Tips

Should I Use Synthetic Motor Oil In My Car?

When you take your vehicle in for an oil change, your mechanic may ask you if you prefer conventional or synthetic oil. Most drivers are not aware of the difference, and they may simply choose the less expensive route. If you’re not sure about the differences between these two types of oils, it’s important to understand what they are so you can make a good decision when replacing your motor oil. Read on to learn whether you should use synthetic motor oil in your car.

The Differences Between Oils

Synthetic oil is made from an assortment of chemical compounds and typically starts with a conventional oil base that is chemically changed. Some brands of synthetic oil could be made with raw materials only. For conventional oil, it’s made directly from crude oil found in the ground. Most European vehicles and other imports require synthetic motor oil only. Always check your owner’s manual to determine if this is the case. You’ll also find that synthetic oils are recommended for high-performance vehicles, too. This is because this type of vehicle requires a higher resistance to heat and needs to be able to maintain the proper thickness and flow-level of oil at all times. For the average driver, however, conventional oil should work just fine as long as the manufacturer allows it.

Why Should You Choose Synthetic Oil?

There are certainly some benefits to using synthetic oil over conventional oil. Synthetic oil is typically longer lasting since it takes longer to break down. It should last for around 7-10,000 miles between oil changes, maybe even longer. Its conventional counterpart requires an oil change every 3-5,000 miles. With synthetic motor oil, you’ll require fewer trips to the mechanic which can save you money in the long run. It also helps with reduced engine wear and tear. Since synthetic oil works better in extremely high or low temperatures, it’s a wise choice if you live in an area with a lot of weather fluctuations.

So What About Conventional Oil?

If saving money is a priority, conventional oil costs about half the price of synthetic oil. As long as you are diligent when it comes to having your oil changed, conventional oil should serve your vehicle just fine. Always check the owner’s manual to be sure, since you should not add conventional oil if the vehicle calls for the use of synthetic only. You probably won’t notice a difference in performance between the two oil types if your car allows you to use either one.

No matter which oil you choose, it’s important to get your oil changed at the correct intervals. Come visit Village Autoworks at our Roseville or Woodbury, Minnesota locations so we can schedule your appointment today.

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