West Jefferson Chevrolet Oil Change

Engine Maintenance & Oil Changes Explained

Internal combustion engines require a lubricant to protect the internal parts as they move together generating power in extreme friction and heat. Motor oil provides the essential lubrication that a combustion engine requires. Motor oil has a limited life because it loses viscosity, collects debris, and turns into a debris-filled sludge that cannot lubricate properly. All motor oils require change service to keep the engine clean and lubricated to specifications.

Conventional Motor Oil

Crude petroleum pulled from the ground is the fundamental raw material used in conventional motor oil production. Production requires considerable refinement to ready conventional oil for lubricating within the engine’s extreme environment. As a budget matter, conventional oil is available at the lowest price compared to synthetic alternatives. Conventional oil should be changed every 3,000 to 5,000 miles.

Semi-Synthetic Motor Oil

Semi-synthetic motor oil is also called synthetic blend because it contains elements of petroleum-based conventional and synthetic base stock oils. It costs slightly more than conventional oil but does not need to be changed as often with a 5,000 to 7,500-mile change interval.

Many Chevrolet owners from West Jefferson, OH have switched from conventional to semi-synthetic when their vehicle accumulates higher miles. This is often a good strategy to improve lubrication and extend engine life.

Synthetic Motor Oil

Full-synthetic motor oil is manufactured using petroleum resources but the resulting product is so different from conventional oil that it's considered man-made. It comes at a higher price but delivers premium lubrication with its thinner molecule and resistance to thermal breakdown. Synthetic motor oil has a change interval of 7,500 to 10,000 miles.