When Is Synthetic Oil Better Than Conventional Motor Oil
The additives in synthetic motor oil provide better engine protection against corrosion and rusting from water contamination, among other effects of engine wear. For this reason, synthetics are ideal for high-performance engines and those who tack on a lot of miles through the life of their vehicle.
Over time, the engine will accumulate sludge from conventional oils, which results in lower engine performance and reduced engine life. Instead of just regular oil changes, switching to full synthetics not only prevents your engine from generating deposits, but it also cleans existing sludge.
When And How To Switch From Conventional To Synthetic Oil
If you have a classic car that has always run on conventional motor oils, you may be concerned about switching to synthetic oil despite its proven benefits. As mentioned earlier, you can consult your mechanic and car manufacturer to make sure youre using the right oil, and youll be fine.
Theres no right time to switch from regular oil to synthetic oil because it doesnt have any rules. Its just a matter of personal preference, and you can use synthetic oil anytime you want to. And even if you want to switch back to regular after using synthetic for a while, its OK.
However, if your car has high mileage or you havent changed its oil regularly, the chances are high that it has lots of deposits and sludge in the engine. So, its better to do the conversion gradually to ease the engine into the process. This way, you can make sure the engine is becoming sludge-free without clogging anything.
Do oil changes in shorter intervals and change the filter every time you change the oil until the engine is completely clean.
Heres a useful video about ideal oil change intervals for synthetic oils:
Why Switch To Synthetic
- Longer lasting: Synthetic oil lasts longer and resists breaking down, which provides better protection for all the moving parts in your engine.
- Less frequent oil changes: Many manufacturers now have two recommended oil change intervals: longer if you use synthetic oil and shorter for regular oil. Check your owners manual, and dont go any longer between oil changes than the manufacturers recommendation.
- Improved heat tolerance: Synthetic oil resists breaking down under high temperatures, which makes it not only last longer than regular oil but also means its especially well suited for heavy-duty jobs.
Todays synthetic oils offer numerous benefits over traditional motor oils. Consider making the switch the next time youre due for an oil change.
Check out all the synthetic oil options available on NAPA Online, or trust one of our 17,000 NAPA AutoCare locations for routine maintenance and repairs. For more information about switching to synthetic oil, chat with a knowledgeable expert at your local NAPA AUTO PARTS store.
Also Check: What Is Lease To Own Car
What About Older Cars
There was a time when synthetic oil wasnt recommended for older cars. When the oil was still new, it had very different formulations from today and contained esters: organic compounds mixed with alcohol. These older formulations werent ideal for older cars, but todays synthetic oils are well-suited for all vehicles.
Can You Run Synthetic Oil In Any Car
Modern synthetic oil is suitable in all vehicles from newer models to old classics and all the cars can take the benefits of synthetic oil.
Today synthetic oil is the benchmark in the oil industry. It simply outperforms other types of oil in terms of performance.
Any car owner can consider using synthetic oil in their vehicle. A lot of modern cars recommend synthetic oil to use.
Moreover, the modern engine oil goes through the API certification and other toughest industry requirements which ensures that the oil meets or exceeds various tests and is standard to serve your engine.
Also Check: How Do I Get My Car Title
Do I Really Have To Use Expensive Synthetic Oil In My Car
This article was published more than 9 years ago. Some information may no longer be current.
File photo of BMW luxury car logo’s in a spare part store at a BMW garage in Niderwangen near Bern, May 24, 2012.Pascal Lauener/Reuters
I drive a 2007 BMW 650i. My car recently sent an alert that the oil level was low. I added a high quality motor oil, then realized the car’s oil is a synthetic oil. So now I have a bit of a mixture of synthetic and non-synthetic. Is this a problem? I drive a 2007 BMW 650i. According to the car’s info, I rarely need an oil change. Larry
Don’t be too worried about adding a little conventional oil to a car’s synthetic oil as long as it’s just a litre or so, oil’s well that ends well.
“While mixing synthetic with regular petroleum-based oils is not recommended, when a top-up is required and only non-synthetic oil is available, it is acceptable to mix,” wrote BMW Canada spokesman Robert Dexter in an email. “It should not result in any engine damage with the proviso that the recommended viscosity rating must be adhered to.”
You don’t need to rush out for an oil change if you’ve mixed the two, Dexter said.
“However, if the vehicle hasn’t had an oil change in some time, it would be a good recommendation to expedite the schedule for the next service.”
Engine oil falls into one of three categories: petroleum-based mineral oil , synthetic oil and semi-synthetic, a mix of the two.
And again, topping up with conventional oil in a pinch is okay.
Can You Mix Synthetic Oil With Regular Oil
When you have a question about motor oil and this is an important one! youve come to the right place. After all, Jiffy Lube® knows oil. Every day, trained Jiffy Lube technicians help thousands of motorists select the right motor oil, and that includes choosing synthetic vs. regular oil and advising whether mixing motor oil is okay.
So, can you mix synthetic oil with regular oil? Yes. If its something you do only occasionally, mixing shouldnt damage your engine. Lets say you want to top off your oil, just to keep you rolling until your next regularly scheduled maintenance check. Mixing is alright, if the oil you use is the weight recommended in your owners manual.
Read Also: Who Has The Cheapest Car Insurance In Michigan
My Car Doesnt Require Synthetic Motor Oil Can I Change From Conventional Motor Oil To Full Synthetic Motor Oil
Switching from conventional motor oil to full synthetic motor oil is perfectly acceptable. Mobil 1 full synthetic motor oils are compatible with conventional oils, oils for high mileage vehicles, synthetic blends and other full synthetic oils. Engine flushing is not required.
For high mileage engines
However, if your vehicle has a high mileage engine that has never used synthetic motor oil, or one that has been poorly maintained with infrequent oil changes, we recommend easing into extended oil change intervals to allow Mobil 1 oil to clean up the engine. In these cases you should still follow the same basic oil change procedures .
Follow your OEMs recommended maintenance practices regarding oil changes, but you should follow more frequent oil changes when first switching to synthetic oil. The reasoning behind these shortened oil change intervals is that a high mileage engine, or one that has had a lack of maintenance , will likely have a considerable buildup of sludge and deposits.
Mobil 1 oil will help clean the engine as you drive, but it will have to work much harder in a very dirty engine and so it is best to change the oil more frequently for those first several thousand miles. After that, you can rest assured that Mobil 1 oil is continuing to keep your engine running clean and well lubricated for mile after mile.
The Difference Between Synthetic And Conventional Oil
Since 2019, most vehicles are opting for synthetic and semi-synthetic oil changes. Thats over half of all drivers. But conventional oil is still an option when getting your oil changed and almost a fourth of all vehicles that come in for service choose this type of engine oil.
But is it really the right oil for your car?
Whether youre a new driver or a seasoned car owner, the great oil change debate still rages on and it might be difficult to really understand why one type of engine oil is better than the other.
There are indisputable facts that you need to know about conventional oil versus synthetic oil and this article will help you break it down. Youll learn the differences between synthetic and conventional oils and what benefits each can have when it comes to changing the oil for your car.
Recommended Reading: How Do I Know If My Car Was Towed
Remember The Mix Is Just A Short
To review, if you find that you have to top off your motor oil and the only convenient and affordable option is to mix synthetic with regular motor oil, its okay. But its not great and it shouldnt become a habit. After you top off your oil, why not contact Jiffy Lube® and schedule a Jiffy Lube Signature Service® Oil Change so your vehicle will get the professional care it deserves?
Now that youve got the answer to can you mix synthetic oil with regular oil, you may be wondering
Advantages Of Synthetic Oil Over Conventional Oil
Since synthetic oils are created using complex processes, they can achieve the precise molecular qualities required for specific applications.
The processes used to make synthetic oils allows oil companies to remove impurities otherwise found in crude oil. They can then tailor the oil molecules to meet the specific demands of modern engines. Thanks to this level of customization, synthetic oils provide superior levels of protection and engine performance than conventional oils.
Synthetic oils also offer the following advantages:
While synthetic oils offer superior performance, they are substantially more expensive per volume than conventional motor oils. They also pose potential problems in terms of decomposition in certain industrial environments.
Recommended Reading: Where Was My Car Made
Tips For Using Synthetic Oils In Older Models
When using the term older to refer to cars, it means those manufactured before 1990 or so. The risk with these models is that the seals, gaskets, and other components often arent as tight as with newer models. Because synthetic oil does a better job of cleaning out sludge, it could remove deposits that are acting as seals. This could result in leaks that cause the engine to burn oil and require you to monitor your oil levels and replace it more often. If you don’t, you risk damaging the engine or other components.
Its not accurate to say that you should never use synthetic oil in an older car. In fact, Mobil 1 High Mileage is a synthetic oil designed specifically for high-mileage cars. If the car has been maintained and is in excellent running condition, the synthetic oil may protect the vehicle and prolong its life. Also, anytime you change from conventional oil to synthetic oil, always make sure to change the oil filter with every oil change.
Can You Put Synthetic Oil In Your Old Car
We all are quite familiar with the advice Do not use full synthetic oil in the older car, It could damage your engine.
Is this true?
The answer is yes and no. Lets take a closer look at the details about these myths and facts. You can realize where the confusion is coming from.
Modern synthetic oil is compatible with all kinds of vehicles including older vehicles. The chemical compounds that cause oil leaks and would restrain synthetic oil to be used in an older vehicle are often no longer used in modern synthetic oil.
You May Like: How To Apply Car Wax
Is Synthetic Oil Better For My Engine Than Conventional Oil
Yes, synthetic oil is better for your engine than conventional oil. Although conventional oil can provide adequate lubrication performance, it cant compete with the overall engine performance and protection provided by synthetics.
Synthetics use higher quality base oils as compared to the less-refined base oils used in conventional oils which makes conventional oils:
- Less chemically stable
- Oxidize and acidify more easily
- Quicker to break down and lose protective qualities
Overall, full synthetic oils provide better engine performance and protection than conventional and synthetic blend motor oils. Mobil 1 advanced full synthetic motor oils are specially formulated with a tailored additive system that provides additional performance benefits above and beyond those found with conventional and synthetic blend oils by:
- Combating sludge and deposit buildup
- Protecting against high temperatures
- Controlling oil breakdown
So all of the chemistry that starts in a lab really makes a big difference on the road.
What Are The Benefits Of Synthetic Oil
Synthetic oil boasts several advantages over conventional motor oil.
- Better resistance to breakdown over time
- Fewer impurities that would lead to buildup and engine sludge
- Improved protection against engine wear
- Better flow in extreme temperatures
- More consistent viscosity
- Longer potential intervals between oil changes
Also Check: How To Prevent Car Door From Freezing
What Happens If You Put Conventional Oil In Your Car
If you put conventional oil in your car, the car will not function properly. The oil will not lubricate the engine properly, and the car will not run correctly.
What would happen if synthetic oil replaced conventional oil? Some owners may believe it is harmful to replace synthetic oil in their vehicle with regular oil. In this article, we debunk the myth that synthetic oil is better for your car than regular oil. It can be easily modified to withstand harsh temperatures in order to extend the life of your car engine. In cold climates, the temperature of the regular oil would need to be lower to make it more viscosity compatible. A regular oil change, according to the American Society of Oil Chemists, costs between $120 and $180 USD. Depending on the vehicle, you can expect to pay between $70 and $100 for a full synthetic oil change.
If your cars transmission is leaking, you may be able to repair the problem by flushing it with fluid. If the fluid you use is too thin, it will damage the transmission. When changing oil in your car, make sure to use the proper oil for the engine and do not add fluid if you are not sure what it is.
Signs Of Problems With Synthetic Oil In Older Cars
If you decide to switch to synthetic oil for your older car, talk to a professional technician first. They may want to check over your vehicle and make any necessary repairs or replacements before making the switch. This will help protect your older model vehicle and ensure its long life and continued performance.
Also Check: How To Remove Cement From Car
What Will Happen If I Dont Use Dexos Oil
According to General Motors, if you use unauthorized engine oils in your vehicle, itll lower the overall engine performance. Besides, there is a chance that unauthorized engine oil can void your cars warranty. That means if you need any repair or anything happens to your vehicle, GM wont be responsible for it.
If you ask any car expert or mechanic, they will always suggest you use Dexos in your vehicle. By using Dexos oil in your engine, you can ensure less friction in the engine parts. As a result, your car engine will operate more smoothly and last longer. Besides, when you Dexos, you wont have to change the oil frequently.
One of the primary causes, why car owners dont opt for Dexos oil, is the price. But look at the perks of using Dexos oil in your car. Its a no-brainer that Dexos oil provides more benefits and increases engine longevity.
Synthetic Oil: Everything You Need To Know
Synthetic oil is a man-made lubricant that consists of artificially made chemical compounds. Synthetic oils are typically created from chemically modified materials such as petroleum components, but the base material is almost always distilled crude oil.
Synthetic oil is a man-made lubricant that consists of artificially made chemical compounds. Synthetic oils are typically created from chemically modified materials such as petroleum components, but the base material is almost always distilled crude oil. Any additional additives and the actual synthesis process for creating synthetic oil varies among producers and is considered a trade secret.
You May Like: How Do I Connect My Phone To My Car
Is It Time For An Oil Change Schedule Your Visit To Our Springfield Oh Auto Shop
If your car needs an oil change, or you just want to change oil types, give our team at Zima Automotive a call at to schedule your visit. You can trust that we will always use high-quality full synthetic motor oil in your car. Well also take the time to understand your cars maintenance needs and set you up with a service schedule to follow for the precise care of your vehicle.
Dexos 1 Approved Oil List
Dexos 1 is one of the categories of Dexos. This category is further divided into three groups- Generation 1, Generation 2, and Generation 3. Under this group, General Motors have listed a few engine oils. Some of these engine oils are
- Shell Helix Ultra ECT C3 Oil
- Castor EDGE High Mileage Oil
- Motul Expert FE Oil Mobil Full Synthetic Oil
- Valvoline Advanced Full Synthetic Oil
Don’t Miss: What Does It Cost To Paint A Car
How Often Does Synthetic Oil Need To Be Changed
There was a time when three months or three thousand miles was the standard duration between oil changes. While that mantra can still be heard today, the truth is that most vehicle manufacturers recommend changing the oil somewhere between 5K and 7.5K miles. Synthetic motor oils are capable of longer intervals. Recommendations differ from one vehicle to the next, but a good rule of thumb is to change synthetic oil every 7.5K to 10K miles. But for optimum engine protection, maintain the manufacturers recommendation for conventional oil when you use synthetic.
