Does it matter if I use regular or synthetic oil?
When it comes to maintaining your vehicle, one of the most common questions we hear at Kevin's Autos is whether it really matters if you use regular (conventional) or synthetic oil. The answer depends on several factors, including your vehicle's make and model, your driving habits, and the manufacturer's recommendations. In this article, we'll break down the differences between the two types of oil and help you make an informed decision for your car.
What Is the Difference Between Regular and Synthetic Oil?
Understanding the difference between regular and synthetic oil is the first step in determining which is best for your vehicle. Here's a quick breakdown:
- Regular Oil: Also known as conventional oil, this is derived directly from crude oil and
As the owner of Kevin's Autos auto service, I've seen countless vehicles come through our shop over the years. One of the most common questions our customers ask is whether they should use regular or synthetic oil in their cars. The answer may surprise you - it does matter which type of oil you choose, and the decision can have a significant impact on your vehicle's performance and longevity.
The Difference Between Regular and Synthetic Oil
Regular motor oil is a refined petroleum-based product that is extracted from crude oil. It contains a blend of base oils and additives that help to lubricate the engine and protect its moving parts. Synthetic oil, on the other hand, is a man-made lubricant that is engineered to provide superior performance and protection compared to regular oil.
Synthetic oil is typically more expensive than regular oil, but the benefits it provides can make it a worthwhile investment. Synthetic oil is designed to be more resistant to breakdown, which means it can last longer between oil changes. It also has better viscosity (thickness) and flow properties, which can improve fuel efficiency and reduce engine wear.
When to Use Synthetic Oil
- High-performance engines: Synthetic oil is often recommended for high-performance engines, such as those found in sports cars or luxury vehicles. These engines operate at higher temperatures and under more demanding conditions, and synthetic oil can help to keep them running smoothly.
- Older vehicles: As vehicles age, their engines can become less efficient and more prone to wear. Switching to synthetic oil can help to extend the life of an older engine by reducing friction and wear.
- Extreme weather conditions: Synthetic oil is better able to withstand extreme temperatures, both hot and cold, compared to regular oil. This can be especially important in areas with very hot or very cold climates.
- High-mileage vehicles: Vehicles with high mileage (over 75,000 miles) can benefit from the improved lubrication and protection provided by synthetic oil.
When to Use Regular Oil
While synthetic oil offers many benefits, it's not always necessary for every vehicle. Regular oil can be a perfectly acceptable choice for many vehicles, especially those with lower-performance engines or that are driven in more moderate conditions. Regular oil is also generally less expensive than synthetic, which can be a consideration for some drivers.
Ultimately, the decision to use regular or synthetic oil should be based on the specific needs and requirements of your vehicle, as well as your driving conditions and budget. If you're unsure which type of oil is best for your car, consult your owner's manual or speak with one of our experienced technicians at Kevin's Autos.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is fully synthetic oil bad for old engines?
Modern synthetic oil is safe to use in all types of vehicles, ranging from new purchases to classics to aging not-so-classics. The idea that synthetic oil could harm old engines probably comes from a time before synthetic oils had been extensively tested.
When should you not use synthetic oil?
Older Vehicles: Some older engines, particularly those designed before synthetic oils became popular, may not be compatible with synthetic oil. These engines can have seals and gaskets that were not designed to handle the additives in synthetic oils, which could lead to leaks.
Does it matter if you put regular oil instead of synthetic?
If you don't use synthetic oil in an engine designed for it, several potential issues could arise: Increased Engine Wear: Synthetic oils typically provide better lubrication and protection at high temperatures and under heavy loads. Using conventional oil may lead to increased wear on engine components over time.
Will synthetic oil damage a high mileage engine?
USING HIGH-MILEAGE SYNTHETIC OIL IN HIGH-MILEAGE ENGINES
Those who decide to switch to high-mileage synthetic oil may face leakage problems due to the potential incompatibility of the synthetic used in certain oils with the engine's seal types.
Which engine oil is better, synthetic or regular?
5. Is synthetic oil better for my engine than conventional oil? Yes, synthetic oil is better for your engine than conventional oil. Although conventional oil (i.e., mineral oil) can provide adequate lubrication performance, it can't compete with the overall engine performance and protection provided by synthetics.
What happens if I put synthetic blend instead of full synthetic?
For most vehicles, synthetic blend is a good choice. If your vehicle speficies that full synthetic is required, then a synthetic blend will not be okay – it could actually leave your engine vulnerable to damage.
Is it worth switching to fully synthetic oil?
The single-phrase answer is: “Yes, but it will cost more”. Many of the advantages of synthetic oil are in helping your engine last longer. If you plan to keep the car for a long time, possibly passing it down through the family, synthetic oil would be a good first step in that goal.
Can I go back to regular oil after using synthetic?
Yes, it's perfectly safe to switch to regular conventional oil after using synthetic oil.
Why can't you go back to regular oil after synthetic?
Myth: Once you switch to synthetic oil, you can never switch back. This is one of the most persistent myths about synthetic oil—and completely untrue. You can switch back and forth at any time. In fact, synthetic blends are simply a mixture of synthetic and conventional oils.
Is there a downside to synthetic oil?
Disadvantages of synthetic oil
Synthetic oils have compatibility challenges with additives, there could be separation of additives and base oil in cold storage conditions. Multi-grade motor oils using synthetics may exhibit slightly less fuel economy at highway speeds compared to mineral oil.
