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Engine Oil
Engine oil is one of the most essential items to keep your engine running. It lubricates moving parts in your engine, ensuring these parts don't cause too much friction and, as a result, regulate your engine's temperature. Without engine oil, your engine won't be as lubricated and will overheat more easily, which could cause it to break down. Over time, engine oil absorbs contaminants in your engine created by your exhaust, which helps your engine continue to run. This also means that your oil won't maintain its properties due to these contaminants. You need to replace it to keep your engine properly lubricated to keep it running and ensure a long lifetime.
Advance Auto has got you covered in helping you replace your engine oil. We offer a wide selection of Engine Oil brands — both synthetic and conventional — for all budgets. From brands like FRAM, Mobil 1, Castrol, Valvoline, Pennzoil, and Royal Purple, rest assured knowing we'll have the oil for you, no matter your vehicle type. You can also take advantage of our Build a Bundle package, which includes a new oil filter every time you change your oil.
Contact Advance Auto today to see how we can help you further before you change your engine oil!
Engine Oil for Replacement, Repair and More
When purchasing engine oil products for your vehicle, it's crucial to consider several key factors to ensure optimal performance and longevity of your engine. First, always check your vehicle's owner manual for the manufacturer’s specifications regarding the recommended oil type, viscosity, and certifications, such as API or ILSAC standards. Different engines require different oil formulations—conventional, synthetic, or a blend—so choose one that aligns with your driving conditions and habits. Additionally, consider the climate in which you operate your vehicle, as extreme temperatures may necessitate a specific viscosity for optimal flow. It's also wise to be aware of the oil change intervals; using high-mileage oil may be beneficial if your vehicle has over 75,000 miles. Lastly, pay attention to the brand and formulation of the oil to ensure it meets your engine’s requirements and provides adequate protection against wear and tear, sludge buildup, and engine corrosion. By taking these factors into account, you’ll be better equipped to select the right engine oil for your vehicle's needs.
Engine Oil Prices, Brands & Ratings
Advance Auto Parts customers consistently choose to buy Engine Oil from trusted brands like Pennzoil, Mobil Oil, Valvoline, and Castrol for their reliability and positive ratings. As of 6/2/26, the Engine Oil listed below are the ones our customers have preferred most, offering compatibility with a wide array of leading vehicle manufacturers including Ford, Dodge, Mitsubishi, Kia, and 71 other popular makes. These best-selling Engine Oil are priced between $12.99 and $44.99. However, please note that prices may fluctuate based on your location's availability. To ensure a seamless match with your vehicle, we invite you to use the "Add Vehicle" tool in the top menu, or explore the Engine Oil options. Trust in Advance Auto Parts to provide you with high-quality Engine Oil to meet your specific car maintenance or project needs.
Engine oil lubricates the engine's moving parts to reduce friction, ensuring these components can operate smoothly without excessive wear. The less friction your engine experiences, the better it can sustain a regulated temperature. Many types of engine oil also contain detergents that clean internal surfaces by suspending dirt and preventing deposits.
The frequency of oil changes depends on various factors, including the type of oil, the vehicle model, and your driving habits. For instance, if you take frequent short trips, let your engine idle often, or tow, you must change your oil frequently. Generally, replace your oil every 3,000 to 5,000 miles using conventional and 15,000 to 20,000 using synthetic oil. If you don't drive this much using synthetic oil, you can replace it yearly. Before deciding when to replace your oil, look at your vehicle's owner's manual, as it may have differing specifications based on your engine.
While mixing synthetic and conventional oil won't cause immediate damage to an engine, it can dilute the superior performance characteristics of the synthetic oil. If anything, it would function similarly to a conventional engine oil. If you want the benefits of synthetic oil, such as the more extended change intervals and enhanced engine performance, stick to one type of synthetic oil every time you change your oil.
As a rule, you should always schedule your engine oil change in advance to keep it part of your regular car maintenance routine. However, you will need to replace it if you notice your engine making more noise, if your oil is darker, and if you smell oil when driving.
Synthetic oil is specifically engineered for high performance and durability under severe weather conditions and thermal stress. It offers better viscosity at extreme temperatures and longer-lasting protection. Conventional oil, while effective, breaks down faster under high heat and provides less protection during cold starts.
Regularly checking your oil level is vital for maintaining engine health. Park your vehicle on a level surface, wait for the engine to cool, then remove the dipstick to wipe it clean. Reinsert it fully and pull it out again to see if the oil level falls between the marked indicators on the dipstick. If your oil levels are low, you don't have enough oil to lubricate your engine properly.
Using an incorrect type or grade of engine oil can compromise engine performance, lead to increased wear, and potentially cause your engine to overheat. The wrong oil may also fail to provide adequate lubrication in cold weather, resulting in difficult starts and rough running.
High-mileage oils are specially formulated for older or well-used vehicles, containing additives that help reduce oil consumption, minimize leaks, and protect worn engines. These oils can help stabilize oil viscosity and prevent the deterioration of older engine seals.
Fresh engine oil reduces internal friction, allowing the engine to run more smoothly and efficiently, thus improving fuel economy. Regular oil changes ensure that your engine is not working harder than it needs to, which can save on fuel costs over time.
To change your oil, ensure you have enough oil on hand, which you can check in your owner's manual. Then, jack your car up and remove the plastic undertray that protects your oil filter and oil pan. From here, situate a five-gallon bucket, an oil drain pan, or any reciprocal capable of holding at least a gallon of liquid under your oil reservoir. Unscrew the drain plug and hold onto it as the old oil fills your chosen pan. Draining the oil should take about five minutes, depending on how viscous the oil is. Remove your oil filter once all of the oil is gone, and ensure the filter gasket comes along with it to maintain the new filter's seal. Then, place the oil plug back on, replace the oil filter, reinstall your undertray, and fill up your oil reservoir with new oil.