Synthetic or Conventional Oil- Does It Matter?

One of the many boxes to check off of your to-do list is getting the oil changed on your car.

It used to be a task that just required twenty minutes and a drive into the local express lube. Technology has changed, however, and now we have to know more than ever what belongs in our automobiles and what to avoid. This includes the type of oil used in your car’s engine. Should you use conventional oil? Synthetic oil? Formulas for high mileage cars? Here is a look at the different oil types available and how to choose what is best for your car maintenance needs.

Most cars are powered by an internal combustion engine, and the parts inside your engine move extremely fast. This generates both heat and friction. The oil in your engine provides the lubrication those parts need to work harmoniously without overheating or seizing up. Those parts break down the oil over time, and its ability to lubricate your engine and absorb heat decreases. When you change your oil as recommended, your car’s engine runs cleaner, safer and smoother.

Both synthetic and regular motor oil are made from crude oil, but they differ in quality and purpose. The complexity of the manufacturing process is also very different. Synthetic oil is produced from chemicals in a laboratory. It includes highly refined crude oil, but also includes man-made additives that make it very stable under extreme pressure and temperature variations. Synthetic oil may also contain additives that help to clean engine dirt and impurities. It also has a high level of viscosity for better performance in modern car engines.

Conventional oil is made by heating crude oil at various high temperatures. This leaves behind a heavier oi that becomes the base for the product that ends up in your car’s engine. To this base, additives are included for engine protection or better performance. The major difference between conventional and synthetic oil is that the refining process for synthetic oil is more complex and results in a product better able to perform under demanding driving conditions. For older engines, conventional motor oil is best because it is a thicker oil that will flows easily through the gears.

Synthetic motor oil can be up to four times more expensive than conventional oil, so make sure you choose synthetic only when you need it or when your manufacturer recommends it for your vehicle make and model. This price difference is because the production process for synthetic engine oil is higher because it requires advanced equipment and technology. You might consider a synthetic blend, which combines conventional and full synthetic oil for improved performance at a slightly lesser cost.

Depending on your vehicle, the time frame between oil changes is different if you choose synthetic or conventional oil. You can go up to 7,000 miles between oil changes with a synthetic oil, but only 3,000 to 5,000 miles on regular engine oil. Again, it is best to read your owner’s manual and follow the guidance the manufacturer suggests for your model and driving circumstances.

Knowing the best way to drive your car is just as important as knowing the best way to maintain it. Professional driving lessons from Missouri Driving School offer a quality driver’s education for all. Whether you’re a new driver looking to learn the rules of the road or a more experienced driver seeking to enhance your skills, call and book your appointment with one of our professional instructors today. Our commitment to excellence is second to none. Ask any of our more than 40,000 satisfied customers. Call Missouri Driving School today at 314-849-4590.