Synthetic vs. Conventional Oil

When you go to purchase motor oil from your local auto store, do you know what you’re really paying for? When a service attendant asks if you are synthetic or regular, do you know the difference? If these situations leave you feeling unsure, let’s examine your options so that next time you can feel prepared for your oil change service.

What Are the Advantages of Synthetic Oil Over Conventional Oil?

First off, synthetic oil is better than conventional oil. Synthetic motor oil uses a higher quality base oil as compared to the less-refined base oil used in conventional oils. Full synthetic oil provides better engine performance and protection than conventional motor oils and they are specially formulated to provide additional performance benefits. Conventional oil — when compared to synthetic oil — easily breaks down in extremely high temperatures and does not last long.

Synthetic motor oils are chemically developed from petrochemicals. The process removes impurities from the crude oil and enables individual molecules tailored to the demands of modern engines. This provides higher levels of performance and protection than conventional oils. Synthetic motor oil outperforms conventional oil by:

• Offering greater engine wear protection
• Keeping your engine cleaner
• Flowing better in low temperatures
• Protecting the engine better at high temperatures
• Protecting critical turbocharge parts

Synthetic oil also gives you a longer oil change interval than conventional oil. This advanced technology and highly effective oil do not come cheap. Synthetic oil can cost twice as much as conventional oil, but it is worth the buy. Before choosing what type of oil to use, however, be sure to check your vehicle’s manufacturer recommendations.

Overall, the advantages of synthetic motor oil far outweigh that of conventional oil. The decision comes down to manufacturer requirements, how much you drive, and how diligent you are about changing your oil. Your motor oil lubricates all the moving parts of your engine, so it is the most important fluid you use in your vehicle. It is essential to choose an oil that is best for your vehicle's health and needs.

A Deeper Dive Into Conventional Oil

Oil is sometimes referred to as “old school oil” because it has been used for many generations to protect car engines. Conventional oil is made from refined crude oil and offers adequate protection for many engines. Thanks to conventional oil's molecular structure, this type of oil offers protection for engines up to 275°F. Once conventional oil reaches this temperature, it begins to oxidize. When this happens, it loses its lubricating, cooling, and protective properties and is no longer able to reduce friction and remove heat from your engine. 

Fortunately, many non-performance and naturally aspirated engines operate below this temperature and are able to offer many miles of service using conventional oil — as long as this type of oil is changed frequently. 

It's important to note that while virtually every type of engine is compatible with full synthetic oil, not every engine is compatible withconventional oil. Because conventional oil oxidizes at a lower temperature than synthetic oil, it can effectively ruin some engines that are designed to run on full synthetic. Here are the types of engines generally compatible with conventional oil:

• Older engines
• Naturally aspirated engines
• Economy engines
• Some hybrid engines 

At Lamb’s Tire & Automotive, we provide quality oil changes that are specific to your car's needs and your budget. We do this to ensure that you and your engine always enjoy the best protection. If you have questions or concerns about this service, reach out for expert advice from our Austin oil change pros.

The Science Behind Synthetic Oil 

While the name “synthetic oil” makes it sound like this type of oil was created in a lab, the truth is that most synthetic oils are either made from refined crude oil or natural gas. This type of oil is often chemically engineered to offer superior protection over the other two types of engine oil. Synthetic oil offers protection for engines up to 500°F and provides superior performance both in hot and cold temperatures.

Due to synthetic oil's molecular structure, it's able to offer superior protection for your engine, lubricating, cooling, and protecting your engine to degrees that conventional oil simply cannot. Synthetic oil is highly recommended (and usually required) for turbocharged engines, high-performance engines that rev high, and heavy-duty engines that tow. 

A synthetic oil change helps protect high-performance engines and engines that operate in cold temperatures. Conventional oil tends to thicken in freezing temperatures, making it less able to flow through your engine during cold start procedures. During this process, your engine can briefly operate without oil, but this damages your engine in the long run. However, synthetic oil can withstand cold temperatures and flow easily, even in below-freezing temperatures. 

Here are the types of engines that typically require a synthetic oil change:

• Turbocharged engines
• High-performance engines
• Engines with high compression ratios
• Most German engines
• Most Swedish engines 

What About the Third Type of Oil?

Many drivers are surprised to hear that there are actually three different types of oil that can be used in an engine. For high-mileage engines that are designed to run on conventional oil, we recommend booking a synthetic blend oil change service. 

Synthetic blend oil uses a conventional oil base but features synthetic additives for more specific protection. This type of oil often contains unique detergents that are designed to combat carbon buildup and engine sludge, which are common problems in aging engines. Synthetic blend oil often has specialized sealants to prevent oil leaks so that your aging gaskets hold up longer.

Due to the added constituents of synthetic blends, they offer protection for your engine up to 400ºF and also feature longer change intervals. Although synthetic blend oil is often not compatible with engines that are designed to run on full synthetic oil, it's a great option for aging engines engineered to use conventional oil. 

Different Levels of Protection and Oil Change Intervals

Because conventional oil oxidizes easier than other oil types and offers a lower degree of protection for your engine, it's generally recommended that you schedule an oil change service every 3,000-5,000 miles. Continuing to run your engine longer than this service interval with conventional oil can lead to severe engine damage and even total breakdown. 

Synthetic blend oil has a longer change interval than conventional oil, but due to its conventional oil base, it has a shorter change interval than fully synthetic oil. Slotted between conventional and full synthetic oil, it's recommended that you perform a synthetic blend oil change every 5,000-7,500 miles.

Due to synthetic oil's ability to resist oxidation and its tendency to burn clean and not leave engine sludge behind, this type of oil features extended intervals. It's generally recommended to perform a synthetic oil change every 7,500-10,000 miles. Because synthetic oil burns cleaner than conventional oil, engines tend to see a longer life when they've run on synthetic oil throughout their years of service. 

Which Oil Is Right for Your Vehicle

At Lamb's Tire & Automotive, we’re firm believers in providing the best protection for your engine. Whether you drive a hybrid, a turbocharged sports car, or a lifted pickup truck, our professionals strive to provide the absolute best protection for your engine.

Schedule an Appointment Today

At Lamb's Tire & Automotive, we ensure that no matter what type of vehicle you drive, your engine is always protected. Our ASE-certified mechanics perform quality oil change services in Austin, TX, on all make and model vehicles. We use high-quality oil and oil filters to ensure that your engine always performs its best. 

In addition to our already competitive prices, we offer money-saving service coupons that allow you to save money while enjoying quality care, personalized customer service, and total protection for your engine. 

Schedule an appointment at Lamb's Tire & Automotive today for a reliable oil change in Austin, TX.