When you call your dealership to schedule an oil change most likely they will ask you a few simple questions – including, “do you want synthetic or regular oil?” Most people will answer that question with one of their own ‘which is cheaper?’ But you may want to think twice before you decide based on saving a few bucks.
Yes, conventional and synthetic oils begin in the ground, but that’s where the similarities end. Synthetic is not only refined but also distilled, purified and broken down. It removed more impurities from the crude oil and enables molecules in the oil to be tailored to the demands of modern motors. Synthetic oil is better than conventional oil when it comes to form and function, in fact, conventional oil could never stand up to synthetic when it comes to longevity, and ability to handle extreme high temperatures without breaking down and gives higher levels of protection and performance than your basic conventional oil.
As I mentioned, synthetic oil usually outperforms conventional motor oils in providing protection for your vehicle; and here’s how:
KEEPS YOUR ENGINE CLEANER
When oil circulates through your engine, it can pick up icky deposits. Over time regular conventional oil can sometimes form sludge (gross) which can reduce your engines efficiency and reduce the life of your engine. Synthetic oils contain fewer impurities compared to the basic oil and can better resist the sludge and help prevent deposits from forming in your engine (thus extending the life of your engine).
FLOWS BETTER WHEN IT’S COLD OUT
When your vehicle is sitting for awhile, the oil settles. So when you start your car it begins flowing through the engine to protect against friction. With conventional oils it takes more time to be able to flow smoothly through. During the winter or colder months, the flow takes even longer. Synthetic oils however are engineered to flow quickly even in cold temps so that it starts protecting your engine as soon as you fire it up.
PROTECTS BETTER WHEN IT’S HOTTTT
As you know when your engine is running it gets really, really hot. Like really hot. So over time the high temps in your engine can cause the conventional oils to break down or even evaporate exposing your engine to a lot of wear and tear. Synthetic oils are engineered to resist these higher temps.
OFFERS ENGINE WEAR PROTECTION
As you know, engine parts are constantly working together and moving at high speeds. In extreme environments the engine components can wear and break down. The motor oil is the protective barrier in these components. As the conventional oil breaks down, the ability to prevent engine wear – well it starts to diminish. Synthetic oils retain their wear protection properties for a much longer time, therefore again, increasing engine life.
While synthetic oil is a better option for protection for your vehicle, not all synthetics are created equal. Be sure to speak with your mechanic or service manager to review your options and find the best choice for your vehicle.
