What Oil is What?

The “Check Engine” light on your dashboard illuminates. You look up and realize you’ve passed the mileage on your oil change sticker. It’s time to visit your nearest Jiffy Lube for a Signature Service Oil Change. But you know when you get there they’ll ask you what oil you want, and because you’ve never really known the difference, you’ve always had conventional because it was the cheapest. So what is the difference?

There are four types of oils to choose from: Conventional, High Mileage, Synthetic Blend and Synthetic. Some vehicles require synthetic oil (BMWs, Audis and some Subarus, among others), so be sure to check if your vehicle has any requirements.

Conventional Oil:

This is your most basic oil and, therefore, the cheapest. This provides adequate protection and performance for your engine as well as sludge protection. If your vehicle isn’t subject to severe driving conditions like off-roading or extreme temperatures, a conventional oil will do your vehicle just fine.

High Mileage Oil:

If you have a car with a lot of miles but no special oil requirements, high mileage oil might be a better option. Specifically designed for vehicles with more than 75,000 miles, high mileage oil will help replenish worn and leaky seals as well as restore lost compression and reduce oil consumption. It will help keep your car running a little longer than conventional oil.

Synthetic Blend Oil:

A little bit of both, synthetic blend is a mixture of synthetic oil and conventional oil. It provides better protection and performance than conventional oil and helps clean the engine, increasing your vehicle’s fuel economy. This blended oil can also help protect your engine in extreme temperatures, hot or cold.

Full Synthetic Oil:

Full synthetic oil does everything a synthetic blend does but better. The best in protection, performance and cleaning for your engine, this oil provides the best fuel economy and protection in extreme temperatures. As stated above, some vehicles require synthetic oil, especially newer models. Be sure to find out if your vehicle is one of them.

Next time your vehicle calls for an oil change, take it to your local Jiffy Lube Idaho service center for a Signature Service Oil Change. And if you have any questions on what oil is best for your vehicle, our certified technicians will be more than happy to help.

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Photo Credit: "Dan MacMedan, USA Today"