Oil Changes and Engine Health: The Science Behind Lubrication
A Deep Dive Into Your Motor Oil
An oil change is a vital car maintenance service because it works to protect one of the most important and most expensive components: your engine. Routine oil changes play a role in engine longevity and can pave the way for many years of trouble-free service.
However, neglecting your oil change is one of the fastest ways to destroy your engine and open the door to thousands of dollars in repairs. At Tate Boys Tire & Service, we feature a team of expert ASE-certified mechanics to keep your vehicle running smoothly. We even have the art of the oil change down to a science! Dive in with us as we talk about the science behind your oil changes, and be sure to contact us to schedule an appointment at Tate Boys Tire & Service for all of your automotive needs.
The Life Cycle of Engine Oil
Motor oil comes from either crude oil or natural gas and is designed to provide lubrication for the many moving parts inside your engine. As your oil circulates through your engine, it offers cooling, lubrication, and cleaning properties for the many internal parts, allowing it to run smoothly, efficiently, and safely.
However, over time, your oil becomes more contaminated, and its chemical properties begin to change. This change is called oxidation. As your oil oxidizes, friction and heat can build inside your engine, causing your engine parts to wear excessively.
For lasting protection, it's important to change your oil before its protective properties begin to fade. Changing your oil regularly is one of the best ways to promote engine longevity and reliability throughout the years because it ensures that your engine is always operating with the best protection.
How To Know if Your Oil Has Oxidized
Once your oil has oxidized, it's incapable of providing the protection that your engine needs. However, your vehicle doesn't tell you when or if your oil has oxidized. Oil oxidation can occur almost immediately if your engine overheats but can also happen slowly if oxidized oil is left in your engine for too long. Here are a few signs that your oil has lost its protective abilities:
- Rough idle
- Exhaust smoke
- Decreased fuel economy
- Check engine light
- Oil warning light
- Overheated engine
Not All Engine Oil Is the Same
Three types of motor oil can be used in your vehicle. Each type has a distinct formulation and provides a different level of engine protection:
Conventional Oil
Conventional oil is usually created from crude oil that has been extracted from deep within the earth. Composed of refined hydrocarbons, conventional oil provides the most basic level of protection for your engine. Able to withstand temperatures of up to 275 F, this type of oil is great for economical and naturally aspirated engines.
Because conventional oil has the tendency to leave behind sludge and carbon deposits if left inside your engine for too long, it needs to be changed most frequently. This type of oil will generally protect your engine for about 3,000-5,000 miles before it oxidizes and loses its protective properties.
It's important to note that conventional oil is not compatible with every type of engine. Because this oil oxidizes once it is heated beyond 275 F, it is incompatible with some high-performance and turbocharged engines where oil can exceed temperatures of 400 F.
Synthetic Blend
Synthetic blend oil uses a conventional oil base with synthetic additives for added protection. This type of oil is often used for higher mileage vehicles and usually features specialized properties to promote longevity in aging motors. Synthetic blend oil typically features specifically designed detergents to fight carbon buildup and additional sealants to prevent gasket leaks. Synthetic blend oil can also withstand a higher temperature than conventional oil. Many synthetic blend oils can reach temperatures of 400 F before they begin to oxidize, which is much more protection than many naturally aspirated and high-performance vehicles need.
Due to the synthetic properties that are in synthetic blend oil, this type of oil typically needs to be changed roughly every 5,000-7,500 miles.
Full Synthetic Oil
Full synthetic oil is derived from crude oil or made from natural gas. This type of oil is chemically altered to provide superior protection for your engine. This type of oil burns clean, which means it can protect your engine longer while reducing heat, minimizing friction, and protecting your motor better than any other type of oil.
Full synthetic oil can withstand temperatures of up to 500 F and needs to be changed every 7,500-10,000 miles.
Contact Us For An Oil Change Today
At our auto shops in the Tulsa area, we provide quality oil change services for all makes and models of vehicles. Whether your vehicle is due for its first oil change or you drive a high-mileage vehicle, our experts can provide absolute care for your vehicle and ensure that it's always in its best mechanical shape.
We use high-quality Valvoline oil® and install quality replacement oil filters that meet or exceed your vehicle's needs. In addition to our already competitive prices, we strive to help you save even more money with our fantastic oil change service coupons.
Schedule service at Tate Boys Tire & Service today and enjoy a quality oil change in Tulsa that offers lasting peace of mind.
