What happens if you put full synthetic oil instead of regular?
As a car owner, you may have wondered about the differences between full synthetic oil and regular (conventional) oil. With years of experience in car maintenance and repair at Kevin's Autos, I can provide you with insights into what happens when you choose full synthetic oil over regular oil. Understanding these differences can help you make informed decisions for your vehicle's health.
Understanding Oil Types
Before diving into the implications of using full synthetic oil, it's essential to understand what each type of oil is. Regular oil is derived from crude oil and contains various additives to enhance its performance. In contrast, full synthetic oil is artificially made using chemical compounds, providing superior performance and protection.
Benefits of Full Synthetic Oil
Using full synthetic oil instead of regular oil can offer several advantages:
- Better Engine Protection: Full synthetic oil provides superior lubrication, reducing friction and wear on engine components.
- Improved Temperature Stability: Synthetic oils can withstand higher temperatures without breaking down, making them ideal for high-performance engines.
- Enhanced Fuel Efficiency: The superior flow characteristics of synthetic oil can lead to improved fuel economy.
- Longer Oil Change Intervals: Full synthetic oils typically last longer than conventional oils, allowing for extended periods between oil changes.
Potential Drawbacks
While there are many benefits to using full synthetic oil, there are also some considerations to keep in mind:
- Higher Cost: Full synthetic oil is generally more expensive than regular oil, which can be a factor for budget-conscious consumers.
- Compatibility Issues: Some older vehicles may not be designed for synthetic oils, potentially leading to leaks or other issues.
Conclusion
In summary, switching to full synthetic oil can provide numerous benefits for your vehicle, including better protection, improved efficiency, and longer intervals between oil changes. However, it's essential to consider the cost and compatibility with your vehicle. If you're unsure about which oil is best for your car, feel free to reach out to us at Kevin's Autos for personalized advice and service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does it hurt an engine to go from synthetic to regular oil?
Yes! Switching from synthetic oil to conventional (and back again) won't cause any harm to your engine.
What happens if you put synthetic oil in a non-synthetic engine?
You will not damage your engine by switching from a conventional oil to a synthetic. You will also not reverse any pre-existing damage in your engine by switching to a synthetic. There are lots of myths about synthetic lubes. The ``switching to synthetic can damage your engine'' myth is not supported by evidence. EDIT:
What happens if you accidentally use synthetic oil?
If you happen to use synthetic oil for a high-mileage vehicle or an older model that typically uses mineral engine oils, you might notice an oil leak forming underneath it once it is parked.
What are disadvantages of fully synthetic oil?
Probably the most glaring downside of synthetic oil is the cost. The price of synthetic oil is around two to four times the price of conventional oil. Synthetics may be more prone to additives precipitation during cold storage conditions.
Is full synthetic oil bad for high mileage engines?
Myth: Full synthetic oil is not good for high mileage cars or older vehicles. The myth is rooted in the idea that synthetic oil is “slipperier”—lower in viscosity, or not as compatible with seals and will therefore leak or leak more in places conventional oil might not. Again, completely untrue.
Why can't you go back to regular oil after synthetic?
Here is the problem: Synthetic oil has smaller molecules and higher densities. If you switch from synthetic to coventional...the gaskets and seals that had no cracks with the other larger molecules could start to deteriorate with expansion and heat with synthetic oil now in place.
Is fully synthetic oil bad for old engines?
Fully Synthetic oil is mostly only suitable for modern cars of about 15 years old maximum, don't use fully Synthetic oil in a very old engine and most important always use the oil that is recommended in your owner's manual.
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.
Will synthetic oil damage a high mileage engine?
Myth: Full synthetic oil is not good for high mileage cars or older vehicles. The myth is rooted in the idea that synthetic oil is “slipperier”—lower in viscosity, or not as compatible with seals and will therefore leak or leak more in places conventional oil might not. Again, completely untrue.
What happens if you put 5W-20 instead of 5W-30?
While using it temporarily in a pinch likely won't cause your engine lasting harm, remember that the engineers who built your engine did so with a specific viscosity oil in mind, meaning it's best to stick with it. Some automakers do recommend different viscosities of oil depending on weather conditions.
