Is it OK to use synthetic blend instead of synthetic?
As a car owner, you may find yourself faced with the decision of which type of motor oil to use for your vehicle. With the rise of synthetic oils and blends, it's essential to understand the differences and implications of using synthetic blend oil instead of full synthetic oil. In this article, we'll explore the benefits and considerations of both options to help you make an informed choice for your vehicle's maintenance.
Understanding Synthetic and Synthetic Blend Oils
Synthetic oil is a man-made lubricant that is designed to provide superior performance and protection compared to conventional oils. It is formulated with specific chemical compounds that enhance its properties, making it more effective in extreme temperatures and conditions. On the other hand, synthetic blend oil is a mixture of synthetic and conventional oils, offering some of the benefits of synthetic oil at a lower cost.
Benefits of Using Synthetic Blend Oil
While full synthetic oil is often recommended for high-performance vehicles, synthetic blend oil can be a suitable alternative for many drivers. Here are some benefits of using synthetic blend oil:
- Cost-Effective: Synthetic blend oils are generally less expensive than full synthetic oils, making them a budget-friendly option for regular maintenance.
- Improved Protection: Synthetic blends offer better protection than conventional oils, especially in high-temperature conditions, due to their synthetic components.
- Extended Oil Change Intervals: Using synthetic blend oil can allow for longer intervals between oil changes compared to conventional oil, although not as long as full synthetic.
When to Choose Full Synthetic Oil
While synthetic blend oil has its advantages, there are specific scenarios where full synthetic oil is the better choice:
- High-Performance Vehicles: If you drive a high-performance or luxury vehicle, full synthetic oil is often recommended to ensure optimal engine performance and longevity.
- Extreme Driving Conditions: For those who frequently drive in extreme temperatures, tow heavy loads, or engage in stop-and-go traffic, full synthetic oil provides superior protection.
- Manufacturer Recommendations: Always check your vehicle's owner manual for the manufacturer's oil recommendations, as some engines are designed to run exclusively on synthetic oil.
Conclusion
In summary, using synthetic blend oil instead of full synthetic oil can be a viable option for many drivers, especially those looking for a cost-effective solution without sacrificing too much performance. However, for high-performance vehicles or extreme driving conditions, full synthetic oil is often the best choice. Always consider your vehicle's specific needs and consult with a trusted mechanic to determine the best oil for your car.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does it matter if you use full synthetic or synthetic blend?
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.
What are the disadvantages of synthetic blend oil?
Synthetic blend oil is different because it uses a mixture of synthetic and conventional based oils. Synthetic blend oil offers less protection than full synthetic oil and needs to be changed more often.
When should you not use full synthetic oil?
Better For Older Engines
This being said, however, it is still not recommended to use synthetic oil in engines that have experienced significant actions – specifically, those that have reached around 75,000 miles on the odometer.
Does it hurt to change from synthetic blend to full synthetic?
Anyway, you can switch. Switching to full synthetic won't do any harm. Switching from full synthetic to mineral (or semi-synth) is not great for the engine as that oil will not perform as well as quality full synthetic, but that's the only issue.
What happens if I use semi-synthetic oil instead of fully synthetic?
If you do use semi-synthetic engine oil instead of full synthetic oil then it is unlikely to cause any drastic or immediate problems. However semi-synthetic oil will not offer your engine the same levels of protection to your engine that full synthetic oil does and may result in reduced engine performance.
What happens if you put full synthetic instead of synthetic blend?
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.
Can I switch from conventional to synthetic blend?
Yes you can easily switch between synthetic and conventional(mineral) oils, however, the only problem is seal compatibilty. For example, an old 90's engine's seal is made for conventional(mineral) oil only, and if you put synthetic oil, the seal would shrink, causing oil leakage. So be careful!
Why is synthetic oil not recommended?
Synthetics may be more prone to additives precipitation during cold storage conditions. This stratifies certain additives which can potentially lead to their complete separation from the oil. Multi-grade motor oils using synthetics may exhibit slightly less fuel economy at highway speeds compared to mineral oil.
Should I do full synthetic or synthetic blend?
Full synthetic oil offers longer oil change intervals and prevents sludge formation in your engine. However, synthetic blend oil is more affordable, can withstand extreme temperatures, and works well for heavy-duty use. Therefore, it's often recommended if you're driving a Hyundai SUV or perform frequent tow jobs.
Will switching oil types harm the engine?
When it comes to doing oil changes, switching between synthetic and conventional oil is perfectly okay. Despite the oil myths, both oil types are compatible with each other – no engine flush needed. So, simply making the switch will not cause any damage to your engine nor impact your travels.
