The Difference in Oil Types

Have you taken a peek under the hood of your RAM, Dodge, or FIAT and noticed the specific oil grade needed for your vehicle? Engine oil is specifically designed to provide lubrication for the moving parts within your engine and accumulates the by-products from combustion. That is one of the main reasons it's important to get your vehicle maintained regularly. Melloy Dodge spoke with one of our Express Lane technicians, who broke down the oil types and why some are graded differently. 

Oil is graded on its viscosity, and you can read more about that here and why it matters! There are three different types of oils:

• Synthetic Motor Oil: This blend is made with a mixture of synthetic oil and conventional-based oils that provide higher resistance to oxidation and better performance in lower temperatures.
• Conventional Motor Oil: This is made from crude that has been refined until it has the right properties for properly lubricating your engine and its moving parts. 
• High-Mileage Motor Oil: This oil is specifically designed for older model vehicles. It is formulated with unique additives that prevent oil leaks in older engines and reduce oil burn-off. 

 But, what are the different grades you can find on your oil cap?

SAE is the Society of Automotive Engineers, which rates oil viscosity. For oils that can perform at a wide range of temperatures, there are multigrade viscosity oils that are graded as such: 

Ex :) SAE 0W-20: "0" is the cold temperature viscosity rating."W" stands for winter. "20” is the operating temperature. 

You should check your owner's manual for information regarding your engine's recommended viscosity grade. You can also locate your engine's recommended oil on the oil cap located under your vehicle's hood, on a cap on the engine with the oil grade imprinted on it. Regular oil changes should take place every 4,000 to 6,000 miles or on newer model vehicles when the oil light comes on. The Express Lane at Melloy Dodge services customers for their oil changes without an appointment! Stop by when you have the time, and while we change your oil, we will also run through our multi-point checklist and recommend things like tire rotation, topping off fluids, replacing windshield wipers, and cabin air filters. The Express Lane is open Monday through Saturday and closed on Sundays, but the dealership is open seven days a week!