What happens if you put regular oil and not synthetic?
Using regular oil instead of the recommended synthetic oil can have significant consequences for your vehicle's engine. Synthetic oils are engineered to provide superior protection, performance, and longevity compared to conventional mineral-based oils.
The Risks of Using Regular Oil
When you use regular oil instead of synthetic, you expose your engine to several potential problems:
- Reduced Engine Protection: Synthetic oils are formulated with advanced additives that help protect against wear, friction, and high-temperature breakdown. Regular oils lack these specialized additives, leaving your engine more vulnerable to damage over time.
- Decreased Fuel Efficiency: Synthetic oils have lower viscosity and better flow characteristics, which can improve fuel economy. Regular oils are thicker and less efficient, potentially reducing your vehicle's miles per gallon.
- Shorter Oil Change Intervals: Synthetic oils typically last longer before needing to be changed, often up to 10,000 miles or more. Regular oils may require more frequent changes, adding to maintenance costs.
- Increased Engine Wear: The superior lubricating properties of synthetic oils help reduce friction and wear on engine components. Regular oils may not provide the same level of protection, leading to accelerated wear and potential engine damage over time.
In summary, using regular oil instead of the recommended synthetic oil can compromise your engine's performance, efficiency, and longevity, potentially leading to costly repairs down the line.
When to Use Synthetic Oil
Most modern vehicles, especially those with high-performance or turbocharged engines, are designed to use synthetic oil. Manufacturers often recommend or even require the use of synthetic oil to maintain the engine's warranty. If your vehicle's owner's manual specifies the use of synthetic oil, it's essential to follow those guidelines to ensure optimal engine health and performance.
Ultimately, the decision to use regular or synthetic oil should be based on your vehicle's manufacturer recommendations and the specific driving conditions and demands you place on your engine. Consulting your owner's manual or a trusted mechanic can help you determine the best oil type for your vehicle.
Do I really need fully synthetic 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.
Will conventional oil damage my engine?
In summary, while putting conventional oil in a new car might not cause immediate harm, it's best to follow the manufacturer's recommendations for optimal performance and protection.
Can you switch from synthetic oil back to regular?
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 conventional oil bad for high mileage cars?
Older engines require more lubrication to keep things running smoothly and resist breakdown, so many mechanics recommend conventional oil for cars over 75,000 miles.
How much is a 5 minute oil change?
Take 5 Versus Competitors
| Service Provider | Basic Oil Change Cost | Additional Services |
|---|---|---|
| Take 5 Oil Change | $40-$70 | Quick service, no appointment |
| Competitor A | $25-$55 | Standard service time |
| Competitor B | $30-$60 | Eco-friendly options |
How many miles can you go on conventional oil?
It used to be normal to change the oil every 3,000 miles, but with modern lubricants most engines today have recommended oil change intervals of 5,000 to 7,500 miles. Moreover, if your car's engine requires full-synthetic motor oil, it might go as far as 15,000 miles between services!
How long can a car go without a synthetic oil change?
Due to this, cars can generally go 5,000 to 7,500 miles before needing an oil change. Furthermore, if your vehicle uses synthetic oil, you can drive 10,000 or even 15,000 miles between oil changes. However, keep in mind that these numbers are just general guidelines.
Can the wrong oil hurt your engine?
Using the wrong type can wreak havoc on your engine, causing moving parts to wear prematurely due to inadequate lubrication. This can lead to costly repairs, replacement parts, and engine failure.
Is synthetic oil worth the extra cost?
“The big difference is that synthetic oil tends to last longer than conventional oil between changes—up to 10,000 miles or more,” Ibbotson says. “Synthetic oil costs about 30 percent more than conventional oil, but you'll only need to replace it half as often, offsetting its greater cost.”
What happens if you put normal oil instead of synthetic?
Using non-synthetic oil in an engine designed for synthetic oil can lead to increased wear, reduced efficiency, and potentially shorter engine life. If your vehicle manufacturer recommends synthetic oil, it's best to adhere to that recommendation.
