Synthetic Oil vs. Regular Oil: What’s the Difference?

No matter what kind of vehicle you drive in the Whitewater area, the best way to keep it running smoothly is to bring it in for regular maintenance. Every automaker has a different maintenance schedule, but the routine services are the same: an oil change, tire rotation, battery inspection, and fluid replacement. Getting your vehicle’s oil changed regularly is essential to keeping it in good condition since oil keeps the engine lubricated and prevents the parts from overheating and wearing down. But what kind of oil should you use for your vehicle: synthetic or conventional (a.k.a. “regular”)? If you’re unclear on the difference between synthetic oil vs. regular oil or full synthetic oil vs. synthetic blend, check out the guide below from the service team at Drive Burtness!

What is Conventional Oil?

Conventional oil, or regular oil, has been used to lubricate the internal combustion engine ever since its invention over a hundred years ago. It’s distilled from crude oil mined from the ground and designed to protect the engine from dangerously high temperatures. Oil also keeps the engine’s components moving smoothly, so they don’t grind together and potentially get damaged. In addition, conventional oil is more affordable than synthetic oil and readily available at gas stations or service centers.

What is Synthetic Oil?

Synthetic oil is less common since it’s relatively new than conventional oil. It’s also petroleum-based but chemically refined in a lab for maximum efficiency, performance, and durability. Synthetic oil oxidizes less quickly than a traditional oil, lasts longer, and retains protective properties more quickly, making it ideal for high-performance engines and vehicles with turbochargers. However, for all the reasons above, synthetic oil is also pricier than conventional oil, although you don’t have to change it as often because it lasts longer. If your vehicle runs on traditional oil, synthetic oil won’t enhance efficiency. Conversely, putting regular oil in a car that requires synthetic won’t damage it in the short term, but it’s best only to use it as a temporary solution. 

Full Synthetic Oil vs. Synthetic Blend

There’s a subcategory of synthetic oil that’s sometimes used in Orfordville-area vehicles called a synthetic blend. This is a middle ground between conventional and “full synthetic” oil that takes the best parts of each to create a hybrid variety. Synthetic blends are higher-performing than traditional oil but aren’t quite as expensive as full synthetic oil!

Schedule an Oil Change at Drive Burtness Today!

If it’s time to change your oil in Janesville, go ahead and schedule a service appointment on our website, and we’ll take care of everything! Also, check out our other service tips and tricks for more ways to keep your vehicle running smoothly, and feel free to contact us with any questions.