To fully understand the role that engine oil plays in your vehicle, it’s helpful to know how your engine works in the first place.

Your engine runs by burning gas inside a series of cylinders, which generates power to move your vehicle. This process creates a lot of heat and friction as metal parts move against each other at extremely high speeds. Engine oil helps ensure the metal components move freely against each other and your engine can run as efficiently as possible.

Engine oil does so much more than just lubricate your engine’s components:

• reduces heat by carrying it away from moving parts
• creates a seal between pistons and cylinder walls
• protects against rust and corrosion
• keeps your engine clean thanks to detergents mixed in with the oil

The lifespan of your oil depends a lot on how and where you drive.

Winter cold starts and frequent short trips are a tough combination for engine oil. Cold oil is thick and slow to circulate, and if your trips are too short for the engine to fully warm up, moisture never gets a chance to burn off from the oil.

Older vehicles with worn parts can also introduce contaminants to the oil, which means you’ll need to schedule more frequent oil changes.

Finally, heavy towing also places a lot of demand on the engine and can speed up oil breakdown.

As time passes, heat and contaminants break down engine oil’s protective additives. Old oil can create a sludge that coats different parts of your engine and accelerates wear. Modern engines (especially turbocharged ones) are extremely sensitive to dirty oil and must be serviced regularly.

It’s not enough to simply top up your oil. The system needs to be regularly drained and replaced to keep everything in the best condition possible.

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to selecting the right engine oil. During a professional oil change, your technician will use the best option for your vehicle type and driving habits.

Oil Type

Conventional, synthetic, and semi-synthetic are the three types of engine oil.

Synthetic oils are the best option for most Canadian drivers, since they maintain their viscosity best in colder temperatures. It flows much more easily upon engine startup, when engine wear is highest, because it takes a moment for oil to fully circulate. Turbocharged engines usually require full synthetic oil because of how much heat these engines generate.

On the other hand, older or low-performance vehicles run well on conventional oil, which is a cost-effective, petroleum-based formula.

Semi-synthetic oils are a mix of both and offer some of the temperature resistant benefits, but at a lower cost than full synthetic.

Viscosity

Viscosity is how easily your engine oil flows in different temperatures. To ensure your vehicle runs properly, engine oil needs to strike the perfect balance. If it’s too thick in the winter, it will circulate too slowly and engine parts will be unprotected during startup. In the summer, engine oil that is too thin won’t cling to metal surfaces to provide proper protection.

Modern engine oils are rated with two numbers, like 5W-30, to account for this range of temperatures. Your technician will choose the right viscosity grade based on your vehicle’s specifications and the Canadian climate.

Your technician will also install a new oil filter, which traps contaminants so they don’t circulate through the engine. A clogged or low-quality filter will undermine the benefit of fresh oil, so a fresh filter is necessary.

Hybrid vehicles have internal combustion engines that cycle on and off depending on driving conditions and power demand. Despite the reduced wear and tear on the engine, regular maintenance is required.

Oil change intervals and oil requirements can vary significantly by model, so follow your manufacturer’s recommendations and ask your technician at your nearest NexDrive (powered by NAPA) for the best oil recommendation for your vehicle.

An oil change is the simplest, most cost-effective way to protect your engine and prevent potentially expensive repairs. It’s also the perfect opportunity for a multi-point vehicle inspection. Alongside a quick fluid swap, your NAPA AUTOPRO certified technician will select the right oil, replace the filter, and flag anything else worth attention.

Find your nearest NAPA AUTOPRO service centre and book your appointment today at napaautopro.com.