What’s the Difference Between Conventional Oil and Synthetic Oil? | OK Carz

Close up oil being poured out of a container

Conventional Oil vs Synthetic Oil

Whether you are shopping for a different vehicle or are considering changing the type of oil you use, you’ve probably heard about synthetic oil. This type of oil differs greatly from conventional oil, which is the type that is typically used in vehicles. What’s the difference between these two oils? What are the benefits of each one? Today, we will discuss how these two oils compare.

[ READ MORE: When to Change Your Oil ]

Conventional Oil Pros and Cons

Conventional oil is the traditional type of oil that you will most commonly see. This oil was harvested from the ground and is a cheap option. In addition, conventional oil works well with most new and old vehicles, making conventional oil rather universal.

To cover the disadvantages of conventional oil, it’s a good idea to look at the benefits of synthetic oil. Let’s take a peek at what you can expect while using synthetic.

Synthetic Oil Pros and Cons

Overall, synthetic oil is a great alternative to conventional oil. This oil withstands extreme temperatures better, thus breaking down less in hot climates and flowing better in cold climates. It also resists sludge and grime buildup better than conventional oil, making the engine last longer and keeping it cleaner. Finally, synthetic oil doesn’t need to be changed as often as conventional oil does. This is all due to the fact that synthetic oil is created in a lab.

However, there are a couple cons when it comes to synthetic oil. Synthetic oil changes are more expensive since the oil is high quality. Cost does average out as the changes aren’t frequent, so you could consider this a tie with conventional. In addition, not every engine will be able to run on synthetic. Specifically, old engines with high mileage may have difficulty adapting to synthetic. Before making the switch, we highly recommend that you speak with a mechanic and consulting your owner’s manual.

Mechanic changing the oil of a car

Need more tips and tricks on how to maintain your vehicle? Check out the OkCarz blog for a variety of topics!

Sharing is caring!


Contact Information

So we may route your inquiry to the right person, please include your zip code.

 Phone     Email     Text Message

Index