As an automotive service provider, we often get asked the question, “What oil should I use in my car?” And while the simple answer is to follow the manufacturer’s recommendation, it’s not always the best answer for you and your vehicle.
But how do you know what’s right for you? To be able to make the best decision, it’s important to have an idea of how conventional oil differs from full synthetic and what that means in terms of your vehicle.
Understanding Full Synthetic Oil vs. Conventional Oil:
Full Synthetic Oil:
Full synthetic oil is created through a highly refined and engineered process. It is designed to provide superior lubrication and protection for your engine. The oil molecules in full synthetic oil are uniformly sized and tailored to offer consistent performance across a wide range of temperatures. This results in better resistance to breakdown, improved viscosity control, and reduced engine wear, even under extreme conditions. Full synthetic oil also contains fewer impurities, providing a cleaner and more efficient lubrication for your engine components.
Conventional Oil:
Conventional oil, also known as mineral oil, is derived from crude oil and undergoes minimal refinement. It is less processed compared to full synthetic oil. Conventional oil’s molecules vary in size and shape, making it less uniform in structure. While it meets basic industry standards, it may not offer the same level of protection and performance as full synthetic oil, especially under high-stress conditions or in extreme temperatures.
Key Differences:
Performance: Full synthetic oil offers enhanced performance due to its advanced formulation, providing better protection against engine wear, improved fuel efficiency, and extended oil change intervals.
Temperature Stability: Full synthetic oil maintains its viscosity better than conventional oil, ensuring consistent lubrication across a wide range of temperatures, from extremely cold to extremely hot conditions.
Engine Protection: Full synthetic oil’s superior lubrication properties and cleaner composition help reduce engine sludge and deposits, resulting in improved engine longevity and performance.
With this knowledge in mind, we recently conducted an analysis of our business to compare the usage of conventional or synthetic blend oil versus full synthetic oil. The results were surprising, as over two-thirds of our clients preferred to use full synthetic oil over conventional. Some of them chose full synthetic because it met the manufacturer’s requirements, while others enjoyed extended intervals between oil changes. Find out what that means for your engine and your wallet this Thursday in part two of this blog!