Is Synthetic Oil Better?
In almost all situations, synthetic oil is better for your car, your wallet, and your peace of mind. However, there are some instances where it might not be your best choice. Although it happens, these instances are few and far between. Knowing when to use synthetic and when to use regular oil is complicated. But, we’re here to help you understand so you’re an informed customer and synthetic motor oil expert.
Why Synthetic Oil is Better
First, let’s explain the difference between synthetic and conventional oil. Regular oil is made from a petroleum base that becomes thicker at low temperatures and thinner at high temperatures. This viscosity variation is a problem for regular motor oil. Thus, chemical additives are incorporated with the petroleum base oils. The chemical additives break down over time in a process called oxidation thermal breakdown.
The good news is that synthetic motor oil is made to match the oil thickness that your engine needs. Synthetic motor oil that is specifically designed for your engine type brings many advantages.
1. Fewer Oil Changes
Unlike conventional motor oil, you don’t need as many synthetic oil changes when you choose a high quality synthetic. It is recommended that you change this oil type every 5-7 months or 5,000 – 7,000 miles.
2. Saves You Money
While synthetic motor oil does cost more, it can save you money in the long run. Instead of paying $40 four or more times a year, you can pay one oil change price to last you all year! It may be more expensive but you’re saving money in the long run. Not to mention, using synthetic oil can greatly impact the negative wear and tear on your car.
3. Keeps Engine Cleaner
When you choose full synthetic motor oils, you choose a healthy car. Conventional motor oil creates sludge problems in your vehicle’s engine which circulates through your engine’s parts. These sludge problems eventually lead to a shorter life for your engine and its parts.
Synthetic is made from a more chemically stable base that does not cause these sludge problems like regular motor oil. In fact, synthetic brands that we use, like Mobil 1, will clean up any past sludge problem your engine encountered. Think you might have a sludge problem? Call us today to find out.
4. Better Performance in Hot and Cold Temperatures
At high temperatures, regular oil will evaporate and break down. Highway driving to your summer vacation might result in more frequent oil change needs and decreased performance levels in your vehicle. Likewise, conventional motor oil at low temperatures takes a while to begin flowing through your engine to protect it.
Full synthetic oil remains the correct thickness whether it is flowing through a hot engine or a cold engine. It begins protecting your cold engine the second you turn the ignition in the dead of winter, and it stays the perfect viscosity through highway summer driving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Synthetic Oil Worth It?
People always ask us if using synthetic instead of regular oil is worth it. We usually come back with a resounding: Yes, it is! You not only save money by getting less frequent oil changes, but you also save time. Trade-in hours of auto shop YouTube watching for more productive tasks when you switch to synthetic motor oil.
How Long Does Synthetic Last?
Synthetic oil can last up to 1 full year or 10,000 miles. To put that in perspective it would take 4 cross-country road trips before you would need an oil change. However, there are many factors to consider when developing your oil change schedule. At Perfection Automotive, we pride ourselves on honest and fair advice to ensure your car is safe and efficient. We’ll never suggest oil changes you don’t need. So, bring your car in today and we will assess and develop the perfect synthetic regime for you.
What’s the Best Brand of Synthetic Oil?
At Perfection Automotive, we only use the best. After 45 years in the auto industry, we identified Havoline and Mobil 1 as the best brands of synthetic motor oil because they offer higher viscosity and superior protection. However, there are many reasons to use Havoline instead of Mobil 1 and vice versa. We take a holistic approach to your vehicle’s care and always consider the specific needs of your car before choosing which brand to use.
Considering making the switch to synthetic but don’t know where to start? Contact us for an estimate or give us a call so we can save you money, time, and peace of mind.