There are several options to choose from when replacing oil for your vehicle, but you are required to know the dissimilarity between synthetic oil vs. conventional oil before picking one. Conventional oil is acquired from crude, and it is mainly preferred since it is stable and supports lubrication even in extreme temperatures.
The main dissimilarity between these oils is that it is upgraded and protective even though synthetic oil starts as conventional. Most synthetic oils increase mileage and enhance your vehicle’s performance. Engines are evolving every day, thus demanding new requirements in which oil you need.
This article will discuss what you need to know about synthetic oil vs. conventional oil.
Table of Contents
What Is Synthetic Oil?
This type of motor oil is made from the best molecules of crude oil. Plus, synthetic oils are less likely to be contaminated compared to conventional oils.
What Are the Advantages of Synthetic Oil?
1. It Is Viscous
Synthetic oils are stable even when temperatures change. Standard oils get extra viscous during winter, thus depriving your engine oil supply. It is business as usual for synthetic oils, even in cold regions. The dense nature of these oils is more beneficial when temperatures are changing. Synthetic oil’s high density ensures adequate lubrication to prevent friction on the engine’s moving parts.
2. It Evaporates Slowly
This feature comes with an environmental advantage because there are lesser streams released into the atmosphere.
3. It Lasts Longer
You should conduct a synthetic oil change after 6000 to 9000 miles. This is greater than conventional oils. However, most premium brands have oil changes after 30,000 miles. The reason why it takes longer to switch these oils is that they are not contaminable. These oils stay clean to make sure the engine is running smoothly.
What Are the Disadvantages of Synthetic Oil?
1. It Is Expensive
One of the main disadvantages of a synthetic oil change is because it is expensive. This is because they are good quality oils that offer excellent performance. However, even though it is costly, you will save a lot of money because you will not switch the oil until you reach 3000 miles.
You can try out the semi-synthetic oil suppose you are looking for a cheaper alternative. It is a mixture of synthetic and conventional oils, and it saves a lot of money. In addition, it has the best features of both oils, giving you value for your money.
2. Hinders Breaking in of New Car Parts
New vehicles need a certain friction level to break their parts. These oils hinder this fault for new cars. This feature occurs because the oil is friction-resistant. When you use synthetic oil, moving parts will not experience friction. Therefore, it is advisable not to use these oils when the car is new because it will hinder its performance.
3. It Puts Old Vehicles at Risk
Most old cars, especially those manufactured from 1990 backward, do not function well with synthetic oils. This is because these models use deposits to seal the oil system.
What Is Conventional Oil?
Conventional oil is also known as mineral oil and is acquired from fossil fuels. These oils work best with combustion engines. Below we discuss some advantages and disadvantages of conventional oil.
What Are the Advantages of Conventional Oil?
1. It Helps to Retain a New Vehicle
You do not have to change your oil after 4000 miles if the car is still new. The average distance allowed to change engine oil is around 6000 miles. Car assemblers use this oil when putting the car parts together.
2. It Is Cheap
Conventional oil is cheaper than synthetic oil. However, at times it is four times more expensive than standard oils. Therefore, it would be great to use this oil because it is cheap and offers almost a similar result to synthetic oil.
3. It Works Well With Old Cars
Changing to synthetic oil after using conventional oil for a long time is not advisable because it affects your engine’s wellness. This is because the engine is used to conventional oil, and changing it will hinder its normal functioning.
4. Your Engine Will Have an Improved Viscosity.
People who use conventional oil are less likely to have an engine breakdown. This is because they also have a proper heat balance that is needed by the engine. Thus, you should always choose conventional oil whenever you decide to change your engine oil.
What Are the Disadvantages of Conventional Oil?
- You cannot break down conventional oil.
- It has become scarce due to its high demand.
- It has reduced lubrication at high temperatures and can break down easily in hot periods.
Frequently Asked Questions About Synthetic Oil vs. Conventional Oil
1. Do These Oils Give the Same Protection?
There are several factors why synthetic oil cost more than other oils. First, these oils have a good quality base oil produced more extensively, giving an excellent baseline performance. Also, synthetic oils have a more fantastic mixture addictive than other oils, enhancing the engine’s performance. This means that you will get improved engine protection by using synthetic oils.
2. How Do Their Oil Formulations Differ?
Beginners mostly prefer synthetic oil because it is a good-quality base oil with excellent performance compared to conventional oil. Most synthetic oils have a mixture of several oils to ensure maximum performance. Their quality performance is due to the anti-foam components and antioxidants.
3. Which Oils Perform Best in Different Temperatures
Not only does this oil offer protection to your engine, but also it is highly viscous, meaning it will resist high temperatures during summer. Its high viscosity also lets it flow better in cold areas, meaning it has you covered in both kinds of weather.
4. Which Oil Makes the Engine Last Longer?
After adding up the merits of using synthetic oils, it would not come as a surprise to know that these oils prolong your engine’s span. These oils resist breaking down more, meaning they will stay in the engine for a long time, keeping it in the desired shape. These oils also retain their lubricating ability longer than conventional oils, thus enhancing fuel economy.
5. Can You Switch From Conventional to Synthetic Oil?
Most people believe that switching oils during the engine’s lifecycle can make the engine wear and leak, especially if the car is old. However, the truth is that it is possible to change these oils without any consequence. Even though synthetic oil stays longer in your engine, it would be great to change the oil frequently to ensure the engine is in the desired state. Please consult your mechanic to know the synthetic oil change interval – it usually takes around 6-11 months.
6. How Much Is a Synthetic Oil Change Compared to a Conventional Oil Change?
Synthetic oil costs around $60, while conventional costs around $50. Despite its price, most people prefer synthetic oil because it is more vicious and protects the engine from damage and tear. Synthetic oil is also cheap, meaning it flows better at high temperatures.
7. Should You Use Synthetic Oil in Your Car?
It would be great to use synthetic oil in your car because it is among the best lubricants, maintains its oil integrity even in high temperatures, and barely turns to sludge.
8. What Is Synthetic Oil vs Conventional Oil Interval?
To begin with, do you switch your car engine oil frequently? It is advisable to change it before it damages your engine. The recommended time to change engine oil is after 5000 miles. Synthetic oil is less likely to break down even after using it extensively.