Synthetic vs Conventional Oil

Salisbury and Kannapolis drivers know how important motor oil is for their vehicles. Oil lubricates metal parts in the engine to prevent excessive wear and tear and lower the risk of overheating. The next time you change your oil, you may wonder: Should I use synthetic or conventional oil?

We’re here to reveal the differences between these engine oils to Lexington and Mooresville motorists. See which one suits your drive best and contact us at Cloninger Ford for more information!

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Synthetic vs Conventional Oil: The Basics

When you picture engine oil, conventional oil is probably the image you see in your head. It’s organic—crude oil pumped up from the ground and refined. Synthetic oils, meanwhile, are artificially synthesized by molecular scientists. They have fewer imperfections in their makeup than organic oils do.

In most cases, synthetic oils outperform their conventional counterpart. There are many benefits of synthetic oil:

• Synthetic oil works better in extreme temperatures (below freezing or above 100° F).
• Synthetic oil offers better fuel economy and performance, as well as longer engine life.
• Synthetic oil doesn’t need to be changed as often as conventional oil.

Why all the benefits? Synthetic oils are engineered to resist the usual breakdown process. They’re better lubricated, create less sludge, and resist consistency changes in hot or cold weather. 

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Should You Use Synthetic or Regular Oil?

If you’ve read this far, you’re probably leaning toward synthetic! In most cases, that’s just what we would recommend. You should always check your owner’s manual for the manufacturer’s recommendations. It will tell you what type of oil is best for your vehicle.

Is your vehicle under warranty? If so, following factory guidelines becomes even more important. Check that you’re not breaking the terms of your warranty by using the wrong motor oil. Many newer vehicles require synthetic oil, while some synthetics aren’t approved for certain diesel or rotary engines.

If you have the option to choose between oils, we always recommend synthetic! If you’re not sure what to use in your case, feel free to consult a certified auto technician.

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How Often Should You Change Your Oil?

We mentioned earlier that synthetic oil can last longer between oil changes. How much longer, exactly? That depends on the car you drive (once again, always check your service schedule for the proper oil change interval).

Conventional oil should generally be changed every 5,000 miles. With synthetic oil, the range is far more fluid. Depending on the car you drive, it may be anywhere between 6,000 and 16,000 miles. You can get much more mileage from a single oil change!

Keep in mind, manufacturers have special recommendations for vehicles driven in severe conditions. If you spend lots of time on dusty roads or trails, you may need more frequent oil changes.

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Switch to Synthetic Oil at Cloninger Ford

We hope you enjoyed our take on the conventional vs. synthetic oil debate! Is it finally time to switch to synthetic oil? At Cloninger Ford, our certified auto technicians can help you decide. We’re glad to advise Lexington and Kannapolis drivers on oil change intervals and much more.

Contact our service center today to schedule a consultation or oil change. The roads of Mooresville and Salisbury are waiting, and we’ll help your vehicle perform at its best!