part 2 Stnthetic oil vs Conventional oil
Synthetic oils may still be crude oil based, but they last much longer, saving overall oil use.The benefits of synthetic oil vs conventional oil:
- Fewer emissions
- Better fuel and oil economy
- Increased engine protection and wear from lower friction
- Longer intervals between oil changes
- Reduced engine drag from greater resistance to thickening
- Oil effectiveness/quality is more predictable and uniform
- Better all-weather protection
- Quicker engine start time
- Helps clean engine sludge and deposits
Synthetic oil is generally considered the best oil. It is designed for performance. However, that same manufacturing process makes it more expensive. The general belief in what type of oil is best is:
- Best = Full Synthetic Oil
- Better (than full mineral motor oil) = Synthetic Blend
- Good = Mineral Motor Oil
Notice that there is no “bad” motor oil. Check with the owner’s manual of your vehicle to see their suggestions. The real deal of synthetic oil vs. traditional oil:
- Better gas mileage won’t be an obvious difference to your short-term budget
- The added engine protection may save costs overall
- Synthetic oil is 6x – 10x the cost of traditional oil
- Switching to synthetics can clean deposits that are plugging leaks (You really shouldn’t have bad seals in the first place)
- You can switch back and forth between synthetic and traditional oil without consequence
- All cars benefit from the additives in synthetic oils
How to Choose the Best Motor Oil for Your Car
If you can afford it, choose a full synthetic oil. It is the best oil for any engine. Synthetic oil cuts down the hassles or oversights related to more frequent oil changes and deposits.
If synthetic oil is too expensive, go with a blend or rotate between a full synthetic and non-full synthetic every other oil change. Changing car oil will not damage your vehicle. Keep a record to remember the mileage, next oil change date, and type of oil.
Refer to your owner’s manual or look up the:- Viscosity grade
- Oil specification
Your mechanic, oil change service, or auto parts store associate will be able to provide advice on the best oil for your specifications.