When it comes to engine oil, the debate of synthetic and conventional is a never-ending one. It is so common that you will find 100s of blogs, discussion forums, and videos giving their two bits about which is the better oil?
This post is also about conventional and synthetic engine oils. It explains which is better for your car and why. Let’s delve into the details and find out which is the right oil for your car.
Conventional vs. Synthetic Oil: An In-Depth Analysis
Before we compare synthetic and conventional oil from different aspects, let’s get to know them a bit better so that first-timers, seniors, and people who don’t know much about such things.
What is Conventional Oil?
It is also known as a mineral oil and is derived from refining crude oil. The oil provides essential lubrication for engine components and reduces friction while helping to manage heat. The best part about conventional oil is that it is much more affordable than synthetic oil and is suitable for older vehicles and those with simple engine designs.
What is Synthetic Oil?
It is an artificially engineered oil from chemical compounds with one goal: providing better performance than conventional oil. Synthetic oil offers enhanced lubrication, better protection against high temperatures and extreme pressures. Synthetic oils are costlier than conventional oils, but they don’t need to be changed as often as the latter. Moreover, they improve fuel efficiency, resulting in more savings in the long run.
What is the Difference between Full Synthetic Oil and Synthetic Blend?
As the name implies, full synthetic oil is made entirely from chemically engineered compounds and offers far superior performance than synthetic blend or conventional oils. A synthetic blend, on the other hand, is a mix of synthetic and conventional oil. It provides much better protection than conventional oils but not at par with full synthetic.
Synthetic blend is an excellent choice for people who don’t have the budget to go for costly full synthetic oils. It is slightly more expensive than conventional oil, but the protection it offers with the increase in price is worth every cent.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Conventional Oil
Pros
- Affordability: Conventional oil is significantly cheaper than the synthetic one. You’ll have to pay around three to ten times more for synthetic oil. This is a boon for many drivers, especially those that can’t afford high upfront costs. When getting a mobile oil change in New Jersey, you have to consider the cost as well.
- Perfect for Old Engines: If your car was made before the 2000s, there is a high possibility that its engine had conventional oil in it. Moreover, the engines from that era are not as compact as the modern ones, and they are made for conventional oils by default. This is why it is better to use conventional oil in it.
Cons
- Less Engine Protection: Conventional oils have a higher viscosity than synthetic oils. Moreover, they are not consistent when it comes to molecular size as that of synthetics. This makes it difficult for oil to flow in the engine easily, and it reduces the protection factor of the oil.
- Low Mileage: As conventional oil doesn’t reduce friction and has low resistance against harsh weather, it makes the car engine work harder. This leads to more gas being used to run the engine, impacting your car’s mileage.
Benefits and Drawbacks of Synthetic Oil
Pros
- Consistency: Since synthetic oil is chemically engineered, it has a uniform consistency and molecular size. This allows it to flow easily without resistance and reach all the parts of your car’s engine.
- Temperature Resistant: Synthetic oils are made to perform well under high temperatures. They help keep the engine cool due to their maximum heat-transferring ability.
- Less Frequent Oil Changes: It is more resistant to breakdown, allowing your car to go more miles without requiring an oil change.
Cons
- Expensive: There is no denying the fact that synthetic oils are way costlier than their conventional counterparts. However, considering their benefits, they are a cost-efficient choice.
- Risky for Old Cars: Synthetic oil is not made for cars made before the 2000s. Their engines weren’t built for chemically engineered oils. Using synthetic oils in such cars can lead to more harm than good.
Oil Change Intervals: Synthetic vs Conventional Oil
A conventional oil typically lasts around 5,000 miles, while synthetic provides mileage between 7,500 and 15,000 miles. The exact duration depends on your car’s engine health, driving style, and operating conditions.
Final Words: Which Type of Oil Does My Car Need?
The easiest and most reliable way to tell if your car needs synthetic or conventional oil is to check the owner’s manual that came with it. In the manual, you will find a page that explains everything you need to know about your car’s engine oil. It will list the oil type (conventional or synthetic), viscosity, and change frequency. This is the most reliable way to find out everything about your car’s engine oil. If you have lost the manual or you purchased an old car that didn’t come with the handbook, you can find it online.
If you are still unable to get your hands on this information, don’t worry. Simply call mobile oil change specialists nearby, and they’ll ask for your car’s make and model or vehicle identification number (VIN), and they’ll tell you everything about your car’s engine oil. Moreover, you can also schedule a mobile oil change at your home if you are a senior or don’t like to wait at an auto shop. This is where Nomad is really helpful for seniors living in northern parts of New Jersey. We offer the best mobile oil change services for seniors and people with mobility issues.
