There are two vital things that a car needs to function: fuel to run and oil to keep the engine parts moving smoothly. This post by PerformanceMPG in Lufkin focuses on the importance of the latter. Keep reading!

Since it's a crucial element in the vehicle's operation, here are a couple of tips that every driver should know about oil. Whether you have a new or used car, these recommendations will help you take better care of the engine and improve its performance.

Contact PerformanceMPG by calling (936) 637-7327 and learn more about AMSOIL's synthetic oil formulas! Remember not to overlook this liquid's importance as it will be highly beneficial and necessary for your car, and be sure to give your vehicle a synthetic oil change in Lufkin!

Mineral and Synthetic Oil

Mineral oil is a byproduct of crude oil after its refining process. This type of oil has been around since cars have existed and is also cheaper than synthetic alternatives. Synthetic oil is more expensive due to the chemical engineering process required to create it. It's based on mineral oil properties but has been perfected to grant more mileage between oil changes. Synthetic formulas are also more stable at high and low temperatures than mineral oils. However, some older engines still need mineral oils to work correctly due to their characteristics, especially circuit pressure.

Oil Viscosity

Oil shopping can be a difficult task. All the containers and so many brands promise to take care of your car's engine and improve its performance. But apart from that, each one has confusing letters and numbers printed on the labels. Hopefully, this post will help you understand what they really mean. These letters and numbers are not for anything else but to classify the degree of viscosity in each formula. Viscosity is a measure of the oil flow set by The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), which gives a rating of 20 to 60. In cold environments, the label can vary a bit. For instance, if you see a “5W” sign on the label, this means the SAE has tested the oil's viscosity at a lower temperature. It will be thinner when you start the engine on a cold morning, but it will behave like SAE 30 oil at 210.02° F when you've driven the car for a few minutes, and the thruster has warmed up.

AMSOIL products will improve your car's maintenance and performance in the long run. If you're hesitant about which one you should buy, call PerformanceMPG and learn the benefits of a synthetic oil change in Lufkin. For more information, stop by the online store or dial (936) 637-7327.

Read Your Owner's Manual

In any case, the user manual or your trusted mechanic can help you choose the most suitable option for your engine. Just remember that you need a thinner oil in places with low temperatures, while in high temperatures, you should go for an alternative with a higher density. However, if you choose a multigrade oil, you don't have to worry about the temperature.

When to Change the Oil

For decades, it has been a basic rule of thumb to change your oil every 3,000 miles. However, with improvements in engine performance and design and advances in oil technology, most cars can run for more miles between oil changes. Currently, the most modern vehicles can travel up to 4,900 or 10,000 miles depending on the model and the owner's driving habits. Still, you must remember that lubricants have an expiration date of usually one year, regardless of the mileage. Some vehicles have a system that monitors the car's oil and alerts the driver when it's time for an oil change.

Check the Oil Correctly

This is a widespread practice that many know how to do, and it's effortless. However, it's essential to give some advice to those who don't. You should check the oil in your car when it's cold and parked on a flat surface. Avoid doing this on slopes because this can lead to an incorrect interpretation. Raise the hood of your unit and locate the oil dipstick. After removing it, proceed to clean it with a dry cloth. Note the minimum and maximum marks, reinsert the dipstick, and remove it again. Now check where the oil level is. It should be close to the top line rather than the minimum line.

Use AMSOIL's Signature Series 5W-20 Synthetic Motor Oil to maintain the car's motor. Talk to an AMSOIL expert at PerformanceMPG and see the benefits of a synthetic oil change in Lufkin. Give them a call at (936) 637-7327 to place an order!