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oil chanage

Synthetic Oil vs. Conventional

Normally, you will need to change your vehicle’s oil every 3,000 miles up to 10,000 miles. When your vehicle is already in an auto service center, your mechanic will ask you which oil you would prefer: synthetic oil or conventional. Should you pay more for synthetic oil? Or should you go for conventional oil? Let us discuss the differences between the two to learn which oil is better for your car.

Synthetic Oil

Synthetic oil was first developed in 1929 and was used as a substitute to petroleum-based motor oil. It is a man-made lubricant that is broken down into basic molecules to be distilled and purified.  This process will allow the oil to provide better performance, whether its high or low temperature, with modern engines while boosting the engine’s durability. Apart from that, synthetic oil also comes with more cleaning properties; thus, providing exceptional lubrication to your car’s engine. Because of this, many auto manufacturers and even mechanics are recommending synthetic oil to use for cars. 

Synthetic oil is only used in high-performance sports cars before. But with the advancement of technology, synthetic oil is now also used in many mainstream vehicles. Synthetic oil can be categorized as synthetic blend or semi-synthetic and full synthetic oil. Synthetic blend oil is a mixture of synthetic base stocks and conventional oils. The synthetic base stock allows the oil to provide better performance and protection compared to conventional oil alone. 

Full synthetic oil on the other hand is a mixture of synthetic base stock and different additives such as polyalphaolefin, castor waxes, and paraffinic oils, which will help improve the performance of the oil. And since not all full synthetic oils have the same formulation, they also do not give the same level of protection. 

Benefits of synthetic oil:

  1. Can stand higher temperature
  2. Protects and extends the lifespan of your car’s engine
  3. Exceptional chemical stability
  4. It lasts longer than conventional oil
  5. Requires fewer oil changes since it is more resilient to oxidation

Conventional Oil

Before the arrival of synthetic oil, people were using conventional oil in their cars. Conventional oil is the type of oil that is extracted from the ground or reservoirs using different traditional methods and is processed to become usable in cars. It is distilled and refined directly from crude oil. And since it is naturally produced, conventional oil is cheaper and easier to find; but still contains impurities unlike synthetic oil. 

Even though there are no additives added in conventional oil, it can still provide lubrication on your car’s engine by coating its important parts and protecting it against wear and tear. The downside with conventional oil is that it breaks down faster than synthetic oil, making your car require more frequent oil changes. Apart from that, with continued use of conventional oil, engine sludge may form brought by the carbon deposits left in the car’s engine. It also cannot withstand high temperatures making the oil starts to boil off, resulting in the loss of lubrication to the engine parts the car is running fast. 

Benefits of conventional oil:

  1. It can be a reliable source of lubrication
  2. It can be a valuable source of gasoline products when refined
  3. More cost-effective than synthetic oil
  4. Works well for older engines

Contact Michigan Auto & Tire for an Oil Change

For those looking for a trusted auto mechanic in the Woodbridge VA area, contact Michigan Auto & Tire. We are a one-stop shop for all things auto repair, maintenance, and more! Learn more about our auto services or call us today at (703) 580-0333.

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