When it comes to oil change services, one of the most commonly asked questions is whether traditional or synthetic oil is preferable. When finding a correct response to this question, there are several things to consider. It will be different for each car.

Let’s break down everything you need to know to help you decide between conventional and synthetic oil.

Conventional and Synthetic Oils Difference

The main difference between conventional oil and synthetic oil is how they are created. Conventional oil, also known as standard oil, is a crude mineral oil derived from natural sources that have been somewhat processed to increase its viscosity and protective characteristics.

Synthetic oil, on the other hand, is completely made in a lab or factory using a carefully regulated process that complies with exacting requirements. The oil is thoroughly refined to remove all but the best oil constituents and additives. This implies that the oil will give the best performance and engine protection possible.

The oil change service itself will be substantially the same for conventional and synthetic oil. The only change will be the type of fresh oil used once the old oil has been drained and the installation of a new oil filter.

How Frequently Should You Change Your Oil?

Another significant difference between the two types of oil is the rate at which they degrade and become too unclean to work optimally. Because traditional oil is less refined than synthetic oil, it degrades faster. So, if your engine is using conventional oil, an oil change is advised every 3,000 to 5,000 miles, depending on driving patterns and oil brands.

Synthetic oil typically lasts far longer than traditional oil. As a consequence, oil changes will become less necessary. When using synthetic oil, an oil change is normally advised every 6,000 to 12,000 miles, depending on the manufacturer.

Always follow the manufacturer’s maintenance recommendations for your vehicle, which can be found in the owner’s handbook. This will provide you with the ideal oil change plan to follow, which will help you extend the life of your engine, ensuring it is always adequately protected, and avoid costly engine problems in the future.

Synthetic Oil Advantages

Apart from lasting longer than normal oil, synthetic oil offers numerous additional significant advantages for engines, including:

• Performing at a broad variety of temperatures

Synthetic oils operate ideally from start-up due to increased viscosity levels (better flow), even in cold temperatures. 

• Withstanding higher engine temperatures

Because synthetic lubricants have greater chemical stability, they can endure higher engine temperatures. This lowers burn off and keeps the engine adequately protected. This is true even in engines that typically run hot, such as turbochargers.

• Maintaining the engine’s cleanliness

Because synthetic lubricants contain fewer contaminants than conventional oils, they resist sludge and deposit accumulation better, keeping engines cleaner.

• Increasing your engine’s life and performance

Increasing the life and performance of your engine – Another advantage of holding fewer contaminants than standard oils is that your engine will have greater protection against excess wear and smoother overall functioning.

Selecting The Right Type of Oil For Your Car

Of course, utilizing synthetic oil in an engine has several advantages. In many circumstances, it will give greater engine protection and performance. But it doesn’t mean that switching to synthetic oil is always the best option. Aside from the fact that synthetic oil changes are more expensive, there are several situations when traditional oil may be a better alternative.

When deciding which type of oil is best for your car, there are various factors to consider. These are some examples:

• Engine Age

Even with major developments in oil technology, it is still not recommended to use synthetic oil in engines with an odometer reading of 75,000 miles or more.

Engines with high mileage are much more prone to wear on the moving components and inner gears. Despite the fact that synthetic oil typically provides superior engine protection over time, its high-flow viscosity might flow too rapidly through older engines, increasing the likelihood of gear grinding.

This is why, with older, high-mileage engines, most car manufacturers and technicians advocate using traditional oil. For older engines, conventional oil with a slower flow provides greater lubrication and protection. This might make the difference between your engine lasting many years and seizing up far sooner than intended.

• The Original Oil Type

Some automakers use synthetic oil in all of their new vehicles, but not all of them. So, unless your automobile came with synthetic oil from the factory and the manufacturer recommends using synthetic oil in the future, conventional oil may provide adequate engine protection.

If you’re attempting to pick between the two types of oil for your next oil change, consult the manufacturer’s recommendations (which would have been what they put in originally). If the manufacturer recommends synthetic oil for optimal engine performance, that’s what you should use. However, if your car was not initially equipped with synthetic oil, you may want to consider switching for added protection and performance.

• Driving Situations

Maximum engine protection is required in high-performance and harsh driving circumstances. So, if you drive a high-performance car, travel long distances frequently, pull big loads, or make a lot of short excursions, synthetic oil is definitely the better choice for your vehicle. In these situations, synthetic oil will provide your engine with the necessary lubrication, heat absorption, and protection.

The local meteorological conditions should also be considered. Conventional oil will break down considerably faster in hot temperatures as we sometimes experience. As a result, synthetic oil may be an excellent choice to assist adequately preserve your engine, especially during the hot summer months. (Yes, you may alternate between the two types of oil.) 

Trust HEART Certified Auto Care for All of Your Oil Change Needs

In many cases, synthetic oil will be the best choice for extending engine life. However, the most accurate answer for whether an oil change is best is what the manufacturer recommends for your vehicle and driving behavior.

The specialists at HEART Certified Auto Care can assist you with any sort of automobile oil change. You can rely on our staff to provide a professional vehicle service while utilizing only high-quality materials to safeguard your engine. We can also answer any queries you have and offer professional advice on which oil is best for your car.