Synthetic oil can offer a lot of advantages that convention oil cannot. It lubricates engine parts more effectively, stays more stable in cold weather, and even does a better job of cleaning debris and dust from your car’s engine. Another advantage is that formulas can be created to meet specific needs, such as for high mileage or high-performance vehicles. So, the question is, is synthetic oil the best choice for your car?
Synthetic Oil vs. Conventional Oil: Which is Better for Older Cars?
It may be best to stick with conventional oil in older cars. Sometimes making the switch to synthetic oil in an older can lead to serious problems like engine leaks and other engine damage. However, thanks to modern technology, there are synthetic oil formulas that are specifically designed for high-mileage vehicles. If the vehicle in question has been well maintained, one of these synthetic oils may actually prolong the life of the vehicle. The best thing to do is talk to your mechanic to see if synthetic oil is a good choice for your older car.
Is it Okay to Switch from Synthetic Oil to Regular Oil?
In the past, most experts recommended against switching to synthetic oils from conventional oil because they contained esters that could lead to engine damage. Thanks to modern technology, synthetic oil has drastically improved over the years, and most cars should be able to make the switch without issue.
What is Synthetic Oil Made Of?
While regular motor oil is made from crude oil that has been refined to thin it to the desired level, synthetic oil is entirely man-made. The method of production can vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, and they all have their own combinations of chemicals and additives used to achieve their desired results. Synthetic oil is mostly made up of chemical compounds along with synthetic lubricants and some chemically modified petroleum components, and sometimes other raw materials.
Does Synthetic Oil Cost More?
The process of creating synthetic oil takes more time and requires more expensive ingredients, so it is quite a bit more expensive than regular oil. If you do your own oil changes, you can save some money by purchasing synthetic oil in bulk. And remember, synthetic oil handles high temperatures better than regular oil, so it reduces wear on your engine, which means it could save you money in the long run. You don’t have to change your oil as often with synthetic oil either so you can save some money there as well.
Full Synthetic Oil Vs. Synthetic Oil Blend: What’s the Difference?
Synthetic blend oils are a mixture of conventional motor oil with a synthetic oil base. Full synthetic oil contains a synthetic base that has been mixed with an assortment of other additives to enhance the oil’s performance.
How Often Should Synthetic Oil Be Changed?
The recommended oil change interval will vary by manufacturer, but most automotive manufacturers say that you can go anywhere from 7,500 to 10,000 miles between oil changes with synthetic oil. That’s more than twice as long as the recommended 3,000 miles between oil changes when you use conventional oil.
So, which one is better? Most cars will do better with synthetic oil. The best thing to do is talk to your technician to find out what’s best, especially if you have an older car.
