We will take a look at this topic and what it means for car owners when it comes time for an oil change.
Synthetic vs. Conventional Oil
The difference between conventional and synthetic oils (and all the mixes in between) comes down to their manufacturing process. Conventional oil is made from a base of 100% mineral oil that is only obtained by the refinement of crude oil.
This process, at its simplest, involves a series of distillation and filtering to produce a high-quality oil. Synthetic-based refinement gives a product that is created without any substantial changes to the molecular structure of the hydrocarbons.
On the other hand, synthetic oils are not composed of naturally occurring compounds. The refinement process here involves manipulating crude oil with manufactured chemicals. The result is a petroleum product that behaves very similarly to conventional oil but with more uniform and improved base components.
There are reasons to go with either option, and your decision may be influenced by:
- The climate you live in
- Age and type of vehicle
- Driving habits and expected mileage
- Road conditions
So let us take a look a little closer at each of the options.
A Closer Look at Conventional Oil
Conventional oil is by its nature a more straightforward product to manufacture and thus will regularly be a cheaper alternative to synthetic options. But the performance and protection you get from conventional oil vary depending on a few considerations.
Conventional oil has less uniform molecules, which directly affects its ability to flow smoothly. For some engines, this is bad, but this isn’t always a downside.
For classic cars, the engine may have been designed specifically with this conventional oil in mind. While Mobil introduced its own synthetic oil to the market in 1974, other manufacturers like Chevron and Valvoline didn’t release products onto the commercial market until the 1990s.
Another reason classic cars might benefit from conventional oil is the same reason it is often recommended for vehicles after they cross over the 75,000-mile mark for the engine. As cars age, their internal components become more susceptible to wear and tear, and the slower-moving oil can actually provide greater protection.
One area where conventional oil is at a distinct disadvantage, in general, is when used in lower temperatures. Cold naturally impedes the movement of fluids. A temperature that holds at 50F or below will start to impact performance, meaning that starting the vehicle will be harder for the engine as it tries to move the thicker oil.
Benefits of Using Synthetic Oil
If conventional oil has the most significant benefit for older and well-used engines, it is no surprise that synthetic oils give the best outcomes on just about everything else. There is a reason all major oil companies manufacture and heavily promote their own unique synthetic oils. The process of refining the crude oil with the addition of certain chemicals leads to a more uniform molecular structure.
That uniformity means better flow, resistance against the effects of corrosion, and rust caused if water contaminates the mix. Synthetics repeatedly have the best longevity and protection, especially for high-performance engines.
Those anti-corrosive properties also mean fewer oil changes overall. The oil naturally works to reduce the generation of any clumping or sludge deposits that usually necessitate the need for a change.
This increased duration of protection means that even at a higher cost than conventional oil, over the course of servicing, you may actually save money from fewer oil changes or repairs. While conventional oil recommends changes potentially every three months, synthetic blends can provide protection for up to a year.
Synthetic oils also counter the issue conventional oil has at lower temperatures. With the ability to flow more quickly and easily, they perform much better at low temperatures. Lower viscosity eases the burden of starting the engine in the cold and means it is protected from the start without needing to wait for the engine to warm up before driving.
When to Choose a Mix
There are no firm industry standards on what constitutes a full synthetic oil versus a blended oil. Every manufacturer maintains its own proprietary mix of base oil and additives. But overall, in testing, the greater the base of synthetic oil, the greater degree of protection and longevity the oil will provide.
You may spring for a partial or semi-synthetic oil over entirely conventional or synthetic if you have an older car that benefits from the viscosity, but winter or temperatures are tending toward the cold inhibiting oil flow. In low temperatures or for older vehicles selecting a mixed oil can give you the benefits of both.
Oil Change Basics
No matter which type of oil you opt for, not changing it on a regular schedule risks damaging your engine. As the car runs, carbon has a tendency to build up. And even for synthetics, this will eventually lead to what is called oil sludge. And this sludge looks precisely as it sounds. The once-flowing oil over time becomes a thick sludge that cannot be moved around the engine to give any lubrication.
Newer cars typically only need to have an oil change every 5,000 miles. If your vehicle is using synthetic oil, that means you can generally go much longer than 5,000 miles between changes. Older vehicles, though, should have an oil change every 3,000 miles or three months. If you tend to drive at high speeds or you live on a gravel road, you may need to have it changed even more frequently.
Topping off the oil isn’t enough either. A complete oil change is how you protect the engine for miles and years to come. There are several steps followed by mechanics and technicians in a professional oil change.
First, your car is placed on a lift and raised. The tech will remove the oil pan plug and, once the dirty oil drains out, will reinstall the oil pan plug. Once drained thoroughly, the worker adds fresh new oil back to your vehicle. Next, the technician will remove the dirty oil filter and replace it with a new one, protecting your engine from unwanted contaminants.
Schedule Your Car for an Oil Change
In conclusion, opting for synthetic oil for newer and high-performance vehicles provides the following benefits:
- Improved performance in low-temperature climates
- Higher stability and performance in high-temperature environments or long drives
- More extended protection for fewer oil changes
- Protection against impurities and sludge build-up
Making the switch from conventional to synthetic bears no risk to an engine. But it is recommended if you have been running a car on conventional oil for many years to stick to a more frequent oil change schedule at the outset as any deposits work out of the system.
Retro Lube Oil Change Experts
If you have any questions or concerns about what type of oil is best for your vehicle and situation, you can always ask your mechanic. If you live in or around Goldsboro, NC, feel free to drop by and chat with our expert team at Retro Lube to determine what will work best for your particular situation. We understand it depends on the vehicle, where you live, and how you drive.
Regular oil changes are a small investment to protect the expensive components of your car or truck’s engine. Changing the oil on a regular basis also will also help to improve your fuel mileage as well. Your car and wallet will thank you.
We are a company providing car, truck, and fleet vehicle maintenance services in Goldsboro, NC. You are invited to visit us and enjoy the Retro Lube experience - where good friendly service is always in style. If it is time for an oil change or other maintenance, you can find us at 1000 9th Street or give us a call.