1. Check your owner's manual: Refer to your car's owner's manual to see what type of oil is recommended for your vehicle. If it specifies synthetic oil, you'll need to address the situation promptly.
2. Evaluate the oil level: If you've only added a small amount of regular oil, and the overall oil level is still close to the recommended level, you may be able to drive the car cautiously to an auto service center without causing significant damage. However, if you're uncertain or the oil level is significantly above the recommended amount, it's best to have the oil drained and replaced as soon as possible.
3. Contact an auto repair shop:
- Reach out to a trusted auto repair shop or dealership and explain the situation. They'll be able to professionally assess the oil and determine the necessary course of action.
- Based on the circumstances and the condition of your vehicle, they may recommend one or more of the following steps:
- An oil change: The most common solution is to replace the oil and filter with the correct type of oil.
- Engine flush: In some cases, an engine flush may be recommended to thoroughly remove any traces of incompatible oil from the engine.
- Further inspection: If the engine has been run for a significant amount of time with regular oil, the repair shop may suggest additional inspections or tests to ensure there's no damage.
4. Avoid driving extensively:
- While you may be able to drive the car cautiously to a nearby repair shop, it's best to minimize the use of the vehicle until the issue is resolved.
- Continuing to drive with incompatible oil can increase wear and tear on the engine and potentially cause long-term problems.
Remember, synthetic oils are specially formulated to provide better protection, performance, and durability than regular oils. Regular oil may not provide the same level of lubrication and protection, especially for high-performance engines. It's crucial to correct this situation promptly to ensure the longevity of your vehicle's engine.
