differences in type of oil changes?

Your owner's manual will tell you what type of oil you need. Some are SAE 30 and I think there is SAE 10. I don't know what the letters are. I think I have the letters right. My dad used to change his own oil. There is 10W30 and 10W40 too I think. I think the heavier oils are for winter but I could be wrong. If you can't find your owners manual you should find it online by googling your make and model and owners manual.

You are asking to be ripped off if you do not know what you need. If you have an owner's manual, check that out. I would also, in your shoes, go to a place that you have gone before. In fact, I would pick one place and always go to it, as they will treat you right because you are a returning customer. You probably need just a new filter and oil. If you have been getting a $20 oil change you probably are using the bulk oil that they get the cheapest. Some of the higher priced oil changes do a vacuum and clean, and check all of your other fluids,wiper blades, etc. It is a chance to upsell you to more things that way. You probably just want a lube, oil and filter. That means they put grease in the parts that are under the car to keep them lubricated. Probably do not need more than that. The place that does it will have a standard viscosity they use unless you ask for something different. Your owner's manual would tell you if you should.

I hope that I'm correct in assuming that your hubby's VEHICLE needs IT'S oil changed, not him. Many different questions should be KNOWN about to decide which oil should be used in which vehicle. The questions that should be asked, and have answers for are these. Make of vehicle, climate where it is primarily driven and manufacturers recommendations. These would be the minimum questions that should be asked so as to ensure that you use the best available lubricant for your vehicle. Other questions that it would be nice to know about would be whether or not it uses a lot of oil and what type of driving the vehicle receives. Proper changing of the oil is only one of many factors that should be determined. Most of the folks that drive vehicles have not read the owners manual enough. Many of the manufacturers now recommend oil changes in the 5000 to 7500 miles range, depending on the type of driving the vehicle is expected to be used in. If you would like more information, you are welcome to PM me here.

It all depends. Oils of different brands and class also differ in performance. If you can differentiate the differences through experience, that's the best reference so far but for you to be sure, you may as well consult your owners manual.