When you take your vehicle in for a professional oil change, you’ll likely be asked whether you prefer synthetic oil or conventional oil. Motor oil is designed to provide lubrication to the moving parts within your engine. While both options perform this function, there are some notable benefits to using synthetic oil over the conventional counterpart.
What is Synthetic Oil?
Synthetic oil is a man-made lubricant that was developed in 1929, and consists of artificially made chemical compounds. Synthetic oil often contains a mixture of additives that slows down how quickly the oil breaks down and works well in both extreme heat and extreme cold.
What is Conventional Oil?
Conventional motor oil is a lubricant derived directly from crude oil. This type of oil will break down faster than synthetic oil, as there are no additives mixed in. This means that you’ll need to have your conventional oil changed more often than if it were synthetic. As conventional oil ages, carbon deposits will start to form within your engine, known as “engine sludge.” This sludge can reduce the overall life of your engine.
Benefits of Synthetic Oil
- Flows better in both hot and cold temperatures. Conventional oil loses it’s free-flowing abilities in colder weather.
- Synthetic oil breaks down at a slower rate than conventional oil, allowing you to go longer between oil changes.
- Synthetic oil provides a cleaner engine and is slower to form engine sludge than conventional oil.
Which Oil Should You Use For Your Vehicle?
Take a look at your vehicle’s owner’s manual to determine which type of oil is recommended. Although synthetic oil usually has a higher price tag, we believe the long-term benefits far outweigh conventional oil. Keep in mind that if you have been using conventional oil in the past, you can always make the switch to synthetic oil. However, switching from synthetic oil to conventional oil is not recommended.
Schedule Your Next Oil Change with McCullough NAPA Auto Care
We are located in Sandy Springs, Georgia and are open Monday thru Saturday from 7am – 5pm. Click below to schedule your oil change appointment.