How do I know my car engine type?

So what is the right oil for your particular car? While some car manufacturers give big clues about the car engine type or engine size in their model designations, this is by no means universal. Others seem to either hide it in an alphabet soup of letters and numbers or go for an inspirational name that projects the brand's ethos in many languages and across many regions.

While this may be understandable, it doesn't always give you a clue as to what you have under the bonnet. So, what do you do when it comes time to check and possibly top up engine oil and coolants? The first place to look, of course, is the handbook, this will at least tell you what engine size and type you have, and generally, it will tell you what oil is recommended too. If not, there are numerous websites that will match the car with the right oil.

Always be careful to check what year your car is, as the same model can vary over time. In some cases, you can do this simply with your vehicle's registration number. Checking the oil will involve locating the dipstick. This usually has a ring-type handle protruding from the engine. You will then need to ensure the oil level is somewhere between the minimum and maximum mark at the end of the dipstick. Some newer cars give a dashboard reading of oil levels.

Checking should be done with a cold engine; not only is it dangerous, but you will not get a correct reading with a hot engine. The vehicle should be on a reasonably level surface. The recommended distances between oil changes should be followed insofar as possible, with most manufacturers expressing this in terms of miles covered or time passed, whichever comes up first. This will vary from model to model, but it is a good idea to be aware when it's due, since a car running on dirty or old oil is never very efficient or environmentally friendly.

Can I change the type of oil my car uses?

The type of oil recommended in the handbook is the one that is right for your car and should not be changed without speaking to a professional first. The grade of oil is the key element that must be observed here, less so the brand of oil. Our years of experience tell us that the modern car engine is engineered to fine tolerances and the right oil for the right engine is critical in terms of the car's performance and fuel consumption. Running your car with too little oil or the incorrect type of oil can dramatically shorten the life of the engine.

Understanding the different oil types.

One of the first things you will notice when confronted with racks full of oil in your local motoring shop or service station is that some are designated Mineral and some Synthetic. A lot of people draw the conclusion that the Synthetic one must be somehow fake oil, but this is not the case. They both derive from natural crude oil. Synthetic, in this case, means synthesised, in other words, refined, and modified with various chemical compounds and any impurities removed.

Generally speaking, Synthetic is designed for high-performance engines or engines with turbos that will run at higher temperatures. Synthetic oil also has the benefit of reducing friction between moving parts, extending the life of those parts. There are also some semi-synthetic oils available for standard engine types. Mineral oil is often fine and within the required specification for your car.

There is also high-mileage engine oil, created for cars with mileages in excess of 75,000 on the clock. This was developed to address the problem of excessive oil consumption often found with higher mileage, older engines. Next, you will see something like 20W-40, the W stands for winter and the numbers describe the viscosity of the oil. The number in front of the W is its winter or cold temperature grade and the number at the end is its high temperature or summer grade, ensuring your car starts on cold mornings and doesn't overheat on long journeys.

There are also quite a few specialist diesel engine oils on the market. In broad terms, a diesel engine needs cleaning more than a petrol engine, so additives such as detergent are added to try to address this problem. If you have a diesel and want advice about this or if you are having trouble or are unsure about finding car engine oil type for your car, then you can seek advice from the professionals here at Protyre, or you can book our free online vehicle safety check. This 6-point check covers oil levels, car lights, wiper blades, battery health, and windscreen washer top up and includes a free tyre check to make sure they are safe and legal, for maximum peace of mind and to keep you motoring safely. We also offer a full range of servicing packages and MOT testing when the time comes.

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The local garage you can trust.

In addition to free online vehicle checks covering items such as brakes, air conditioning, suspension, exhaust, and steering, we fit over 2 million tyres each year from world-class brands, including Falken, Pirelli, Bridgestone, and Sumitomo. Our tyre professionals are always on hand to give advice, and any work that your vehicle may need can be carried out by one of our teams of qualified fitters at a time convenient to you in one of our many local garages.