Synthetic vs. Traditional Engine Oil: What’s the Difference?

Oil changes are a crucial part of routine vehicle maintenance. When it comes to getting your oil changed, there are many choices out there — most notably, synthetic oil versus conventional oil. This article will explore the differences between the two options.

What Does Engine Oil Do?

Engine oil is the lifeblood of your vehicle, providing lubrication for the several moving parts within your engine. It also acts as a coolant for engine components and removes dirt and sludge to keep the engine clean and in good working order.

Why Engine Oil Needs Changing

Over time, the oil begins to break down as it becomes contaminated with debris from the engine and the environment. When it becomes dark and thick, it stops working as well and your engine begins to run less efficiently. Putting off an oil change or neglecting to change it all together can result in a catastrophic (and expensive) engine failure.

How Often Should I Get My Oil Changed?

Regular oil changes are essential to your vehicle’s overall health, but how “regular” is regular? Recommended oil change frequency can vary depending on your vehicle’s year, make, and model, but, generally speaking, you should get your oil changed every 3,000 miles.

What is Synthetic Engine Oil?

Whereas conventional engine oil is derived from refined crude oil (a naturally occurring petroleum product), synthetic oil is a manufactured lubricant consisting of artificially made chemical compounds. A base stock comprises the bulk of the oil’s volume. Synthetic oil can be either fully synthetic or a synthetic blend.

Full Synthetic Oil vs. Synthetic Blend

Full synthetic oils use synthetic base stock, completely engineered without using petroleum. Synthetic blends, on the other hand, can have a stock that’s part petroleum-based and part engineered.

Is Synthetic Oil Better for Than Conventional Engine Oil?

Simply put, synthetic oil is better for your vehicle than conventional oil. Full-synthetic oil is more chemically stable and breaks down slower than conventional engine oil. It provides better protection against high temperatures, debris and sludge buildup, and overall wear and tear of the engine components.

$15 Full-Synthetic Oil Change

Because they are superior, full-synthetic oil changes are usually quite a bit more expensive than conventional oil changes. But not at Integrity. Integrity Auto Finance offers full-synthetic oil changes to our customers for only $15 for the life of their car loan. For just $15, we’ll change your oil, change your oil filter, top off your fluids, and perform a routine inspection.

Schedule your oil change today.