What’s the Difference Between Synthetic and Conventional Oil?

Is your vehicle ready for its next oil change? Depending on the type of vehicle you have, an oil change might happen every 3,000 to 15,000 miles. When you do bring your vehicle in for service from Arlington and Bartlett, you’ll have a choice between synthetic vs. regular oil.

What are the differences between synthetic vs. regular oil? Here at the Wolfchase Nissan service center, we take pride in our ability to provide car owners from and far beyond with a wide range of automotive service and maintenance expertise. If you’ve been wondering what the differences between synthetic oil vs. regular oil are, then this guide is for you! Read on to find out, then contact us or call 9012553850 if you have any other questions!

What is Conventional (Regular) Oil?

Conventional oil, or “regular” oil as you might see it named, is a petroleum-based product that has been used in internal combustion engines ever since cars were first constructed. Conventional oil lubricates the pistons as they move up and down to reduce wear on those engine parts to help make your vehicle last longer. Motor oil is distilled from crude oil extracted and mined from the ground. Motor oil also serves to protect your car’s engine from high temperatures. But this is just half of the synthetic oil vs. regular oil conversation.

What is Synthetic Oil?

Synthetic oil, like regular oil, comes from petroleum. However, it provides enhanced lubrication properties and is more stable than conventional oil. Synthetic oils oxidize less easily than conventional oils and are also better at retaining protective properties. Refineries produce synthetic motor oil to the exact specifications of the manufacturer to minimize wear and tear on the engine.

Synthetic motor oils are chemically developed from petrochemicals in intense processes to provide pinpointed properties that make them superior to conventional oils. However, they are more expensive. But you make up for that more expensive choice by going longer between oil changes and having better wear protection to give you a better return on your investment.

Synthetic oils also:

• Are less viscous at lower temperatures
• Offer enhanced engine cleaning properties
• Better protect critical turbocharger parts (when equipped)

How Does Full Synthetic Oil Differ From a Synthetic Blend?

What’s the difference between a full synthetic oil vs. synthetic blend? In addition to synthetic oils and conventional oils (often called mineral oils), there are synthetic blends of oils. These, as you might expect, are made up of part synthetic oil and part conventional oil. This reduces the cost vs. choosing full synthetic but also provides enhanced properties vs. standard conventional oil.

Note: Some vehicles require full synthetic oil, particularly when you have a sports car or a high-end vehicle. Check your owner’s manual or contact our service experts if in doubt about what kind of oil your car requires. You can also find out what oil you need through your driver information screen on modern vehicles.

Schedule an Oil Change in Bartlett Today

Take better care of your vehicle with regular oil changes at Wolfchase Nissan. Stop by our service center for an oil change. Remember to also check out our service specials to save money on your next vehicle repair or oil change! We promise to take care of you when you schedule your service with us.