If you're old enough, you probably remember a time when you needed to decide between synthetic and "dino" motor oils. While most manufacturers now design their cars to run only on synthetic, the choices haven't become any less complex. Aside from choosing the proper oil weight, you can now select from a vast range of specialized blends for high mileage, European cars, and more.

However, many carmakers produce their own oil and sell it through their dealership network. Is it worth the cost of buying oil formulated for your car? Do you need to purchase this oil to get the most life out of your engine? As with many motor oil-related questions, the answers aren't always straightforward.

What Makes Manufacturer Oils Special?

Car manufacturers need to ensure their vehicles meet certain advertised specifications, such as fuel economy or advertised oil change intervals. The oil you can purchase at your dealership will contain the necessary additives to meet these specifications. Additives that extend the life of your motor oil are particularly critical as manufacturers implement much longer oil change intervals.

In most cases, there's nothing secretive or unique about these oils. Instead, they simply meet a set of criteria created by the automaker. For example, GM currently uses the Dexos oil specification for its vehicles. On the other hand, BMW has its own set of specifications, including LL-01 And LL-01 FE, which are used in most modern gasoline BMW engines.

What Happens If You Don't Use the Right Oil?

Using the incorrect oil in your car can have numerous potential effects, ranging from relatively minor to fairly severe. Many specifications focus on oil lifetime, so using an unapproved oil may mean that your manufacturer-recommended change intervals are now far too long. In this case, you may cause premature wear or even damage your engine if you don't change your oil more frequently.

Your manufacturer's specification may also ensure that the oil doesn't contain additives that may be harmful to gaskets, fittings, or other parts of your car's oil system. As a result, using the wrong oil can mean more leaks or other forms of damage.

Do You Need to Buy Your Manufacturer's Oil?

The good news is that you don't need to buy your manufacturer's oil from the dealership to keep your engine working reliably. Remember that these oils meet certain specifications, and many companies may produce motor oil that meets the same specifications. As long as you select a motor oil that meets these criteria, you don't need to worry about causing damage to your engine.

If you're unsure, an experienced auto shop should be able to recommend oils that will work for your car. Discussing your options with a professional is an excellent way to ensure you get a high-quality oil that's appropriate for your specific vehicle.

For more information about oil changes, contact a local professional.

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