Why It Costs More To Get New Oil

When you purchase a vehicle, you may be looking for a budget option, but end up surprised that the oil change in Longmont, CO, is more expensive than you thought. This can apply to a variety of different vehicles, primarily because the types of oils they are looking to use has changed. 10W-30 and 5W-30 options are getting phased out in favor of options that are low-friction, but higher price. Along with proper alignment in Longmont, these can help ensure that you get maximum fuel efficiency, but the tradeoff is more expensive upkeep. Here’s what you need to know so a higher service cost doesn’t catch you off guard.

You may buy from a dealership with a budget on your mind, only to be surprised when the price tag on an oil change seems a lot higher than usual. This is partially due to the fact that many automakers are beginning to switch, almost exclusively, from 5W-30 and 10W-30 oils to low-friction and pricier options. These slippery, non-friction oils help to squeeze every single bit of fuel economy from the engine, but the synthetic blend also means more costly regular upkeep. So, when you’re confused about the price tag at service at your dealership, here’s what’s happening.

Benefits With Car Service In Longmont

So if your oil change in Longmont uses 0W-2O oils, what are you getting for a service that could cost you $40? The general number code will help you understand a lot. In this context, the 0 covers the viscosity of the oil when you have a cold engine. The W ends up representing its certification in winter, and the 20 covers the viscosity at a higher temperature. The lower the number you see, the thinner the oil ends up being, with less friction. Also, when your car starts up, you’ll see better cold-start emissions.

In some cases, a driver may want to save even more by sticking with the oil they already have. Others may think that even if they have an older vehicle, they can improve their mileage with new oil. This isn’t the case. Technical tests show that upgrading may end up helping, but that’s not what you should be concerned about. It’s the warranty that matters in this case.

To clarify, switching the type of oil you use isn’t going to void your warranty automatically. However, if you have an engine problem caused by improper oil, your repair costs may not be covered by the warranty. As an added note, those who don’t want to pay more for this service may end up having the ability to make a change themselves. A lot of blended or synthetic modern options are able to be purchased at your general auto supply stores, by the quart or by the gallon. How to go about doing this isn’t different either, so while you pay a little more for the actual materials and the time involved, you can still save.

Don’t think that it’s all bad news, though. This is important, as 0W-20 is more and more likely to become standard as time progresses and more and more drivers want every bit of fuel economy. Your typical 3,000-mile interval is more likely to be extended to every 5,000 miles, or maybe even more. In some cases, it’s been tested that vehicles didn’t need a change until 7,500 miles or 7.5 months. As a result, while a change may be more expensive, you get to need it less. If you look in the long-term, the costs balance out.

Are High-Mileage Options Worth It?

Let’s shift the conversation to those vehicle owners that have something older, so they don’t need to upgrade yet. If they are interested in improved performance, security, and fuel economy, there are options out there. Most major brands have selections that focus either on minimizing engine wear or general reduction of aging. These are typically a combination of synthetic and petroleum bases, and will only cost you a few dollars more than the standard. Is it worth it, though?

One thing to note is that you may see two options in a store marked as high-mileage, but they aren’t giving you the same tier of benefits. The best ones typically include conditioners that rejuvenate the seals to cut down on leaks. This is typically a bigger problem for vehicles at higher mileage. The reason for this is that the seals and gaskets get smaller and more brittle as they age, allowing oil to get through. In some cases, this may even be externally visible, as oil streaks/stains get on the driveway or ground. If you find that the seals are wearing, oil can even leak into other parts of the engine and cause burning. You may not see blue smoke, but you will lose oil faster.

Seal conditioners help here by minimizing those small leaks or seeping. In some cases, they can even stop them by reverting things back to their general size and shape. If the engine fails to burn/leak oil, or you’re only using a quart or less after 6,000 miles, the upgrade may not be worth it for you.

Let’s say you have a used vehicle with 100,000 miles on it, but you don’t necessarily go through a lot of oil. What you do is up to you here. High-mileage options can help minimize the risk of leaks. Along with your seal conditioners, these high-mileage options also have more detergents to help get the sludge out of the engine, along with additives that lower wear and tear. You’ll see a lot of brands saying the same things, though. Some experts will recommend that you move to a higher viscosity as well, but make sure you read the manual to make sure you aren’t risking engine damage when you do this. If you need an oil change or auto repair in Longmont, reach out to a local service provider.