It is very important to your engine life to keep your oil changed regularly and to use the recommended oil for your vehicle. There are recommended oils for every automobile. For instance, the 1999 F150 w/5.4 vin L was originally suggested to use 5w20 oil but Ford later changed the recommended weight to 5w30. It was found to perform better in that application. The 2000 Ford Sport Trac w/4.0 vin K recommends 5w30 synthetic blend. Use the recommended weight. Use the recommend type or higher. If your recommend oil is standard you can go up to a blend or a full synthetic if you wish but if your recommended oil is a full synthetic you never step down.
There are also specifications that should be met for your application. All of this gets most especially important when your car uses variable valve timing. These systems are prone to problems when maintenance is even a little bit neglected. I would recommend full synthetic on vvt system, early oil changes and meet the oem specifications as applicable. GM vvt systems need DEXOS specifications met. On vvt applications I recommend fewer miles between changes, full synthetic oil that meets specs. It will save you having expensive vvt problems.
The next issue is about keeping oil level in the safe range. A lot people now neglect to check their oil level between changes. I have found many problems to be caused by low oil level. Vvt systems especially will cause poor performance issues when oil is low. Know that many cars now consume oil, even low mileage cars are guilty as it is part of the design of many and with extended oil change intervals a common occurrence. Check your oil level regularly, at least until you figure out the mileage it will need a quart added. On that note, don't add oil unless it is a quart low. Don't top it off as less than a quart low.
Keep your oil clean, serviced and full.
Kenny@ggauto.repair
