The Benefits of Using Synthetic Oil Vs. Conventional Oil

Do you use synthetic or conventional oil for your vehicle? Both types of oil have advantages and disadvantages, and it is important to understand which is best for your vehicle. 

Conventional Motor Oil

Conventional oil is a term used to describe oil that can be produced (extracted from the ground) using traditional drilling methods. It is liquid at atmospheric temperature and pressure conditions, and therefore flows without additional stimulation.

Synthetic Motor Oil

Synthetic oil is a lubricant consisting of chemical compounds that are artificially made. Synthetic lubricants can be manufactured using chemically modified petroleum components rather than whole crude oil, but can also be synthesized from other raw materials.

Benefits of Using Synthetic Oil over Conventional Oil

Better Lubrication

Most synthetic oils have lubricants that keep the engine parts slick, especially at high temperatures. This decreases wear over time, and may make your engine last longer.

In fact, in the last 10 years, vehicle manufacturers have redesigned engines to meet fuel efficiency and emissions standards. To do that, today’s engines have to work harder and burn much hotter, and conventional oil just cannot handle that heat tolerance. This is why most vehicles built after 2012 require synthetic oil.

More Stable

Synthetic oils are specially engineered to maintain their thickness at higher temperatures and over longer periods of time. This prevents engine wear in several ways and allows the oil to cling to engine parts, which provides better wear protection and protects your engine from dry starts.

A dry start occurs when your car has been sitting for an extended period of time. Gravity pulls the oil down to the bottom of the engine, allowing the components at the top of the engine to lose lubrication and run unprotected. By helping the oil maintain viscosity, synthetic oil additives decrease the effects of dry starts.

Less Breakdown

Synthetic oil is less likely to break down, which means it does not need to be changed as often as conventional oils. This can actually save you money overtime.

The more durable properties of synthetic oil also ensure that your engine is protected for longer periods of time.

Less Deposits 

As conventional oils break down, it often leaves deposits on engine components. Mechanics refer to this as sludge or scaling. This is especially common in overexerted engines. As conventional oil breaks down, it literally sticks to different surfaces in the engine and bakes on. Synthetic oil is less likely to do this due its increased lubrication elements.

Conclusion

Although synthetic oil is slightly more expensive than conventional oil, it may extend your vehicles life and save you money in the long run.

Interested in learning more about how synthetic oil can improve the quality of your vehicle? Schedule an appointment with our service team today! Our team of vehicle experts can tell you everything you need to know about the benefits of synthetic oil and can also perform an oil change for you!

At LeSueur Car Company, we’re interested… What type of oil do you use in your vehicle? Tell us in the comments below!