Finding out the recommended engine oil for your car is essential to properly maintaining your car's engine. Oil fights friction to keep your engine's parts running smoothly--each grade is manufactured to excel under certain conditions. Choosing the wrong oil viscosity grade can open the door to preventable wear on your engine. But by knowing where to look, you can find out what type of oil to use, and protect your engine from abrasion.
Consult the owner's manual for your car. The owner's manual will provide you with details as to what type of oil is best suited for your car. You can also find out in the owner's manual which alternative oil viscosity to use in extreme temperatures, or if your car's engine can or should use synthetics or conventional motor oil.
Check online or at a dealership if you no longer have the car's manual. Owners manuals can be found on the car manufacturer's website or in a manual database (see Resources). Also, a dealership that carries your car's brand may have a manual on hand or can help you order a new one.
Look under the hood. Generally, your car's oil cap will be labeled with the type of oil that the manufacturer recommends for the car.
Consider you car's mileage and the engine's condition. If your car has high mileage and is starting to show its age, try using the high mileage blend of your car's recommended oil viscosity to prolong the engine's life. High mileage blends contain additives the help cut down on oil leaks and burn-off.
