Synthetic Oil vs. Conventional Oil

All internal combustion engines require oil changes anywhere from 3,000 to 10,000 miles depending on the make, model, and year of the car, truck, or SUV. When you’re ready to bring your vehicle to our service center near Toledo, OH, you’ll need to know the differences between synthetic vs. conventional oil to know which is best for your vehicle. Learn everything you need to know in our handy guide below!

Synthetic Oil vs. Regular Oil: What Is Conventional Oil?

Conventional oil, or regular oil, begins as crude petroleum extracted from under the ground. Then it is shipped to refineries where complex chemical processes turn crude oil into something that works in your vehicle’s engine. Conventional oil lubricates the engine and prevents overheating, warping, and permanent damage. 

Synthetic vs. Conventional Oil: What Is Full Synthetic Oil?

Synthetic oil also starts as crude petroleum, much in the same way conventional oil does. When you compare synthetic oil vs. conventional oil, understand that full synthetic oil undergoes more refining than regular oil. Full synthetic also contains more stabilizers, anti-oxidizers, and anti-gumming agents to keep the oil fresher for longer periods. 

The only disadvantage is that full synthetic oil changes cost more than conventional ones. However, a full synthetic oil change allows you to drive 5,000 to 10,000 miles between oil change intervals instead of the traditional 3,000-mile interval for conventional oil. Full synthetic oils also:

• Are less viscous at lower temperatures, perfect for frigid MI winters
• Offer improved cleaning agents to prevent build-up in the engine.
• Better protect critical turbocharger parts (when equipped) in the engine for better performance

Differences Between Full Synthetic Oil vs. Synthetic Blends

Synthetic blends offer an alternative to conventional or full synthetic oils. As the name implies, synthetic blends are part synthetic oil and part conventional oil. These blends reduce your upfront costs when choosing full synthetic oil vs. synthetic blends. But synthetic blends don’t perform as well as full synthetic oils. You’ll only get some of the benefits of synthetic vs. conventional oil. But blends are better than regular oil.

Pro Tip: Some manufacturers of high-performance or new vehicles require full synthetic oil for their engines. Read your owner’s manual or contact our service center near Woodhaven to find out what oil your engine needs.

Schedule Your Next Oil Change at Monroe Dodge Chrysler Jeep RAM Superstore!

Ready for an oil change near Dundee? Contact us or call 1-734-636-2733 to schedule an appointment for your next auto service in Monroe. While you’re here, look over our service specials to see if you could save some money when you get your routine maintenance at Monroe Dodge Chrysler Jeep RAM Superstore!