Motor Oil – Your Quick Guide to Picking and Changing Engine Oil

Got a car that needs oil? You’re not alone. Most drivers don’t think about oil until the check‑engine light flashes or the dipstick shows a low level. The good news? Picking the right motor oil and changing it on time is easy once you know the basics.

How to Choose the Right Motor Oil

First, check your owner’s manual. It tells you the recommended viscosity – the numbers you see on the bottle like 5W‑30 or 10W‑40. The ‘W’ stands for winter, so a lower number means the oil flows better in cold weather. If you live where it gets icy, go with a lower first number; if it’s always warm, a higher number works fine.

Next, decide between synthetic, semi‑synthetic, or conventional oil. Synthetic oils stay stable at high temps and protect your engine longer, but they cost more. Conventional oil is cheap and fine for older, low‑mileage cars. Semi‑synthetic gives you a middle ground – better protection than regular oil without the full price tag.

Don’t forget the oil filter. A bad filter lets debris stick around, hurting the engine. When you change oil, swap the filter too. Look for a filter that matches your car’s make; most auto shops can point you in the right direction.

When and How to Change Your Motor Oil

How often you change oil depends on the oil type and how you drive. Conventional oil usually needs a change every 3,000–5,000 miles. Synthetic oil can stretch to 7,500–10,000 miles. If you do a lot of city stop‑and‑go, tow heavy loads, or drive in dusty conditions, lean toward the shorter interval.

To check the oil level, pull out the dipstick, wipe it clean, re‑insert, then pull it out again. The film should sit between the “low” and “full” marks. If it’s low, add the same type of oil you use for changes – don’t mix different viscosities.

Changing oil yourself is straightforward: warm up the engine for a few minutes, then turn it off. Place a drain pan under the oil pan plug, remove the plug, and let the old oil drain. Replace the plug, pour in the new oil measured by the car’s capacity (usually between 4–6 quarts), and swap the filter. Run the engine for a minute, then re‑check the level and add more if needed.

Even if you prefer a garage, knowing these steps helps you ask the right questions and avoid overcharges. A typical oil change at a shop costs between £30 and £50, but doing it yourself can cut that down to under £15 for the oil and filter.

Bottom line: Pick the oil your car recommends, watch the viscosity for your climate, change it at the right mileage, and always replace the filter. Keep these habits and your engine will stay smooth, fuel‑efficient, and quiet for years to come.