Did you know that according to the Environmental Protection Agency (the EPA), two hundred million gallons of used oil are improperly disposed of each year? That being said, you should also know that the used motor from just a single typical oil change can ruin one million gallons of freshwater. Do the math, because that is a serious amount of pollution.

It is for reasons like this that the public needs to start educating itself about engine oil, like the different motor oil types, or when to change motor oil and other motor oil facts, so that we can protect not only the Earth, but ourselves.

Of course, I do not mean memorizing SAE viscosity gradings (which range from 0 to 60). I do not even mean knowing about motor oil history, like how before the appearance of the modern plastic motor oil bottle in the eighties, it either came in glass bottles, metal cans and metal and cardboard cans.

The kind of things that are important to know are the differences between motor oil types (not necessarily memorizing them) or that a dipstick is a tool that is used to measure the quantity of liquid in a space that is inaccessible, by inserting and removing the stick and then checking to see how much of the stick came into contact with the oil.

So, to start your education, allow me to briefly explain the different motor oil types.

1. Synthetic.

Amongst motor oil types, this is a synthesis designed to achieve the highest level of results in terms of lubrication, engine protection and generally offers better protection at startup, better cleansing qualities, enhanced durability and better protection against buildup.

2. Synthetic blend.

This is a mixture between synthetic and conventional base oils. It provides excellent low temperature properties, and is recommended for any vehicle that has to carry a lot of heavy loads, tow trailers and or has to operate frequently at high RPMs.

3. High mileage motor oil.

Amongst motor oil types, this one has unique additives and viscosity, which helps reduce oil burn off, and seals oil leaks. It also helps improve combustion chamber sealing to help restore engine compression. This all leads to better performance from higher mileage engines.

4. Conventional oil.

This type of motor oil is recommended for drivers who have routine habits and low mileage, late model cars.

Hopefully that will serve you well in the future! If you have any comments or opinions about motor oil types, please share in the comments! What motor oil types do you prefer to use in your cars?