What happens if you use regular motor oil instead of synthetic?
Using regular motor oil instead of synthetic can have serious consequences for your vehicle's engine. While it may seem like a cost-saving measure, the long-term damage can far outweigh the short-term savings. In this article, we'll explore the key differences between regular and synthetic motor oils, and why it's crucial to use the recommended oil type for your car.
The Differences Between Regular and Synthetic Motor Oil
Regular motor oil, also known as conventional oil, is refined from crude oil and contains a mix of hydrocarbons. Synthetic motor oil, on the other hand, is a man-made lubricant that is engineered to have superior properties compared to regular oil. Synthetic oil is designed to be more resistant to breakdown, provide better protection against wear and tear, and maintain its viscosity over a wider range of temperatures.
The Risks of Using Regular Motor Oil
Using regular motor oil instead of synthetic can lead to several problems for your vehicle's engine:
- Increased Wear and Tear: Regular motor oil is not as effective at reducing friction and wear on engine components, leading to faster degradation and a shorter lifespan for critical parts like bearings, pistons, and cylinders.
- Reduced Fuel Efficiency: The higher viscosity of regular motor oil can increase engine drag, resulting in decreased fuel efficiency and higher fuel consumption.
- Reduced Engine Performance: The inferior lubricating properties of regular motor oil can lead to a loss of power and acceleration, as well as increased engine noise and vibration.
- Increased Oil Consumption: Regular motor oil is more prone to breaking down and evaporating, leading to the need for more frequent oil changes and top-ups.
- Potential Engine Damage: In extreme cases, the use of regular motor oil can lead to engine seizure, sludge buildup, and other catastrophic failures that can require expensive repairs or even engine replacement.
It's important to note that the specific risks and consequences of using regular motor oil can vary depending on the age and condition of your vehicle, as well as the driving conditions and climate in which it is operated.
Conclusion
In summary, while using regular motor oil may seem like a cost-saving measure, the long-term risks and potential for engine damage far outweigh any short-term savings. To ensure the longevity and optimal performance of your vehicle, it's crucial to use the recommended synthetic motor oil specified by the manufacturer. Consult your owner's manual or speak with a qualified mechanic to determine the best oil type for your car.
Can you mix high mileage and regular full synthetic oil?
You can mix brands, you can mix synthetic and non-synthetic, you can mix high mileage in normal.
What happens if you put conventional oil in a synthetic motor?
Even though you can mix the two, most mechanics will not recommend that you do it regularly. The additives in the different types of products may interact, or the mix of two different oils may cause the mixture to become less stable, and you might lose the benefit of the synthetic.
Why can't you go back to regular oil after full synthetic?
It is a myth that you cannot go back to regular oil after using synthetic; you can switch at any time. Both types of oil are compatible, and you do not need to perform an engine flush before switching back. However, you may see a reduction in performance and protection, potentially needing more frequent oil changes, especially in older engines.
Safety and compatibility
- Engine compatibility: Modern engines are built to handle either oil type, and both synthetic and conventional oils are compatible with each other.
- No special flush needed: There is no need for a special engine flush when switching back. The two oil types will mix without issue, just like a synthetic blend.
Performance and maintenance considerations
- Performance: Switching back to conventional oil may result in reduced performance compared to synthetic, particularly in harsh conditions.
- Oil change intervals: Conventional oil breaks down more quickly than synthetic, so you may need to change it more often to maintain proper engine protection.
- Potential for buildup: Conventional oil can lead to a waxy buildup on engine components over time, which is less of a concern with synthetic oil.
Is it worth paying extra for synthetic oil?
While synthetic oil does cost more upfront, the longer oil change intervals, better engine protection, and improved efficiency make it a worthwhile investment. Instead of looking at just the cost per quart, think about how it benefits your engine's health and long-term performance.
