong.

*   5W = Winter. How oil flows in winter. 0W is better than 5W, 5W is better than 10W for cold mornings.

*   30 = Thickness when engine is hot. Higher number = thicker oil.

Quick Guide For USA Drivers:

*   Use 0W-20: If you drive a new Honda, Toyota, Mazda, new Ford

*   Use 5W-20: If manual says 5W-20 or 0W-20

*   Use 5W-30: Most popular oil in USA. Safe for most cars

*   Use 10W-30: Old cars before 2005

*   Use 5W-40 / 0W-40: BMW, Mercedes, Audi, VW, sports cars

*   Use 15W-40: Diesel trucks only

NEVER DO THIS:

Never put 10W-40 in a car that needs 0W-20. It will kill your fuel economy and destroy your catalytic converter. Always check your oil cap - the correct oil is written on it.

How To Find Your Exact Oil Type in 10 Seconds?

Go to Mobil 1 or Castrol website, click "Oil Selector", enter your Year, Make, Model. It will give you the exact oil type and how many quarts you need.

What oil are you using right now? Comment your car model below and I will tell you if it's correct.