Can I switch between synthetic and conventional oil?

Yes, it’s possible to switch between them, although it’s best to follow your vehicle’s manufacturer recommendations. If your car is older, consult a mechanic before making a switch.

Is synthetic oil worth the extra cost?

In most cases, yes—especially if you want longer intervals between changes and better protection. For frequent drivers or those in extreme climates, the investment often pays off.

How often should I change synthetic oil?

Many full synthetic oils are rated for up to 10,000 miles between changes, but always check your vehicle’s maintenance guide for specifics.

5 Things You Should Never Do in Your Manual Car

By Kayleigh DeMace on Aug 21 2017

There are a lot of things you have to do right when driving a manual car.

With an automatic, there are so many fewer steps, but a lot of people prefer the control they have in a standard car. Understanding the way a standard transmission works helps, but there are also a number of things you want to make sure you don't do.

5: Don't Floor the Gas Pedal

Speeding isn't the problem here. You don't want to floor the gas pedal when your engine is at a low RPM because it's bad for your engine. Shift to a lower gear to avoid long-term problems.

You always want to make sure that you're progressing up the gears correctly to avoid any strain on the engine.

4: Don't Leave Your Car in Gear at a Stoplight

You want to put your car in neutral when you're at a stoplight. Why? Because it could cause premature wear on the clutch in certain conditions by putting the throw out bearing in contact against the diaphragm spring. This causes pressure that just isn't necessary, and any way to avoid general wear on the clutch is a good thing, right?

When you're in neutral at a stoplight, be sure to use the handbrake to keep the car from moving.

3: Don't Rest Your Foot on the Clutch

" Stop riding the clutch! "

I feel like dads everywhere have said this when teaching someone to drive a stick shift, but it's really important that you always and I mean always keep this in mind.

Doing this partially engages the clutch and creates friction, causing more of that premature wear that we're trying to avoid here. It can also cause slippage which lowers your cars fuel efficacy.

This is what the dead pedal is for, friends.

2: Don't Neglect the Clutch When Shifting Gears

The whole point of a clutch is to disengage the transmission from the engine. So make sure you use it! Shifting without using the clutch can damage the engine and the transmission system.

You also want to make sure that you engage the clutch when you brake. You want all your gear engagement to happen as smoothly as possible.

1: Don't Rest Your Hand on the Gear Shift

When you do this, you're applying pressure to the selector fork against the rotating collar. That pressure, applied prematurely, can cause premature wear.

Doing these things in your standard car can damage the transmission system, and you don't want to do that.

The goal is to take care of your car so that it lasts as long as possible, and that means understanding how everything works so that you can properly work your car.