DEAR CUSTOMERS: IN AN EFFORT TO MAKE IT EASY FOR ALL TO ENTER THE BUSINESS COMPLEX, PLEASE DO NOT PARK IN THE ENTRANCE DRIVEWAY THAT IS ADJACENT TO ROSWELL RD.  CUSTOMERS OF OTHER BUSINESSES USE THE ENTRANCEWAY AND WILL HAVE DIFFICULTY ENTERING IF YOU PARK THERE.   PLEASE PULL DIRECTLY INTO OUR PARKING LOT AND WE WILL ASSIST YOU.  THANK YOU (404) 252-3014 Ext 232

8155 ROSWELL ROAD
SANDY SPRINGS, GA 30350

Mon-Fri: 7AM – 6PM
Saturday & Sunday: Closed

A Tribute to Roderick L. “Rod” McCullough
Founder of McCullough Auto Care & Tire

With heavy hearts, we announce that the McCullough Auto Care family has lost our father, founder, and mentor. Roderick “Rod” L. McCullough passed away peacefully on February 1, 2025, at the age of 86. A man of integrity, quiet strength, and entrepreneurial spirit, Rod built a lasting legacy in both business and community, leaving behind a life marked by dedication, service, and love for his family.

Roderick moved to the Atlanta area from his native home in Anderson, South Carolina, in the 1960s, focused on starting his family business. He became a successful businessman during the 1970s, owning and operating several Shell service stations throughout the area. In 1969, he founded McCullough Auto Care in Sandy Springs, Georgia, with just $1,200 and a clear vision. Over the decades, Rod grew the business into a trusted name, known for its honest service and family-oriented values.

Rod found joy in life’s simple pleasures. He loved long bike rides, peaceful walks along his favorite beach, and cheering on his beloved Clemson Tigers. Above all, he was most proud of his family. He celebrated their accomplishments with pride and never missed an opportunity to remind others that “family is the most important thing in life.”

Rod’s legacy lives on through his children and grandchildren, many of whom have followed in his footsteps and contributed to the family business.  Through every customer served, every child mentored, and every value passed down, Rod McCullough’s legacy endures — a testament to a life well-lived and a family business built on trust, hard work, and heart.

Changing your oil on a regular schedule is the best way you can help improve the lifespan of your engine, but you may be wondering what type of oil you should choose for your vehicle. There are four basic different types of engine oil: Conventional, High-Mileage, Full Synthetic, and Synthetic blend engine oil. Before we get into the specifics of what each type of engine oil does for your car, we need to explain some of the terminology associated with engine oil. 

Understanding the Terms on An Engine Oil Label

  • Viscosity – Refers to the oil’s resistance to flow. Temperature affects viscosity levels in liquid. Engine oil will thicken as it cools and thin out as it heats. 
  • API Circle – Sometimes referred to as the ‘API Donut.” This is a label on your car’s engine that tells you which type of oil your vehicle requires. Following the API performance recommendation is crucial to obtain the most performance from your car for the longest period of time.
  • ‘5W-40’ – This is an example rating that indicates the engine oil’s temperature and viscosity rating. The first portion, ‘5W,’ indicates what temperature the oil is rated to handle. The engine oil would be rated at 5 degrees Fahrenheit in this example. The second number indicates the oil’s resistance to thinning. The higher the number, the more the oil will resist thinning.
  • SAE – Not your father’s fraternity. This stands for The Society of Automotive Engineers, an organization that governs and creates oil standards for the automotive industry.

What Are The Different Types of Engine Oil?

Conventional Engine Oil

Conventional engine oil is the most common type of engine oil. Many customers prefer the lower cost and familiarity associated with conventional motor oil, especially if their vehicle is only used for traditional driving, like daily drop-offs or driving to work. Conventional engine oil is made from newly refined crude oil, works best for light-duty engines, and is the cheapest option.

High-Mileage Oil

High-mileage engine oil contains additives and ingredients specifically designed for engines with 75,000 miles or more. High-mileage oil won’t increase your mile per gallon. Instead, it’s designed to help keep your engine with a high amount of mileage running smoothly. High-mileage oil works to reduce oil burn-off, oil leaks, compression loss, and emissions that may come from an engine with over 75,000 miles.

Full Synthetic Oil

Full Synthetic engine oil is specially formulated for the highest level of protection, performance, and peace of mind. That’s why the sticker price is often higher than the other types of engine oil. Synthetic oil is better for your engine in the long run and can lower your overall costs of maintenance with its performance benefits. Full synthetic oil is primarily a base of highly refined conventional oil combined with powder additives and a carrier oil that distributes the additives evenly throughout your engine. We recommend synthetic oil whenever applicable, as it is the most effective engine oil.

Synthetic Blend Oil

Synthetic blend oil is a mixture of synthetic and conventional oils. A true middle ground, synthetic blend oil provides better protection and performance than conventional oil but is not as effective as full synthetic oil. Synthetic oil is a lower-cost alternative to full synthetic oil that offers a higher grade of oil than you will find with conventional oil.

Schedule Your Oil Change With McCullough NAPA Auto Care

Oil changes are an essential service. McCullough NAPA stocks all the different types of engine oil and can perform a professional oil change for you. We can provide recommendations on which type of oil is best for your vehicle. We’ll also perform a multi-point inspection of your vehicle to ensure no other repairs are needed at the time of your appointment. Give us a call or contact us to schedule.