Synthetic vs. Conventional Oil: Which is Right for My Car?

Before comparing synthetic vs. conventional oil, it is important to have a solid understanding of what chemical components make up each oil. Read ahead to find out exactly what synthetic oil, conventional motor oil, and synthetic oil blends are composed of and their individual pros and cons. Using the correct oil for your vehicle is vital for your engine’s longevity and performance. Then, check out our service specials and book an appointment for your routine oil change today!

Synthetic oil

Synthetic oil is composed of artificially made chemical compounds, in layman’s terms it is manmade. Synthetic oil’s base material is almost always distilled crude oil with other lubricants, such as petroleum, added in for added viscosity. Most companies do not disclose their ingredients as they are considered trade secrets. Until recently, synthetic oils were only used in high-performance machines. Now, some car manufacturers are requiring it for their engines because of the difference it makes on the vehicle’s overall performance, including:

• Improved fuel efficiency
• Synthetic oil will not break down or oxidize as quickly as conventional oil
• Synthetic oil has premium engine cleaning properties
• Protects all elements of a turbocharged engine

Conventional Oil

When you compare synthetic oil vs. regular oil (or conventional oil), conventional motor oil is derived from crude oil and formed into a lubricant that can withstand extreme temperatures while lubricating and cleaning your engine. Conventional oil has natural properties that promote chemical stability and engine cleansing properties at high temperatures. Almost all conventional oils have additives to maintain their integrity for a long period of time. The primary benefit of this oil is that it is low in cost. If you change your oil at slightly shorter intervals, you may save a good amount of money.

Synthetic Oil Blend

A synthetic oil blend is a mixture of conventional motor oil and synthetic oil components blended into the crude oil. A synthetic oil blend adds quite a bit of mileage and time to the life of this oil meaning you can go longer between changes. It maintains its original properties longer than conventional oil, and is less expensive than synthetic oil. Drivers still need to refer to their owner’s manual and follow the recommended oil change schedule no matter what type of oil is utilized.

Full Synthetic Oil vs. Synthetic Blend

Synthetic oil is superior in every way except for cost. The cost of synthetic oil is prohibitive for some drivers unless their vehicle requires it. That being stated, the money saved on fuel efficiency and extending the life of your car could be considered worth the price difference of conventional and synthetic oil. Some vehicles that run on synthetic oil can go up to 10,000 miles between oil changes, but drivers must stick to their owner’s manual maintenance schedule.

Conventional motor oil has been almost perfected, and is very reliable for a certain amount of time and miles. You can expect to change your oil every 5,000 to 7,500 miles in newer model cars, but it is important to check your oil every three to four weeks for oil levels, appearance, and smell to ensure that the oil is not breaking down or burning.

A synthetic oil blend is a great compromise when it comes to choosing an oil. It combines the best elements of synthetic oil and conventional oil, and is cost effective. A commute from Cary to Durham is lengthy, and a synthetic oil or synthetic oil blend is likely worth the cost. Newer model cars are beginning to require synthetic oil, so it is essential to check your owner’s manual or have our technician experts help ensure you are using the proper oil. Using the wrong oil for your vehicle could have detrimental effects on the engine, so always let the experts help you!

Bring Your Vehicle to Hendrick Cadillac Cary Today for an Oil Change!

Contact us if you have any questions regarding your car’s oil requirements. While you are here waiting for your oil change service, check out our showroom and our newest Cadillac models! You may find yourself driving home in a new vehicle, but you can rest assured that your current vehicle received top of the line service and is ready to drive home to Raleigh. Ready to learn more? Discover the dangers of skipping oil changes today.