Engine Oil: Choosing the Right Oil and Changing It Right

Engine oil is the lifeblood of your car. It reduces friction, cools the engine, and carries away tiny bits of wear. If you skip oil care, you’ll feel it in reduced performance, noisy running, or even a costly engine failure. Below is a straightforward guide to help you pick the right oil, know when to swap it, and avoid common slip‑ups.

Types of Engine Oil

There are three main families you’ll see on shelves: mineral, semi‑synthetic and full synthetic. Mineral oil is the cheapest and works fine in older, low‑stress engines, but it breaks down faster. Semi‑synthetic blends give you a bit more protection for a modest price increase. Full synthetic stays stable at high temperatures, offers the best wear protection, and often lets you stretch the oil change interval.

When you shop, check the viscosity rating – the numbers like 5W‑30. The first number (5W) tells you how the oil flows when it’s cold; the second (30) shows its thickness at engine‑operating temperature. Your car’s manual will recommend a range; stick to it. Using a grade that’s too thin in hot weather can thin out too quickly, while a grade that’s too thick in winter makes the engine harder to start.

How Often Should You Change Your Oil?

Older cars with mineral oil often need a change every 3,000‑5,000 miles. Modern engines using synthetic oil can go 7,500‑10,000 miles or even 15,000 miles, depending on driving style. A good rule of thumb: change the oil when the dipstick shows it’s low, the oil looks gritty, or the smell of burnt oil appears. Many drivers also follow the service light on the dashboard – it’s usually calibrated to the oil’s condition.

If you do a lot of short trips, tow heavy loads, or drive in extreme heat, you’ll want to change more often. Short trips don’t let the oil heat up enough to evaporate moisture, which can lead to sludge. In those cases, a 3,000‑mile interval is safer.

Changing oil isn’t rocket science. You’ll need a new filter, a drain plug wrench, a catch pan, and the right amount of fresh oil. Warm the engine for a few minutes so the oil drains faster, then place the pan under the drain plug, remove it, and let the old oil pour out. Replace the drain plug, swap the old filter for a new one (lubricate the new filter’s seal with a bit of fresh oil), and pour the recommended amount of new oil in. Check the level with the dipstick after a minute, add more if needed, and you’re good to go.

Skipping the oil filter is a mistake many novices make. A clogged filter lets dirt circulate, accelerating wear. Even if you’re only topping up oil, inspect the filter and replace it if it looks dirty or you’re hitting the mileage limit.

When in doubt, Northwich Tyres Centre can help. They stock a full range of oils and filters, and the staff can recommend the best fit for your make and model. A quick visit can save you a lot of hassle later.

Bottom line: pick the oil grade your car asks for, change it at the right interval, and never forget the filter. A few minutes of care now means years of smooth driving later.