When it comes to necessary yet affordable preventive maintenance for your vehicle, you may rank an oil change service at the top of your list. Unless, that is, you have brought your car in for an oil change recently and discovered the recommended oil most vehicle manufacturers are moving toward is not exactly “cheap.” Before you shun the recommendations, though, take time to learn why car makers recommend pricier oil. It will save you money in the long run.
Using the Wrong Oil Can Harm Your Car
All motor oil is the same, right? Wrong. Various oil configurations consist of different thicknesses and weights (the umbrella term for these characteristics is viscosity). When your car’s oil is not the proper viscosity, its engine must work harder to power your car and uses more fuel. This unnecessary stress on your engine can result in premature wear and tear of essential components (and pricey repair bills). You may wonder, “what is the best engine oil brand?” Instead, ask your technician “what is the right oil configuration for my car?”
Using The Wrong Oil Can Void Your Vehicle’s Warranty
It’s true choosing the right oil will provide better fuel economy. It also is true choosing the right oil will protect your car’s warranty. If your car is filled with the wrong oil viscosity and an engine problem arises that can be linked to the wrong oil type, your car’s limited warranty may not cover the repairs.
Using the Right Oil Will Save You Money, Time and Inconvenience
Typically, most drivers are used to paying around $20 to $30 for an oil change. When they drive into a service bay and hear a quote of $40, $50, $60 or more for an oil change, they are, understandably, shocked. There’s a reason for this sticker shock. Many auto manufacturers are moving from inexpensive 5W-30 and 10W-30 oils to high-performance, low-friction 0W-20 oils. These man-made oils are pricier but greatly enhance fuel efficiency, which saves drivers money over the long term. Pricier OW-20 Oil:
- Improves gas mileage, which means you need to fuel up less often. The less often you need to fill the tank, the more money you save and the less time you waste at a gas station.
- Protects the engine. Pricier OW-20 oil lubricates your car’s engine far more effectively than cheap oil. Would you rather pay an extra $20 or $40 for this protection or would you rather save $20 or $40 on cheaper oil and then receive a repair bill of hundreds of dollars? Money spent on prevention is always well spent.
The next time your vehicle is due for an oil change, contact us at DeBoer’s Automotive. While you may be tempted to save money by going with a cheap oil change, don’t give in to that temptation. Saving a few dollars on a cheap oil change up front can cost you hundreds or thousands of dollars in the long run. The risk is not worth the minimal initial savings.
