Synthetic & Conventional Oil: Which One Is Right for Your Vehicle?

For every car owner, there are a few regular maintenance requirements that are simply unavoidable to ensure your vehicle’s performance is top-notch and will remain so for the duration of ownership. Foremost of these is changing the oil regularly. Perhaps one of the most common and important vehicle services, regularly changing your oil is a crucial part of properly taking care of your car. For older models, the common timeframe for changing your oil was about every 3,000 miles; however, with the most recent advancements in engineering and oil quality, that number has extended to about 5,000 to 7,500 miles depending on the vehicle.

Although the importance of an oil change is obvious, many without a deep understanding of automotive engines probably do not think much about the type of oil they put into their vehicle, as the decision is often put into the hands of their trusted dealership or repair shop. So, exactly how important is the type of oil we put in our car, and should less-knowledgeable drivers be mindful of this? While it’s not critical to be well-versed in every aspect of your automobile, having a general knowledge of the type of oil you should use is. This typically comes down to two options—synthetic and conventional—and can vary based on the vehicle. Let’s take a closer look and compare synthetic vs conventional oil and see which one best fits your vehicle.

The Importance of Oil in Your Vehicle

Before we break down each oil type, it’s helpful to first go over what exactly oil is, its use, and why it’s so important to change it regularly. The simple explanation is that oil is used to lubricate the moving parts inside your engine. The components underneath your hood are a complex system of parts that include valves, pistons, and other moving metal pieces. These parts are constantly moving while you drive; oil lubricates them, minimizing friction and lessening overall wear and tear—stress fractures and degradation. Oil also helps cool the engine by absorbing some of the heat caused by this friction. It also helps keep the engine clean by picking up debris and allowing it to be caught by the oil filter—a screen that should be changed during an oil change as well.

Failure to change the oil regularly can create a host of problems for your vehicle and the engine. Over time and use, the oil in your car begins to break down and turn into sludge. When this begins, its lubricating properties are weakened and it cannot do its intended job. The most significant result of unchanged oil is the effect it has on your engine’s performance. When oil breaks down, it becomes a lot harder for it to circulate through your engine, and its lack of lubrication can damage valuable engine components that are now being worn down by friction. It can also clog your oil filter, which will cause the accumulated dirt and debris to recirculate through your engine, causing further damage. On top of that, the stress put on your engine will decrease its fuel efficiency due to it having to now work harder, costing you more money at the pump.

The Differences Between Synthetic & Conventional Oil

Now that you understand oil’s role in your vehicle and the importance of having it replaced regularly, let’s examine the two oil types and what sets them apart from one another. When you get your oil changed at a repair shop or dealership, the mechanic will more than likely know what oil to use based on your vehicle’s make and model. While your average car owner will go with what is recommended at their chosen maintenance center, it’s a good idea to have an understanding of what type of oil is being used and why.

Synthetic Oil

As the name suggests, synthetic oil is artificially created by chemical compounds rather than the crude oil found in its conventional counterpart. Overall, synthetic oil is the preferred option for several reasons, including its ability to work in extreme temperatures and having better lubricating properties. This will result in essentially better fuel economy and engine performance. It also doesn’t need to be changed as often, as it will not break down as quickly.

There is, however, one potential downside, and that is the price. Synthetic oil is more expensive than regular oil. While its longevity can be factored into this price, for those who will be pushing their engine’s capacities on a regular basis with feats like towing, or regularly driving in inclement weather like snow, you may need to change out the oil sooner, which will possibly be more expensive.

Conventional Oil

As previously mentioned, conventional oil is the more traditional option, as it is made from refined crude oil rather than artificially created. While it may seem like synthetic is the more modern, advantageous oil to choose, tried-and-true conventional oil does come with its own set of advantages. For starters, it’s just cheaper, which is a benefit to drivers on a budget. It’s also the preferred choice for older model vehicles. This is because conventional oil travels through engines at a slower rate, allowing it to lubricate parts more thoroughly, which is extremely beneficial with older engines. New cars can also benefit from using conventional oil for the first 5,000 miles during its “break-in period.” Because manufacturers typically use their own brand of conventional oil during the vehicle’s assembly at the factory, it is recommended to continue using it for the initial 5,000 to 6,000 miles while the engine is being broken-in.

As with synthetic, conventional oil does come with potential disadvantages you should consider when choosing which one works best for you. Perhaps one of the biggest issues is its ability to degrade quicker due to factors like oxidation. This will mean you’ll have to change the oil more often or suffer consequences like engine damage and a decreased fuel economy. It also doesn’t handle well in extreme temperatures. In colder conditions, the oil can become more viscous, making it travel through the engine at a slower pace, while in hotter climates it can break down and evaporate, which can also affect efficiency. From an environmental perspective, conventional oil also produces a higher amount of emissions. Since you’ll be burning more fuel, more of these pollutants will be released into the air. Environmentally conscious drivers may want to consider this when deciding their next oil change.

Still Unsure About Oil? We’re Here to Help

An analogy often used to describe oil and its relation to a vehicle is that it is essentially the car’s “lifeblood,” and this couldn’t be more true. If the engine is the heart of a vehicle, then the oil is the blood that flows through it, and it’s your responsibility as a car owner to ensure its blood is clean and circulating through the engine properly. Oil is more than just another fluid that needs to be changed or topped off. It is responsible for your engine’s overall performance, and knowing what you’re putting into it can prove to be highly beneficial throughout the many vehicles you may own during your life.

Choosing the right type of oil can be overwhelming, even when presented with the needed information. For those still unsure about which type to choose, we invite you to come visit us here at McCluskey Chevrolet. Our friendly and knowledgeable service and parts department is here to help. They are well-informed about the types of oil we offer and can work with you to help you decide the best option for your vehicle, so it can continue to run beautifully for many years and miles to come. And once you’ve selected the perfect oil, we can change it for you for an affordable price. Stop by today and let us assist you with all your oil needs!