Should I Choose Conventional or Synthetic Oil with My Next Oil Change?

Preparing for your next oil change? Rather than just getting the same type of oil you’ve always gotten, you might be able to improve the efficiency in your vehicle by selecting something else. Learn which type of oil you’re already using so you know what options are available to you, and so you have a frame of reference for comparisons.

Your two main options for oil in Chino, CA will be conventional and synthetic oil. The former is refined using processes similar to gasoline refinement, while the latter is manmade. Both types of oils ensure proper lubrication in the engine, but they will have different features and benefits.

So, which should you go with: conventional oil or synthetic oil? Here’s an overview of what to consider.

Conventional vs. synthetic

Today’s gasoline engines are much more complicated than their ancestors. There are tighter tolerances in moving parts, and higher compression ratios to consider. This is why so many more people are opting for synthetic oil, which is more chemically stable and thus better able to handle these newer engines. Synthetic oil evaporates less quickly than conventional, does not thicken when the weather gets cold and also does not produce sludge nearly at the same rate as conventional oil.

There’s also the lifespan of these oils to consider. The longer life of synthetic oil means you won’t have to change your oil nearly as frequently. The old standard for conventional oil was that you would have to change your oil every 3,000 to 5,000 miles or every three months. With synthetic oil, you can go anywhere from 7,500 to 15,000 miles between oil changes, because that oil will hold up significantly longer. While synthetic oil will likely cost you more upfront, the significantly longer lifespan makes that added upfront expense more than worth your while.

Finally, synthetic oil is more environmentally friendly and sustainable than conventional oil. Conventional oil is made from fossil fuels harvested from the ground, while synthetic oil is manmade using processes that are much more sustainable.

What if I have an older vehicle?

Of course, the above are recommendation for newer cars, not all cars.

If you are driving a vehicle that predates some of these engine upgrades that made synthetic oil so widespread, you are probably better off using conventional oil. Those older engines might not be built to handle synthetic oil and its thinner consistency, which means you’re more likely to experience leaks of the oil out of gaskets or into combustion chambers.

Check the manufacturer’s manual with information about the kinds of oils that are most recommended for the engine you’re running. Again, not every engine is designed for synthetic oil. But when synthetic oil is an option for the kind of vehicle you’re driving, it is going to be your best and most efficient choice due to its lifespan and environmental friendliness.

To learn more about the choice between synthetic and conventional oil in Chino, CA, we encourage you to contact the team at Gabriel’s Automotive & Towing with your questions.

Categorised in: Oil Change

This post was written by Writer