If you need to top off your car's oil, you may believe you can grab any container off the shelf. You'd be wrong, however. Each vehicle requires a specific type of motor oil to run efficiently.
Choosing an oil with the wrong viscosity can prove disastrous. If you're lucky, the car won't run as efficiently as it usually would. In the worst-case scenario, you can damage the internal workings of your vehicle.
How can you figure out which oil your vehicle needs to run smoothly? Stop googling "what oil does my car take?" Continue reading below to learn the resources available for finding the answer.
Check Your Car Owner's Manual
The best place to check what oil your car needs is in your owner's manual. It lists out all the critical information you need to know about your vehicle, including the right oil to buy.
The type of oil you need will be based on viscosity. Your manual may tell you the vehicle requires 10W30, 10W40, or a similar variety. If you don't have your car owner's manual, you can look into the suggestions below.
Call the Dealership
If the owner's manual is missing, a first step would be to call the car dealership. Ask to speak to the service department. They might be able to offer you an oil recommendation based on your car's year, make, model, and mileage.
Go to an Auto Parts Store
Another option is to go to an auto parts store. If you go to the oil section of the store, there should be a chart or booklet that tells you the right oil for most cars. Keep in mind this booklet may not have your vehicle listed if it's older or less common.
You could also speak to the sales representative at the front desk of the auto parts store. They may be able to help you figure out what oil your vehicle takes by searching their in-store database.
When All Else Fails, Try Google
Searching Google can be a great way to determine what oil our vehicle takes, but there is a downside. You could find conflicting information online, which only serves to confuse you further.
If you choose to search Google, look at the answers offered by reliable websites. Car manufacturers, car oil producers, and mechanic websites are all great choices.
Pro Tip: Look for This Symbol When Buying Your Oil
When you find out which oil you're supposed to buy, there's one trick to finding a high-quality oil in that specific weight. Look on the oil container for a starburst symbol. The starburst symbol means it was tested by the American Petroleum Institute (API) and passed.
Do You Have More Questions About What Oil Does My Car Take?
There are several ways to determine what oil your car needs. The best option is to look in your car owner's manual. If the owner's manual isn't available, you can try the other options listed above.
Do you have more questions about what oil does my car take?
Contact us today. One of our associates would be happy to answer any questions you still have.