Boyd's Blog

Most drivers know that changing your motor oil and filter regularly is considered the most important maintenance service you can have performed your engine.  Sadly, many vehicle owners believe that all oil changes are equal. With so much riding on this service, Boyd's Tire & Service Center wants you to know that all oil changes are not created equal.  Here are some tips to get the best oil change for your money.

Choose Your Oil Wisely

There is a reliable government agency that regulates motor oil formulations to make sure all engine oil is compliant with strict rules. There are a number of different kinds of motor oil in different grades and weights.

Standard Oil - Natural, or standard oils are based on the stuff they pump out of the ground. These oils have been the foundational product in the industry since cars were invented, but their properties are limited to what nature provides. They are the most affordable products out there but there are now alternatives that offer better engine protection and longer effective life. If you change your oil like clockwork every 3,000 miles and do not have a high performance, turbo or supercharged engine these affordable oils are a safe bet.

Synthetic Blends - These lubricants use a mix of natural oil and synthetic petroleum products to extend life and better protect your engine. A synthetic blend costs a little more than a standard oil but pays for itself in the prevention of costly engine wear. Synthetic blends are the best choice if you tend to stretch the miles between oil changes.

Pure Synthetics - The newest top-line motor oils are purely man-made synthetics. These products can often last much longer than a regular oil change interval and offer the best protection for your engine. A synthetic oil change is the most expensive way to go but is often justified in superior performance.  If you have a high-performance engine, high compression, a turbo or supercharger or you would rather go to the dentist than have your oil changed these are the right products for you.

Diesel Oil - If your vehicle is diesel powered you need diesel approved oil. Diesel oil has additives that have been banned for use in lubricants for gas engines but are necessary for the harsh conditions and high compression of your diesel power plant.

Filters Are Important Too 

Your oil filter catches contaminants that can damage your engine if left in circulation. Do a little research and you will find that there are generally many brands of oil filters that fit your car and that they differ vastly in internal design. Cheap filters use a paper element with little surface area to catch dirt. Stepping up to a paper element filter with more folds means more surface area, better filtration and less likelihood of reduced oil flow. Top line dual element filters use a combination of a paper element and a metal screen to catch more crud and keep your oil cleaner, longer. 

 

Know Who is Performing Your Oil Change

 It seems like a new fast food style quick lube pops up on another corner every time you drive through town, and there is nothing wrong with fast service. However, these facilities tend to use bulk oil products and inexpensive filters so they can advertise a low price. Most oil change huts employ inexperienced techs to drive down cost. All of this translates to a cheap oil change that may not be the best choice over the long haul. You may even get a "free inspection" at these facilities so they can up-sell you products you may not need, like wiper blades and coolant.

Service centers like Boyd's Tire & Service Center will have an ASE Certified Technician perform your oil change using name brand oil and high-quality filters.  They will take a little extra time to discuss your options in oil type, make sure they install the exact weight and grade of oil called for by your manufacturer and will perform a real inspection to ensure that you don't have leaks or other problems that may cause trouble.