Conventional Oil vs. Synthetic Oil

Conventional Oil vs. Synthetic Oil

• Both conventional and synthetic oil are derived from petroleum.  However, the level of refinement is much different between the two types of oil.  Conventional oils are much less refined than their synthetic counterparts. The additional refinement employed by synthetic oils actually involves the chemical breakdown of the conventional oil base-stock and then rebuilding the petroleum molecular structure.  This process allows for the best features of the base oil to be enhanced; for example, lubrication properties, thermal resistance, volatility and viscosity. These enhancements help maintain the engine’s performance in the following ways:

  • Better gas mileage (lubrication and viscosity)

  • Engine wear (lubrication and volatility)

  • Less evaporation of oil through exhaust (volatility)

  • Hot weather use and cold weather starts (thermal resistance and viscosity)

• Synthetic oil does cost more than conventional oil.  However, this cost is offset by the durability of the synthetic oils.  Synthetic oil lasts longer than conventional oils and therefore do not need to be changed out as often.  A typical vehicle that uses conventional oil will require an oil change every 3 months or 3000 miles (approximately).  Vehicles that use synthetic oil generally do not require an oil change for 5-6 months or 5000-6000 miles. That decrease in oil change frequency offsets the higher cost of the oil.  Plus, with synthetic oil, you can achieve better gas mileage and less engine wear.