Synthetic Oil Vs. Regular Oil: What’s Best For Your Vehicle?
Synthetic oils have a number of advantages over conventional oils, but they’re not right for everyone. To help you make the right choice for your vehicle and budget, today’s post tackles the “synthetic oil vs. regular oil” question once and for all.
Read on to learn more about the differences synthetic oils can make for your vehicle and find out whether or not they justify the price. You can also call (613) 342-3000 to speak directly with an oil change technician in Brockville, ON.
Synthetic Oil Vs. Regular Oil: Performance Breakdown
Synthetic oils aren’t suitable for all vehicles, but they do offer a number of advantages. Compared to conventional oils, synthetic oils are:
- More resistant to breakdown—Most vehicle manufacturers recommend changing conventional oil after every 3 months or 5,000km of driving, whereas some synthetic products keep working for 20,000km or more!
- Better at higher temperatures—Compared to conventional oils, synthetic products can handle much higher operating temperatures before breaking down. The upper limit for most mineral-based conventional products is 250-300 degrees Fahrenheit or 121-148 Celsius, whereas most synthetics can take up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit or 232 Celsius.
- Better in cold weather—Synthetic oils flow just fine at temperatures as low as -52 Celsius, whereas conventional oil thickens in the cold, making it harder to start your car and depriving your engine of lubrication when it needs it most. For this reason, it is especially popular for local drivers braving the worst of Brockville winters.
- Better for short commutes and rushed mornings—Whereas conventional oil needs time to warm up and burn off moisture and impurities, synthetic oil flows great from the moment you start your engine. So if you frequently find yourself rushing out the door without time to give your engine a 5-minute warm-up, or your work commute is gloriously short, synthetic oil will be the better option.
- Better for some older engines—Although it should only be used when specified by your owner’s manual or a trusted mechanic, Consumer Reports found that synthetic oil works wonders in older engines that are prone to sludge buildups, as it does not evaporate as quickly as conventional oil.
Of course, this does not mean synthetic oils should be used in all vehicles. Some drivers may not want to pay premiums for higher quality synthetic oil, and some classic and vintage cars still need mineral oils. To determine what is best for you, get in touch with our team for a free consultation, or read on for a quick cost comparison.
Synthetic Oil Vs. Regular Oil: Cost Comparison For Daily Drivers
While synthetic oils do provide a whole host of benefits, these pros come at a price. Synthetic oils are generally 2-to-4 times more expensive than conventional oils, although some synthetic products easily make up for this price differential by lasting 3-4 times as long as their conventional counterparts.
A quick Google search bears this out, as you will find most conventional oils listed for $20-30 dollars, while the same amount of synthetic oil costs $60-80.
Only you can decide whether the benefits of synthetic oil justify the costs, but most drivers agree that they do. What’s more, Brockville Oil and Tires can help you save with one-stop shop convenience and exclusive shop promotions.
Get A Free Quote On Oil Products And Services
For more help determining what type of oil is best for your vehicle, get in touch with our team by:
- Calling (613) 342-3000 to speak directly with a local technician
- Filling out our contact form to book a consultation online
- Visiting our shop at 103 Broome Road in Brockville