Ignoring a routine oil change can badly affect your engine. But even experienced drivers are unsure what mileage is the benchmark to replace motor oil. The debate has been raging for decades, and recommended numbers range between 3,000-mile and 10,000-mile intervals as the limit.
Some have advocated for short mileages, but an equally important argument is the type of oil used. There is a big difference between conventional oil and synthetic variants that enhance engine performance.
That is why Auto Works of Brandon considers all the factors when performing an oil change in Brandon. Let’s examine the nuances of synthetic and conventional oil.
Conventional Oil Explained
Refinement of crude oil is the method for producing regular motor oil, something that was a staple lubricant for engines for most of the 20th century. It is still a cheaper option that gets the job done but possesses many disadvantages over synthetic oil. Mainly, it falls short when it comes to longevity, performance, and maintenance.
Low temperatures are the archenemy of conventional oil, speeding up the degradation process of the fluid, in turn increasing erosion of the car’s moving parts. It also tends to clog at winter temperatures preventing adequate circulation to crucial engine parts.
Synthetic Oil Explained
Unlike the natural compounds found in regular oil, synthetic oil gets produced from artificial chemicals that mimic the properties of conventional oil. However, the synthetic substitute offers better qualities.
And it’s not unusual to find semi-synthetic brands blending conventional with synthetic oil. Nonetheless, most new cars get designed to use full synthetic oil.
Advantages of Synthetic Oil
Petrochemical laboratories constantly refine their formulas with customized molecules that offer better protection and performance. The methodology removes impurities, and the additives maximize the potential of an engine.
Some benefits include:
- Prevention of corrosion;
- Keeping the engine cleaner;
- Improved viscosity at lower temperatures;
- Reduced engine wear and tear;
- Better performance in turbochargers;
- Lower evaporation at high temperatures;
- Longer oil change intervals.
The qualities are apparent and reflected in the price. Synthetic oils are always more expensive than conventional motor oils. But if you can look further than the up-front cost, considering that it takes longer between changes of synthetic oils, the price equals out in the long run.
When Is Conventional Better Than Synthetic Oil?
Synthetic oil is superior to regular motor oil, but that does not mean the latter has no applications. Several factors influence the answer, starting with the model and age of the car.
Older cars with more mileage under the hood, somewhere over 100,000 miles, benefit more from conventional oil. The reason is that the oil flows slower and provides better protection to older engines that have experienced some degree of wear and tear over the years.
What most mechanics do not advise is alternating between conventional and synthetic oil. Once you make the change, your best bet is to stick with the new oil. Of course, doing this occasionally will not harm your vehicle’s condition.
Oil Change in Florida
The “right oil” for your car is a discussion for a professional mechanic. Our Brandon oil change technicians are at your disposal to select the best choice depending on your engine specifics and mileage.
Contact us at our one-stop shop to resolve the motor oil dilemma and improve your vehicle performance.
