One of the most common questions we hear is a simple one: which oil does my car need? It is a good question, and the answer is more specific than many people expect. The right oil for your vehicle is decided by the manufacturer, not by a rule of thumb about age or mileage.
Your manufacturer sets the specification
Every vehicle is engineered to run on oil that meets a particular specification. That specification usually includes a viscosity grade, which describes how the oil flows at different temperatures, along with the industry standards the oil must satisfy. You will find this information in your owner’s manual, and sometimes on a label under the hood or the oil cap. Using an oil that meets your vehicle’s requirement helps the engine operate the way it was designed to.
Bottom line: the owner’s manual is the authority. If it calls for a specific grade and standard, that is what your engine should get.
Why not just pick by age or mileage?
It is tempting to assume an older car or a higher-mileage engine automatically needs a heavier or specialty oil. In reality, the correct oil is still whatever the manufacturer specifies. High-mileage formulations exist and can be a reasonable choice for some engines, but they should still meet your vehicle’s required specification. We never recommend an oil based on age or mileage alone.
What we do at the shop
When you come in, we help match your service to your manufacturer’s specification. If you are unsure, bring your owner’s manual or let us know and we will help you find the right requirement for your vehicle. We would rather take a moment to confirm than guess.
How to get a quick estimate
Our online estimate tool lets you enter your vehicle, pick from our oil-change options, and tell us how many quarts your vehicle takes to see a starting price right away. The final total depends on your vehicle’s oil quantity, filter, our shop supply fee, and any applicable taxes, which we confirm before service.