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What Oil Does My Car Take?

  • Car Care Tips
  • Renee Martin
  • 6 minutes

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Regularly changing the motor oil in your vehicle is an absolute must for peak performance. But you’ll need to ask yourself a few questions – like “What oil does my car take?”. Here, we break down all you need to know about changing your car’s motor oil.

The motor oil in an engine primarily acts as a lubricant that smooths the working of the engine’s moving parts. However, there are several different types of motor oil – some focus on high performance while others ensure the longevity of the engine.

It’s an absolute necessity for you to know what type of motor oil your car uses. Without that knowledge, you risk causing damage to the internal parts and racking up huge repair costs! Here’s everything you need to know about what oil to choose for your car.

Why is motor oil important for a car? 

Motor oil primarily helps lubricate the moving parts of the engine, like the piston and ball bearings. It also has other functions like:  

  • Reduces friction between moving parts 
  • Prevents the metal parts from rusting and oxidization 
  • Circulates hot oil to other parts of the engine to maintain the right operating temperature 
  • Washes away sludge, deposits, and other material from inside the engine
  • Neutralizes acids from the combustion process 

what oil does my car take

 What oil does my car take? 

Depending on the type of vehicle, make, model, and other specifications, different cars may be prescribed different types of oil.

  • Conventional oil: It is made from refined crude oil and is best for light vehicles with low mileage.
  • High-mileage oil: This is best for engines that have run for 75,000 miles or more. It may contain additives like detergents, antioxidants, and friction-reduction agents to reduce maintenance.
  • Synthetic motor oil:  It is much costlier than conventional oil but best for engine performance and maintenance. It consists of refined conventional oil mixed with carrier oils and other powder additives.
  • Synthetic blend motor oil: This is a good alternative if you can’t afford synthetic motor oil. As the name suggests, it is a blend of synthetic and conventional motor oil with a higher grade than regular oil.

How do I know what oil my car takes? 

Knowing what oil your car takes is not a test of deduction! It is plainly mentioned in the owner’s manual of every vehicle, under the sections dealing with repairs and maintenance.

The automaker will also specify the features of the oil required – like the viscosity and the optimum engine conditions it can be used for.

If the oil is too viscous, your car may not start in cold temperatures. The thick oil may prevent the engine from performing ignition properly. However, oil that’s too thin may not provide enough protection for your engine. 

What are the grades of motor oil? 

There are many different grades of engine oil, as decided by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE). Some common grades of motor oil include 5W-40, 5W-30, 10W-30, 10W-40, 15W-40, and 20W-50.

The first number (before the ‘W’) indicated how well it pours in winter. The lower the number, the easier it flows in the cold.

The second number (after ‘W’) indicates the oil weight at regular operating temperature. The higher this number, the thicker it is when it’s warm.  

You can identify the grade of the motor oil by looking at the engine oil cap. You can also check the vehicle owner’s manual to find what grades of motor oil can be best used for your car.

Can 5W-30 oil be used in any car? 

5W-30 oil is a pretty common grade of oil that has been used by vehicle manufacturers for the past half-century. It is commonly used for commuter vehicles, light trucks, and SUVs. 

What is the difference between 5W and 5W-30 oil? 

According to the grading system of motor oil, the number before the ‘W’ indicates oil viscosity at low temperatures, while the number after the ‘W’ indicates how thick it is at regular operating temperatures. 

Can I use 5W30 instead of 5W? 

Always try to use only the properly mandated grade of motor oil in your car. Changing the grade of motor oil you use can result in lower engine efficiency, voiding your car’s transmission warranty, and damaging internal parts.

What happens if I put the wrong oil in my car? 

Depending on the difference between the grade of motor oil you’re currently using and the new motor oil you use, the following could happen:

  • There could be no big change besides a slight difference in efficiency. This could be the case if you drive in a region that isn’t too hot or cold and if you’re not driving your vehicle regularly.
  • Your engine could be damaged in extreme cases because of the difference in viscosity. Wear and tear could increase if the oil is too thin – or the engine may stall regularly if the oil is too thick.
  • Using motor oil intended for petrol engines in a diesel engine and vice versa could cause permanent damage to the car.

Will a little too much oil hurt my car? 

 Yes, too much oil in your engine can also damage your vehicle. You must regularly check your dipstick to ensure there isn’t any overfill of oil. Some of the symptoms that you have too much oil include:

  • Smell of burning engine oil
  • Oil leakage
  • Smoke from the vehicle engine
  • Smoke from the tailpipe

To check the oil level, first park your vehicle on a flat surface. It helps to warm up the vehicle for a few minutes before checking. Open the hood, pull the dipstick out, and wipe any remaining oil off it.

Insert the dipstick back in and pull it out after a few seconds to see how high the oil has reached. The level should be between the Full (F) and Low (L) markings.

How long can a car go without an oil change before damage? 

Vehicles are usually built so that they can go 5000 to 7500 miles until they need an oil change. 

Is it okay to add new oil to the old oil? 

Adding new oil to old oil is typically called a ‘top-off’. However, this could prevent the removal of impurities from the engine and contaminate the new oil as well.

You can identify if the oil has been contaminated by removing the dipstick and inspecting the oil for changes in smell and color.

What are the signs that you need an oil change? 

  • Change in the consistency of the oil when you check your dipstick
  • Burning smell emanating from the engine
  • Unusual knocking or grinding noises from the engine
  • Blinking ‘Check Engine’ light
  • Smoke from the exhaust pipe

How much does engine oil cost? 

Depending on the vehicle and kind of oil used, an oil change can cost between $20-$100.

what oil does my car take


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