How To Choose The Right Oil And Filter For Your Car

Oil is the life blood of your car. Its job is to provide a cushion for the moving components, making sure they don’t come in contact with each other. The oil’s next job is to cool down the parts due to the heat created by the constant friction. Another job of oil is to clean the engine, removing dirt that will be captured and filtered out by the filter.

Oil comes in many flavors. You have thin lightweight oil, thick heavier oil and then a multi-viscosity oil. The viscosity refers to the oil’s thickness or resistance to flow. Then you have oil types-conventional, synthetic and synthetic blend. So which do you need?

Thin oil, such as 5-weight, pumps well when it’s cold outside. But this oil weight can become too thin when it’s hot out, reducing the cushion that is needed for the engine components. Thick oil, 30-weight, is great for when it’s hot outside since it doesn’t thin out. On the other hand, it’s not good when it’s cold because it will be difficult to pump. To compromise between the two, there is a multi-viscosity oil. For example, you can get a 5W-30. This oil will work when it’s cold and will thicken as it heats up.

The manufacturer of your car will provide their recommendations in your owner’s manual. You may also find the recommendation on the oil filler cap. It is imperative that you follow the advice provided by the carmaker.

The oil filter in your vehicle plays an important role in the oil circulation process. The primary function of the filter is to trap and remove contaminants and debris from the engine oil. You do not want any particles running through the engine because they can cause damage to the moving parts. A clogged or old oil filter can restrict the flow of oil to the engine. This can result in decreased performance, reduced fuel efficiency and engine damage. When the oil is dirty and used up, most likely the filter is too. It is highly recommended that when you change the oil, change the filter as well.

You should change the oil filter in your car whenever you change the oil. It is essential that you use the correct one for your car. Oil filters come in lots of shapes and sizes and a large price range. Generally, the more pleats and the deeper they are, the better the filter. It’s crucial to choose the correct filter that matches your car’s specifications and engine requirements. The best way to get the best filter for you is to work with our service team. They can recommend the right filter for your vehicle’s needs and your budget.

The service team at our Nissan Service Center in Spokane WA are experts when it comes to oil changes. You can trust them to provide reliable service for you car, truck or SUV. Whether you are servicing your Nissan vehicle with us or another make and model, we are staffed with professionals to change the oil, fix the brakes or install new tires. Give us a call or schedule an appointment online.