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Welcome one again to our mini­blog event on engine oil types! Last time we
looked at both ends of the engine oil spectrum: conventional oil and full synthetic
oil. Conventional oil gets the job done and is easy on the wallet, whereas
synthetic oil it top­shelf but has a price tag to match, but where’s the middle
ground? For that matter, what happens when your car starts to creep past
100,000 miles? Let us introduce the gap­bridging wonders: synthetic­blend and
high­mileage motor oil!

Synthetic Blend
If you’re looking for a middle­of­the­road approach for your engine, syntheticblend oil is a good balance between quality and cost. Synthetic blends are
essentially premium­quality conventional oil with a synthetic additive, and try to
capture all of the benefits of each. It’s designed to offer better protection for
heavier engine loads and higher temperatures than premium conventional oil, and
as such is a good choice for most mid­sized pickups, SUV’s, or any vehicle that
puts out a bit more power. Those drivers that find themselves doing light towing or
stop­and­go driving in larger vehicles would also find synthetic blends a good
choice. And while superior to conventional oil, it’s also much less expensive than
high­end full synthetic and thus a good compromise between quality and value.
Compared to conventional oil, synthetic­blend also gets you more miles between
oil changes and can be used in a wider variety of engines, so it has a nice
versatility boost as well.

All niceties aside though, when it comes to synthetic blends it’s important to
understand that age­old phrase, “Jack of all trades, Master of none.” A blend can
be a great alternative true, but luxury and performance vehicle manufacturers
recommend full synthetic oil for a reason: they were designed for it. Always
consult with your owner’s manual or vehicle dealership before using a blend in a
high­end vehicle or if you’d like a more personal touch, ask your Vesa’s
Automotive store for help!

High Mileage
So far we’ve covered the differences between conventional, synthetic, and
synthetic­blend engine oils, but to truly be thorough we have to take a look at the
real unsung hero of engines: high­mileage oil.

Technically any vehicle over 75,000 miles is considered “high mileage,” and as
such need special care to sooth those old pistons. While high­mileage oil comes
in synthetic and conventional varieties, the key to high­mileage oil is the addition
of specialized seal conditioners and detergents that revitalize engine parts. As
time passes, extreme temperature changes and other factors cause engine seals
to become brittle and even fail, not to mention the buildup of sludge from old
broken­down oil and carbon deposits that plague older engines. While there’s no
engine oil that can preserve your car’s engine indefinitely, High­Mileage oil keeps
seals flexible and helps to flush sludge and grime out of vital components. With its
extra lubricants and specialized additives, purchasing high­mileage oil is more
expensive than conditional or blends, so it’s especially important to compare the
value you have in your vehicle to the cost of maintaining that vehicle. After all, a
driver who plans on keeping his or her vehicle for many more years (and miles)
might find full­synthetic high­mileage oil worth the expense, whereas a driver
that’s planning on selling or trading in their vehicle might opt for a cheaper
alternative. Every brand has a unique blend of additives as well; sealants and
detergents that can affect the overall cost, so stay value­conscious and you’ll
spend just the right amount on your oil selection (and not a penny more)!

Well there you have it, folks; we’ve successfully explored the four main types of
engine oil available to consumers on the market today. Whether it’s conventional,
full synthetic, a synthetic blend or high­mileage oil, you can now change your oil
with confidence and find the best variety for your needs. Once again we’re here to
serve as your source for all things auto­relates, so feel free to contact us at
Vesa’s Automotive with any questions. Keep checking out our blog for more
automotive tricks and tips, and happy driving!