What’s the difference between synthetic and regular oil?
Synthetic motor oil is made from man-made ingredients, whereas conventional motor oil is derived from crude oil. The manufacturing process for synthetic oils results in a purer product with a more uniform molecular structure compared to conventional oils. This purity and consistency allow synthetic oils to lubricate engines more effectively and extend their lifespan. Additionally, using synthetic oil can contribute to a longer engine life and is generally more environmentally friendly than regular oil.
Which is better, synthetic or conventional oil?
5 reasons why synthetic oil is superior to conventional oil for your car and the environment:
- Extended Oil Life: Most newer vehicles have an oil change interval of 7,500 miles, which is based on the expectation that full synthetic or synthetic blend oil will be used.
- Temperature Stability: Synthetic oil helps maintain optimal engine temperature, keeping it cooler in hot weather and allowing for easier starts in cold conditions.
- Enhanced Fuel Efficiency: By minimizing engine friction, synthetic oil maximizes your vehicle’s fuel economy.
- Improved Engine Protection: Synthetic oil offers superior lubrication for engine components and reduces sludge buildup due to its chemical purity and consistent molecular structure.
- Environmental Benefits: Beyond enhancing fuel efficiency, synthetic oil lowers emissions and minimizes oil burn-off with every mile driven. The longer intervals between oil changes also result in less oil and packaging waste, making it better for the planet.
But don’t just take our word for it. A 2017 AAA study found that synthetic engine oils performed, on average, 47% better than conventional oils in various industry-standard tests. According to John Nielsen, AAA’s managing director of Automotive Engineering and Repair, “With its superior resistance to deterioration, AAA’s findings indicate that synthetic oil is particularly beneficial for newer vehicles with turbocharged engines and for those frequently driving in stop-and-go traffic, towing heavy loads, or operating in extreme temperatures.”
Is it bad to go from synthetic to regular oil?
You can freely switch between synthetic oil and conventional oil as long as you always use oil that meets or exceeds the standard your vehicle’s manufacturer recommends.
Can you mix synthetic and regular oil?
It’s OK to mix synthetic oil with conventional oil, as long as each oil meets the specifications in your owner’s manual. (And very few vehicles require exclusively conventional or full synthetic oil.) For example, if your car needs oil between changes — but the oil you have handy is different from your last oil change — go ahead and top off. Just remember you won’t be getting the full benefits of synthetic oil if you mix in some regular oil.
Can you wait longer between oil changes by using synthetic oil?
Synthetic oil changes last longer than conventional oil changes — but you should not exceed your vehicle’s recommended oil change frequency. The longer oil change intervals of modern cars assume you’ll be using the synthetic blend or full synthetic oil the manual specifies. So, check your vehicle’s manual for both oil type and how often to change oil. Those two specifications work together!
With synthetic oil, automakers usually recommend changing the oil every 5,000 to 7,500 miles, and some models are designed to go 10,000 to even 15,000 miles between oil changes. No longer putting those miles on your car? Follow your manual’s time interval instead. And heed your oil change reminder if it triggers in the meantime. It likely takes your specific driving conditions into account.