Is Synthetic Oil Really Better than Conventional Oil?
Among the great debates, you have Pepsi vs. Coke, hot vs. cold, Hatfield vs. McCoy, and conventional vs. synthetic oil.
While the latest may not rank as one of the most hotly contested rivalries, it’s more important than them all. Simply put, it’s paramount for you to know which type of fluid you should use in your oil change.
At Repair One in The Woodlands, TX, we perform oil change services for virtually every make and model of vehicle. One of the frequently asked questions we receive is whether synthetics are indeed better than conventional oil.
While the answer is yes, things are not that simple. Let’s look at the conversation surrounding synthetic vs. conventional oil.
What is Conventional Oil?
Conventional oil is the default lubricant used in the engines of vehicles of all kinds. It’s made from crude oil, the same kind used to make gasoline and countless other types of petroleum-based products.
It’s the oil used mainly by cars for most of the 20th century. It’s cheap, effective, and it’s uniform. This means its properties don’t vary much from one manufacturer to the next.
What is Synthetic Oil?
By contrast, synthetic oil is artificial. Most use conventional oil as a base with additives and other compounds. These chemicals give these oils some properties that conventional oils don’t have, including:
- Greater chemical stability
- Detergent properties
- Longer useful life
- Better low-temperature performance
- Better engine protection at high temperatures
In other words, synthetic oil offers benefits above and beyond any conventional oil.
Does My Car Need Synthetic Oil?
When you come in for an oil change, our mechanic will likely offer both conventional and synthetic options. The first place to look for an answer is your vehicle’s owner’s manual.
Most newer cars require synthetic oil if you want them to perform up to the manufacturer’s specifications. If your owner’s manual says you need it, then that’s what you should get.
But conventional oil is an option for vehicles that don’t require synthetics or don’t specify one or the other. Many car owners choose it because it’s substantially cheaper. But—and there’s always a but—sticker price can be deceiving.
Many synthetic oils can last between 7,500 and 10,000 miles between changes. On the other hand, conventional oil averages 3,000 to 5,000 miles. Thus, you’ll need two traditional oil changes for each one done with synthetic or blended oil.
Plus, synthetics deliver enhanced performance that should extend the life of your engine.
Contact Repair One for Your Oil Change Needs in The Woodlands, TX
At the end of the day, you want the best for your car. And so do we! As such, the mechanics at Repair One in The Woodlands, TX will be happy to help you choose the right oil for your vehicle.
And whenever you have questions, we’re always here for you. All you have to do is call. Contact us at (936) 271-1110, fill up this form, or visit us at 6495 College Park Drive, The Woodlands, TX 77384.
