Your car's motor oil is vital. It lubricates the engine, making sure the moving parts do not create too much heat. But as the oil breaks down, it becomes less effective in doing its job. For this reason, oil changes are a part of your car's regular maintenance schedule.
You may have heard that synthetic oils last longer between changes and are more fuel efficient than conventional oil. It's true. Synthetic oils and blends are highly refined to reduce breakdown of the fluid and increase the stability of the oil. But which oil is actually better for your car really depends on a few factors.
Vehicle type
Best practice is to always follow the manufacturer's recommendation in regards to oil type. That said, there are some instances where you may want to consider synthetic oil or an oil blend over conventional oil. If your vehicle has over 100,000 miles on it, the older engine may start to experience friction-related issues. A synthetic oil or blend can help fend off this issues for a little while longer. For those that live in dusty or dirty climates, a synthetic blend might be key in keeping the vehicle running more cleanly and efficiently.
Price
You should also be aware that synthetic and synthetic blend oils are significantly more expensive than conventional oil. Keep this in mind when purchasing a new vehicle: If the vehicle you are purchasing requires synthetic oil, then you must use it.
For cars that do not require synthetic, the additional cost may even out since you can go longer periods of time between oil changes. If you're considering synthetic oil over conventional oil, our mechanics are more than happy to provide advice on the best choice for your vehicle.
Due for an oil change? We invite you to bring your vehicle into our auto repair shop today.