It depends on what you need the oil to do . . .
To figure that out, you need to look at the numbers on the can/bottle.
First, there's a two-letter code. This indicates the type of detergent/additives that the manufacturer uses in the oil. These are the 'SE', 'SF', 'CD', etc. letters.
The 'S' code indicates a gasoline engine application; the 'C' code is for diesel engine applications.
The second letter is assigned in sequence as new levels of protection are developed; so SF is a 'newer/more high tech' oil formula than SE, SE is considered better than SD, etc. etc.
Then you need to look at oil weight.
This is the number/numbers on the can: i.e. 30W or 10W-30.
The multi-viscosity (10W-30) oil is more commonly used these days.
The first number in the designation (10W) is the apparent viscosity of the oil when it's cold; the W stands for `winter'. The second number (30) is the viscosity of the oil when it's at 'operating tmeperature'.
All that being said - do something hardly anyone does - look at your Owner's Manual and see what the manufacturer recommends!
Once you know what the manufacturer recommends you to use - then ANY oil that meets that spec is fine.
In all my years - I've never EVER seen an oil-related engine failure.
True, if the engine runs OUT OF OIL - you will see a failure. But that is not the oil's fault, just the idiot that didn't keep the crankcase topped off. LOL
Later . . .
Jim
