What happens if I use synthetic blend instead of full synthetic?
As a car owner, understanding the differences between synthetic blend and full synthetic motor oils is crucial for maintaining your vehicle's performance and longevity. In this article, we will explore the implications of using synthetic blend oil instead of full synthetic oil, helping you make informed decisions for your car's maintenance.
Understanding Motor Oil Types
Motor oil plays a vital role in your vehicle's engine health. Here’s a brief overview of the two types:
- Synthetic Blend Oil: This oil is a mixture of synthetic and conventional oils, offering some benefits of synthetic oil while being more affordable.
- Full Synthetic Oil: Made entirely from synthetic base stocks, this oil provides superior protection, performance, and longevity compared to conventional and synthetic blend oils.
Key Differences and Implications
When considering the switch from full synthetic to synthetic blend oil, several factors come into play:
- Performance: Full synthetic oils generally offer better performance in extreme temperatures and high-stress conditions. They maintain viscosity and provide better lubrication, which can lead to improved engine efficiency.
- Engine Protection: Full synthetic oils provide superior protection against wear and tear, especially in high-performance engines. Using a synthetic blend may not offer the same level of protection, potentially leading to increased engine wear over time.
- Oil Change Intervals: Full synthetic oils often allow for longer oil change intervals due to their stability and resistance to breakdown. Synthetic blends may require more frequent changes, which can increase maintenance costs in the long run.
- Cost: Synthetic blend oils are typically less expensive than full synthetic oils, making them an attractive option for budget-conscious consumers. However, the potential for increased wear and more frequent changes may offset these savings.
Conclusion
In summary, while using synthetic blend oil instead of full synthetic can save you money upfront, it may lead to increased engine wear and more frequent oil changes. For those who prioritize engine performance and longevity, full synthetic oil is often the better choice. Always consult your vehicle's owner manual and consider your driving habits when making decisions about motor oil.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it okay to use synthetic blend oil in high mileage cars?
Despite what some drivers may believe, if the need arises, you can mix high-mileage motor oil with the conventional or synthetic variety (or vice versa) in your car's crankcase. However, you'll lose some of the benefits of the high-mileage oil.
Can I use synthetic blend instead of full synthetic 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.
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.
Will switching oil types harm the engine?
Is it Okay to Run Different Types of Oil? - While consistency is always a good thing, it is perfectly okay to run different types of oil, as long as it's the correct type for your car. The brand name is a matter of preference, but it's good to stick with a high-quality name.
What happens if you don't use full synthetic?
As regular oil moves through the vehicle's engine, it degrades slowly thus leaving harmful deposits and even leading to the formation of sludge. It can affect the performance of your car's engine and the life of the vehicle. The synthetic oil comes with minimal impurities and is more sludge-resistant.
Is it OK to mix semi and fully synthetic oil?
It is not harmful to mix oils, and you don't run the risk of causing a chemical reaction. Some of the synthetics are already a mix of conventional and synthetic, so essentially it is already combined. Even though you can mix the two, most mechanics will not recommend that you do it regularly.
What happens if I use semi-synthetic oil instead of fully synthetic?
The reverse is much worse. Do not add semi-synthetic oil to synthetic as it will increase the degradation rate of the full synthetic. That's because the imperfect nature of hydrocarbon chains in hybrid oils cause pure synthetics to break down faster than they would normally.
Is it okay to use synthetic blend oil in older cars?
Risks of Using Synthetic Oil in Older Cars
Although newer cars can handle esters with ease, some older vehicles may have seals, gaskets, and plugs that are not as tight as in newer cars. Built-up sludge from the use of conventional oil may be acting as an assist to these seals.
Does full synthetic really matter?
Unlike synthetic blends or conventional oils, fully synthetic oils won't break down and will protect your engine for longer—sometimes as much as 250,000 miles. Cleaner engine. As motor oil circulates through your vehicle's engine, deposits form.
Does it hurt to change from synthetic blend to full synthetic?
Yes, it is OK to switch as there are no rules or regulation set to define how much synthetic oil must be in the blended oil.
