Synthetic Oil vs. Conventional Oil

Ready to bring your vehicle in for its next oil change? Depending on your make and model, an oil change might happen every 3,000 miles for older vehicles to 15,000 miles for new, modern, high-end vehicles. Modern vehicles use an oil change monitoring system to tell you when it’s time for your next oil change. When you do bring your vehicle in for service from Madison and Brandon, you’ll have a choice between synthetic oil vs regular oil at our service center.

The team at the Acura of Jackson service center takes pride in our ability to give vehicle owners from all around our area the best possible car repairs and maintenance. If you’ve been wondering about the differences between synthetic oil vs. regular oil, then you’ll love this guide on the right oil for an oil change.

Read on to find more information about synthetic oil vs conventional oil, then contact us, schedule service, or call (844) 362-6839, and we’ll be happy to answer any questions you have!

What Is Conventional Oil?

Conventional oil, also known as regular oil, comes from crude oil that’s been refined to make it work in your internal combustion engine. This is the type of motor oil that’s been used in car engines ever since they were first built. Conventional oil lubricates the pistons as they move up and down. Its job is to reduce wear on those engine parts, preventing overheating, friction, and breakdowns while making your vehicle’s engine last longer.

What Is Synthetic Oil?

Synthetic oil, like regular oil, comes from petroleum. However, refineries can custom-make fully synthetic oils with enhanced lubrication properties and stabilizers that make them last longer than conventional motor oil.

Refineries produce synthetic motor oil to the exact specifications of the manufacturer to minimize wear and tear on the engine as much as possible. Synthetic motor oils oxidize less easily than conventional oils, allowing them to retain their protective properties much longer.

Synthetic vs Conventional Oil: Costs

The lone downside is that synthetic motor oils are more expensive than regular oils. However, you go longer between oil changes. Having better wear protection gives you a better return on your investment.

For example, you might change your oil once every 3,000 miles at $60 for a conventional oil change but then once every 7,500 miles at $100 for a synthetic oil change. In that same time frame, you would have spent $120 for two conventional oil changes.

Synthetic oils also:

• Handle lower temperatures more easily
• Offer enhanced engine cleaning properties with added cleansers
• Better protect critical turbocharger parts (when equipped)

What About Full Synthetic Oil vs. Synthetic Blends?

In addition to synthetic oils and conventional oils, you might find synthetic blends of motor oils. These offer a mixture of synthetic oil and conventional oil to reduce the costs of your oil change. You’ll also get some, but not the full extent of, full synthetic oil’s cleansing and antioxidant properties.

Many modern vehicles require full synthetic oil. Check your owner’s manual or vehicle’s information center, or contact our service experts if you’re not sure what type of oil your vehicle needs.

Schedule an Oil Change Near Brandon

Take better care of your vehicle by stopping by our service center for an oil change when it’s ready. Check out our service specials to see if you can save money on your next maintenance, repair, or oil change. Make sure to read our service tips and service information hub to get the most out of your vehicle ownership. We’re happy to help in any way we can!